There’s something magical about walking into a building filled with thousands of aquarium enthusiasts, all united by their love of fishkeeping. The air buzzes with excitement, tanks shimmer under display lighting, and everywhere you look there’s another breathtaking fish or perfectly aquascaped setup demanding your attention. That’s exactly what I experienced at Interkoi & Aquaristik 2017 in Kalkar, Germany — and I’m thrilled to share the highlights with you.
? Aquarium expos like Interkoi bring together breeders, hobbyists, and vendors from across Europe — they’re the perfect place to find rare species, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and discover the latest trends in the hobby.
This was my first aquarium expo since 2015, and it didn’t disappoint. The event featured an incredible range of aquatic life: stunning show-quality bettas from the Bettas4All competition, vibrantly colored dwarf shrimp, majestic angelfish, playful livebearers, and an impressive array of aquatic plants that would make any planted tank enthusiast weak in the knees.
The Bettas4All Betta Show
The undisputed highlight for me was the Bettas4All betta competition. European betta breeding has reached extraordinary levels, and seeing dozens of show-quality specimens in one place was genuinely awe-inspiring. The competition featured multiple categories including halfmoons, plakats, and various color classes.
? Did You Know?
Show-quality betta fish are judged on criteria including finnage symmetry, color intensity and distribution, body shape, and overall deportment (how they carry themselves in the water). A single championship betta can take years of selective breeding to produce.
What struck me most was the variety of colors on display. From pristine white specimens to deep mustard gas colorations, iridescent blues, striking marble patterns, and even delicate pink-tinged females — each fish was more impressive than the last. The breeders clearly put enormous care and expertise into developing these lines, and their passion was contagious.
Shrimp, Snails & Invertebrates
The invertebrate section was equally impressive. Cherry shrimp in every grade imaginable, from standard cherry red to deep Bloody Mary specimens, were available from multiple vendors. I spotted beautiful Neocaridina varieties alongside more demanding Caridina species, plus adorable CPO (dwarf orange) crayfish that always steal my heart.
For those battling pest snail problems, there were plenty of assassin snails (Clea helena) available — these striped predators remain one of the most effective natural solutions for controlling pest snail populations [INTERNAL LINK: “assassin snail care” -> assassin snails]. The nerite snails on display showcased beautiful shell patterns that would add both function and beauty to any tank.
Aquatic Plants & Aquascaping Inspiration
The plant vendors didn’t hold back either. Lush pink-tinged plants (likely Alternanthera varieties) caught my eye immediately, along with healthy bunches of hornwort and flowing vallisneria perfect for creating natural-looking backgrounds [INTERNAL LINK: “beginner aquarium plants” -> easy aquarium plants].
? Pro Tip
Buying plants at expos often means getting healthier specimens than online orders — you can inspect them for algae, pests, and overall vitality before purchasing. Plus, you can often negotiate bundle deals directly with the growers.
Several vendors also displayed emersed aquascapes and paludariums, showcasing how aquatic plants can be grown partially above water for stunning visual effects. This style has only grown more popular in recent years as hobbyists look for creative ways to blend aquatic and terrestrial elements.
Tropical Fish Galore
Beyond the bettas and invertebrates, the tropical fish selection was outstanding. Gorgeous angelfish with long, flowing fins were on display — these remain one of the most elegant centerpiece fish available for larger community tanks [INTERNAL LINK: “angelfish care guide” -> freshwater angelfish]. Colorful cichlids, tetras with their characteristic schooling behavior, dwarf gouramis showing off their brilliant orange and blue stripes, and various livebearers including fancy guppies (Poecilia reticulata) rounded out the offerings.
Photo Gallery: 40+ Photos from Interkoi & Aquaristik 2017
I took loads of photos throughout the event, and I’m sharing them all below for your aquarium inspiration. Browse through to see show bettas in every color imaginable, adorable shrimp and crayfish, stunning aquatic plants, and beautiful display tanks. Whether you’re looking for stocking ideas or just want to appreciate some gorgeous aquatic life, there’s something here for every fishkeeper.
Why Attending Aquarium Expos is Worth It
If you’ve never attended an aquarium expo, I highly recommend seeking one out. Events like Interkoi bring together the best of the hobby under one roof. You’ll find species and color varieties you’ve never seen in local stores, meet passionate breeders who can share expert knowledge about their specialties, and often find better prices than online retailers — especially when you factor in shipping costs for live animals.
Beyond the shopping opportunities, there’s something invaluable about connecting with fellow hobbyists in person. The conversations I had at Interkoi taught me breeding tips, stocking ideas, and plant care tricks that I still use today. The aquarium hobby can feel solitary sometimes, but events like this remind you that you’re part of a vibrant, passionate community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interkoi & Aquaristik?
Interkoi & Aquaristik is one of Europe’s largest aquarium and koi expos, held annually in Kalkar, Germany. It features vendors selling tropical fish, koi, aquatic plants, invertebrates, and aquarium equipment, plus competitions like the Bettas4All betta show.
Are aquarium expos worth attending?
Aquarium expos offer access to rare species, competitive pricing, expert knowledge from breeders, and the chance to inspect livestock before buying. They’re excellent for finding unique specimens and connecting with the broader fishkeeping community.
What is Bettas4All?
Bettas4All is a European betta fish organization that promotes high-quality betta breeding and holds competitions judged on finnage, color, body shape, and deportment. Their shows feature some of the finest show-quality bettas in Europe.
Can you buy fish and plants at aquarium expos?
Yes, aquarium expos typically have numerous vendors selling live fish, shrimp, snails, aquatic plants, and equipment. Bring cash, coolers or insulated bags for transport, and battery-powered air pumps if you’re buying fish for a long journey home.
How do I find aquarium expos near me?
Search for local aquarium clubs and societies, check fishkeeping forums and Facebook groups, and look for events at convention centers. Many regions host annual expos, swap meets, or club auctions that offer similar opportunities to buy and learn.
