There’s something electric about walking into a room filled with thousands of aquarium enthusiasts who share your passion. The Holland Koi Show in Arcen, Netherlands is one of Europe’s most celebrated aquatic events — and in 2013, I finally got to experience it firsthand.
Even though I couldn’t stay the entire weekend as originally planned, I had an incredible time connecting with fellow hobbyists and capturing photos of some truly exceptional aquatic life. The show featured everything from prize-winning bettas bred by members of the Bettas4All forum to rare dwarf shrimp varieties, stunning fancy goldfish, magnificent koi, and some of the most impressive nano aquascapes I’ve ever seen in person.
? The Holland Koi Show has been running since 1983, making it one of the longest-running koi events in Europe. While koi are the main attraction, the show has grown to include extensive displays of tropical fish, invertebrates, and competitive aquascaping.
Photo Gallery: A Visual Journey Through the Show
Below you’ll find photos from my day at the event, showcasing the incredible variety of aquatic life on display. From the preparation area to the competition tanks, every corner offered something fascinating to discover.
Highlights from the Show
The 2013 Holland Koi Show had several standout sections that I found particularly memorable:
The Bettas4All Display
The betta section was absolutely mesmerizing. Members of the Bettas4All forum brought their finest specimens — veiltails, plakats, halfmoons, and even giant bettas. One particularly feisty male had built an impressive bubble nest right in his show container, defending it vigorously against any movement nearby. The variety of colors was staggering: mustard gas, dragon scale, pure white, and every shade in between. They even had a breeding tank demonstration showing how betta spawning and fry care works — a wonderful educational touch for newcomers to the hobby.
? Did You Know?
Male bettas build bubble nests using saliva and air at the water’s surface. In the wild, these nests provide oxygen-rich environments for developing eggs. A male constructing a bubble nest — even at a show — is typically a sign of good health and breeding readiness.
Dwarf Shrimp & Invertebrates
The shrimp vendors had some exceptional specimens on display. Crystal Red Shrimp with sharp white and red banding, various grades of Bee shrimp, and Neocaridina varieties in colors from deep cherry red to vibrant orange. There were also some impressive crayfish — though these require more careful tankmate selection due to their predatory tendencies. For anyone interested in starting a shrimp tank, seeing the quality difference between grade levels in person was incredibly educational.
Fancy Goldfish
The fancy goldfish section included bubble eyes, ryukins, ranchus, and several other varieties. While these fish are undeniably beautiful, it’s worth noting (as one of the photo captions mentions) that fancy goldfish are actually quite challenging to keep properly. They require cooler water, excellent filtration, and much more space than most beginners expect — typically 20+ gallons for the first fish and 10 additional gallons for each additional goldfish. If you’re inspired by these photos, be sure to [INTERNAL LINK: “research fancy goldfish care requirements” -> fancy goldfish care guide] before purchasing.
?? Important
Fancy goldfish are often sold as “beginner fish,” but they actually require specialized care. Bubble eye goldfish in particular have extremely delicate eye sacs that can be injured by sharp decorations, aggressive tankmates, or even standard aquarium equipment. Research thoroughly before committing to these beautiful but demanding fish.
Nano Aquascapes
Some of the most inspiring displays were the nano aquascapes — miniature underwater landscapes created with meticulous attention to plant placement, hardscape, and scale. These tiny tanks (some under 5 gallons) demonstrated that you don’t need a massive aquarium to create something truly breathtaking. The level of detail in the winning entries was remarkable, with carefully trimmed carpeting plants, perfectly positioned driftwood, and thoughtful use of negative space.
The Koi Themselves
Of course, the show’s namesake didn’t disappoint. The koi on display ranged from modest pond specimens to genuinely championship-quality fish worth thousands of euros. Their colors were vibrant, their patterns precise, and their size impressive. However, as the captions note, koi are pond fish through and through — they require at minimum 1,000 gallons and preferably much more. They’re not suitable for indoor aquariums, no matter how beautiful they are. If koi have captured your heart, you’ll need to think in terms of outdoor pond construction rather than tank setup.
? Pro Tip
If you love koi but can’t commit to a pond, consider butterfly koi in a large indoor tank (150+ gallons) or goldfish as a more manageable alternative. Single-tail goldfish like comets and shubunkins have similar active personalities and can thrive in smaller spaces than true koi.
What I Brought Home (Besides Inspiration)
While I didn’t purchase any fish or invertebrates — my tanks were already at capacity — I left with a notebook full of ideas for future projects. The aquascapes inspired me to try more ambitious planted tank designs. The shrimp displays reminded me that I’d been wanting to set up a dedicated Caridina tank. And the bettas… well, let’s just say it took considerable willpower not to come home with “just one more” gorgeous plakat.
Events like the Holland Koi Show are invaluable for hobbyists. You get to see specimens that you’d never encounter at a typical pet store, learn from experienced breeders, and connect with a community that shares your passion. If you ever have the opportunity to attend a similar event in your area, I highly recommend it.
Attending Aquarium Shows: What to Know
If this post has inspired you to attend an aquarium show, here are a few tips based on my experience:
? What to Bring
- Cash (many vendors don’t take cards)
- A cooler with battery-powered air pump if buying livestock
- Comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking for hours
- A camera or phone with good low-light capability
- A notebook for jotting down care tips and vendor contacts
- Business cards if you’re in the hobby professionally
The Holland Koi Show continues to be held annually in Arcen. For those in Europe, it’s well worth the trip. And for those elsewhere in the world, keep an eye out for similar events — aquarium clubs and koi societies frequently organize shows that offer the same incredible experience.
Hope you enjoyed this photo tour of the 2013 event! If you have any questions about what you see in the photos or want recommendations for similar aquarium events, drop a comment below.
Related Reading
If you’re interested in keeping any of the species featured in these photos, check out our care guides:
- [INTERNAL LINK: “Betta fish care guide” -> betta care]
- [INTERNAL LINK: “Crystal Red Shrimp keeping” -> CRS care guide]
- [INTERNAL LINK: “Fancy goldfish requirements” -> fancy goldfish care]
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Holland Koi Show held?
The Holland Koi Show is held annually in Arcen, a village in the Netherlands known for its castle and gardens. The event typically takes place in late summer and spans an entire weekend, featuring koi competitions, aquarium displays, and vendors selling fish, plants, and equipment.
Can you buy fish at the Holland Koi Show?
Yes, the Holland Koi Show features numerous vendors selling a wide variety of aquatic life including koi, tropical fish, bettas, shrimp, goldfish, and aquatic plants. Many specialty breeders attend, offering specimens you won’t find at typical pet stores. Bring cash and appropriate transport containers if you plan to purchase livestock.
Is the Holland Koi Show worth visiting if I don’t keep koi?
Definitely. While koi are the main attraction, the show features extensive displays of tropical fish, bettas, shrimp, goldfish, and aquascaping. It’s a great event for any freshwater aquarium enthusiast, regardless of what species you keep.
What is Bettas4All?
Bettas4All is a Dutch betta enthusiast forum and breeding community. Members breed high-quality bettas following IBC (International Betta Congress) standards and regularly exhibit their fish at shows throughout Europe. Their displays at events like the Holland Koi Show feature some of the finest bettas available.
Are there similar aquarium shows in other countries?
Yes, aquarium and koi shows are held worldwide. In the US, events like the AKA (Associated Koi Clubs of America) shows and various aquarium society conventions offer similar experiences. The UK has the South of England Koi Show, and Germany hosts several major events including Interzoo. Check with local aquarium clubs for regional shows.
