The HALCP (more properly known as the Hobbyists Aqua Lab Conservation Project) is dedicated to saving Mexico's unique freshwater fishes. Mexico is home to a diverse and fascinating freshwater fish fauna, with many species found nowhere else on earth and a high proportion that share an unusual reproductive habit and a rather high level of local endemism. Unlike the majority of fish which lay eggs, a large proportion of these species give birth to live young which are fully formed and are immediately able to swim, feed, and fend for themselves. Three groups of livebearing fishes occur in Mexico: the poeciliids which also occur outside of Mexico and include such popular aquarium species as the guppy, molly and swordtail; the livebearing goodeids, which occur only in Mexico; and one representative of the family Anablepidae - the four-eyed fish Anableps dowi. Although several Mexican poeciliids are in danger of extinction, as a group all of the Mexican goodeids are in a particularly precarious position.

The Mexican goodeid fishes are so biologically unusual that they have been intensely studied by research institutions throughout the world. Investigations into the processes by which goodeids nurture their unborn young provide an important insight into the type of evolutionary pathways which led to our own reproductive systems. In terms of Mexico's aquatic habitats, the goodeids are also useful indicator species for assessing and monitoring environmental damage. . Approximately thirty five species of goodeid fishes are recorded from Mexico, and new ones are still likely to be discovered. At least two goodeid species, Skiffia francesae,and Zoogoneticus tequila are thought to be extinct in the wild, and several undiscribed forms have disappeared over much of their former range, before they could be properly studied and categorized, leaving only a few fragile, isolated populations in existence. One species, Ameca splendens, seems now only to be found in any number in an ornamental pond within the grounds of a restaurant. Plus in one spring which has now been turned into a camp site and swimming pool where large non- indigenous cat fish and cichlids have been introduced as food fish for the local residents.

Also the aquatic habitats of Mexico are being altered or destroyed by man-made activities such as deforestation, pollution, water extraction, and the introduction of ornamental and food fish species which out-compete the native fish fauna. These environmental impacts are an unfortunate consequence of Mexico's ongoing development. Safe refuges need to be set-aside in order to preserve the country's unique freshwater species and other aquatic life. Unfortunately, time is fast running out

so we propose to do the following.

Several zoos and individuals within the UK, Europe and elsewhere will make efforts to ensure that all endangered

species of Mexican freshwater fish are maintained in captivity as a safeguard against continuing threats to the wild stocks. Thanks to these efforts, populations of Skiffia francesae and Zoogoneticus tequila still exist in captivity, but nowhere else. In conjunction with HALCP's efforts, FAITAG (which stands for Fish and Invertebrates Taxonomy Aquatic Group) - a consortium of European Zoological Gardens fish biologists, geneticists, and specialist aquarists - will work closely with their Mexican counterparts to establish captive breeding programs for species within Mexico itself. The aquarium and pond-management of these species will hopefully provide a vital stopgap until such time that safe natural refuges can be established where the fish can be reintroduced without fear of habitat disturbance. Pilot studies by Mexican fish biologists are already underway to identify potential reintroduction sites. A fundamental aspect of this program is to foster an awareness among the Mexican people of the existence and international importance of these little fishes. The establishment of aquarium populations of goodeids and other endangered or threatened Mexican species both within Mexico and abroad will therefore serve a dual purpose: ex-situ conservation and also public awareness.

Several conservation projects have been identified by the HALCP and FAITAG as being fundamental to the long-term survival of endangered species:

1) To help establish and furnish an Aqualab at Morelia University ( plus additional establishments as finances permit ), where endangered species can be provided a lifeboat.

2) To attract sponsorship for a research studentship at UNAM to investigate the husbandry of any threatened species and to maintain aquarium populations of the most endangered species.

3) To produce educational signage at any appropriate site so as to highlight the uniqueness of the local fish population, and hence help to safeguard its future there.

4) To maintain all endangered or threatened freshwater species in zoos and aquaria worldwide, as back-up populations to those being established in Mexican Professional Laboratory Aquaria.

5) To provide assistance and training to Mexican aquarists regarding aquarium techniques, fish health and husbandry, and long-term colony management.

6) When ever possible we will attempt to document the status of the species in the wild in order to set priorities for species to be brought into the Ark, and to also continue assessing habitat conditions in the wild, to judge whether re-introduction of aquarium stocks is practical.

HALCP is assisting the Mexican scientists and aquarists in attracting commercial and hobby sponsors for these conservation projects. All sponsors have and will be acknowledged.