North Americas Best Shrimp Competition

The North American International Shrimp Contest (NAISC) will take place June 1-2th 2024 as part of The Aquatic Expo, held at The Park Expo & Conference Center, 2500 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205. This contest event is the next generation, international focused contest. As with all contests, this event is conceived with the intent to provide a platform to introduce Freshwater Shrimp Keeping to those interested in this part of the Aquatic Hobby. We also are happy to be able to bring international attention to the US, while providing a friendly competition between hobbyists alike.  

This shrimp contest is organized by Therese Neal and powered by Michael Esposito, Ree Bloomfield, and Francois Neo. We are proud to be presented by The Aquatic Expo. 

Brought to you By:
Sera, BuyPetShrimp, Shrimp Envy, Heryee and Caridina

Meet Our Panel of Judges

Nico Reisch

France

 

Introducing Nico, the esteemed maestro of shrimp breeding hailing from France, whose ingenuity knows no bounds. Widely revered as one of the foremost breeders worldwide, Nico’s innovative creations, such as the renowned “Crazy Blue” and “Rico Nico,” have captivated enthusiasts across the globe. His remarkable talent has earned him invitations to numerous countries, where he shares his expertise as a tour guide, contest judge, and esteemed guest speaker. 

Nico’s commitment to excellence extends beyond mere accolades, as he approaches his roles as a judge and breeder with unwavering dedication and meticulous care. What once started as a humble hobby confined to a single room in his home has evolved into a sprawling enterprise housed in a standalone building, reflecting Nico’s relentless pursuit of perfection. 

With a plethora of contest victories under his belt, Nico continues to push the boundaries of shrimp breeding, introducing new and exciting specimens that fuel the passion of enthusiasts worldwide. In Nico’s hands, the art of shrimp keeping transcends mere hobby; it becomes a testament to innovation, dedication, and the boundless possibilities of aquatic artistry. 

Rob Bloomfield

USA

Allow me to introduce Rob and Sharee, the dynamic duo whose shared passion for shrimp keeping has blossomed into a thriving enterprise. For over eight years, Rob and Sharee have immersed themselves in the art of shrimp breeding, cultivating a deep understanding of these fascinating creatures. Their journey reached new heights in 2019 when they took the bold leap to establish their own shrimp business, Shrimp Envy. 

Determined to provide fellow hobbyists with nothing but the best, Rob and Sharee have not only curated a diverse selection of quality shrimp but have also crafted a premium line of nutritional shrimp food. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond their business endeavors, as they actively contribute to the growth of the shrimp community. From sponsoring YouTube creators and Aquarium Podcasters to sharing their wealth of knowledge, Rob and Sharee are dedicated to nurturing a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates the beauty of shrimp keeping. 

Bene Tay

Singapore

Meet Bene, a seasoned shrimp breeder whose journey in the hobby began with adversity but blossomed into a beacon of education and empowerment for fellow enthusiasts. Despite facing challenges during his early years, Bene transformed his setbacks into invaluable lessons, which he generously shares with others to prevent similar pitfalls. 

Driven by a passion for knowledge-sharing and community support, Bene is on a mission to equip hobbyists worldwide with the tools they need for success. Collaborating with multiple countries, he extends his expertise to teach breeding fundamentals and foster sustainable practices in diverse regions. 

 

Furthermore, Bene’s dedication to advancing the hobby extends to the realm of research, where he collaborates with students on groundbreaking studies in genetics, bioscience, and cycling. By meticulously documenting and analyzing data, he not only expands our understanding of shrimp keeping but also lays the groundwork for future innovation. 

Bene’s contributions to the hobby are nothing short of monumental, as he continues to inspire, educate, and propel the shrimp keeping community forward with his unwavering commitment and boundless generosity. 

Carbon Chen

Taiwan

Enter Carbon, a steadfast supporter of shrimp contests in the United States, whose infectious enthusiasm ignites a passion for shrimp breeding among enthusiasts far and wide. Beyond his unwavering dedication to the contests, Carbon tends to his own shrimp farm with an unwavering commitment to perfection, constantly striving to enhance and refine his exquisite specimens. 

With a keen eye for beauty and a knack for excellence, Carbon’s shrimp have earned him widespread acclaim, with awards and recognition spanning multiple countries. But his contributions extend beyond mere accolades; Carbon generously shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise with contests worldwide, enriching the community with his invaluable insights. 

Yet, amidst his triumphs and tireless efforts, Carbon’s most enduring legacy is perhaps his radiant smile, which has a way of winning hearts and spreading joy wherever he goes. As a beacon of positivity and passion, Carbon not only elevates the art of shrimp breeding but also uplifts the spirits of all who have the pleasure of crossing his path. 

Erik Lucas

USA

 

Meet Erik, a seasoned veteran in the world of shrimp breeding and sales, whose dedication extends far beyond mere business endeavors. With a passion for education and a penchant for sharing best practices, Erik utilizes his platform to empower and enlighten fellow hobbyists. His altruistic nature and willingness to assist others have earned him international acclaim as a leading authority in the shrimp community. 

Erik’s expertise transcends borders, as evidenced by his role as a respected judge at prestigious contests across Europe and the United States. His shrimp have garnered top honors in competitions worldwide, a testament to his unparalleled mastery of the craft. Whether he’s imparting wisdom or showcasing his award-winning specimens, Erik’s influence reverberates throughout the hobby, leaving an indelible mark on enthusiasts everywhere. 

Power Team Members

Therese Neal

USA

 

Meet Therese Neal, a stalwart in the freshwater shrimp and planted aquarium community, whose passion knows no bounds. A trailblazer in her own right, Therese made history as the pioneering organizer of shrimp shows in the United States. Her visionary approach led to the inception of the first international championship and the prestigious American Shrimp contest, setting a benchmark for excellence in venues worldwide. 

 

Drawing from her invaluable experiences in Europe and Asia, where she lent her expertise to set-ups, judging, and meticulous planning, Therese has honed her craft to perfection. Now, as she spearheads a new era of shrimp contests, her unwavering commitment to integrity serves as the cornerstone of this vibrant community. Therese’s tireless dedication ensures that each event is a testament to passion, professionalism, and the sheer joy of aquatic artistry. 

Sharee Bloomfield

United States of America

Meet Ree, the dynamic Co-Owner of Shrimp Envy, whose fervor for shrimp keeping and breeding knows no bounds. With an unwavering dedication to the craft, Ree stands out as one of the more elusive enthusiasts in the hobby. Their penchant for preserving the integrity of various shrimp lines, bred true to their origin, sets them apart in the bustling community. 

Having recently made the leap from the serene shores of the West coast to the vibrant landscape of the East coast, Ree brings with them a wealth of hands-on experience and invaluable knowledge. Their commitment to excellence ensures that every contest they organize is nothing short of spectacular, promising an unforgettable experience for all hobbyists involved. 

Michael Esposito

United States of America

Meet Michael, the backbone of shrimp contests across the United States since 2017. With an unwavering dedication and boundless enthusiasm, Michael has solidified his position as an indispensable figure in the shrimp keeping community. His passion for breeding, educating, and disseminating valuable information on shrimp care shines through in every endeavor he undertakes. 

As a proud member of CAPS in Chicago, Michael consistently strives to elevate the hobby by imparting his wealth of knowledge and infectious energy to fellow enthusiasts. His commitment to excellence knows no bounds, making him the most dependable and reliable volunteer any team could wish for. Michael’s contributions not only enhance the quality of shrimp contests but also enrich the overall experience for all involved. 

Francois Nollet

France

 Enter Francois, a visionary whose roots trace back to the enchanting shores of the Red Sea. From a young age, Francois fostered an intimate bond with marine life, igniting a lifelong passion for aquatic wonders. Renowned as one of the trailblazers of coral culture in Europe, he has left an indelible mark on the realm of modern reef aquariums. 

Now, gracing the shores of the United States, Francois, affectionately known as Francois Neo, brings with him a fusion of exquisite design and European finesse. His arrival injects a fresh breath of sophistication into our revamped contest and venue, elevating the experience to unparalleled heights. With Francois at the helm, expect nothing less than a symphony of innovation and refinement that captivates both the eye and the soul. 

Rules and Regulations

▪  $40.00 per group, if the owner intends to take them back after the contest. 

  • $30.00 per group if the owner wishes to auction the groups after the contest. In this case, the owner will be compensated with %40 of the proceeds generated from the auction, provided they are present at the show or have elected a representative in advance to the organizing committee. In the case that the breeder has not provided a representative in writing prior to the contest, and are not present for the auction, they will forfeit their claim to compensation. In the case where compensation funds require exchange, fees will be deducted from the breeder’s proceeds. 
  • Each individual contestant will receive 1 entry pass for both days. Only 1 pass per person, regardless of the number of entries that are paid for. 

*A limit of no more than 3 groups per breeder, per category, will be enforced. 

*A show group consists of three to five shrimps, if there are more than three shrimps per group, the best three will be judged.   

Shrimp Breeders

Registration, Fees, and Deadlines  
Any individual shrimp breeder may participate with their own breeds that fall within one of the 14 accepted categories. Obligation is to only enter self-raised shrimp for the contest and by registering, the breeder affirms that the shrimp groups they will present have been self-bred and raised themselves. In the case of reasonable doubt, the group in question will be disqualified. If this happens, the registration fee is not returned. 

Registration list is ONLY made available to the organizing committee.  

Contest Categories

Category 1: Neocaridina Davidii sp. All colors 

 Category 2: Neocaridina Davidii sp. Rili all colors 

Category 3: Caridina sp. Red and Black supercrystals  

Category 4: Caridina sp Red and Black bee, all grades  

Category 5: Tiger variants, full color and striped/spotted  

Category 6: Caridina sp. Red and Black Pinto spotted head/multi stripe 

Category 7:  Caridina sp. Red and Black “Shadow Bee”, Classic colors and bee influenced signs (Full, lined, saddled, banded, Mosura, Hinomaru and Co 

Category 8: Caridina sp. Blue & Red bolt, Blue & Red steel, Snow white variants 

Category 9: Caridina sp. Fishbone, Galaxy/Snowflake variants 

Category 10: Caridina sp Orange Eyed, non-tiger, all colors 

Category 11: Caridina sp Red and Black Fancy Tiger 

Category 12: Caridina sp Red and Black Nanashi/Nanancy all variants 

Category 13: Caridina sp Boa, all colors 

Category 14:  Caridina crossbreeding focus on Innovation  

Registration Deadline

Registration must be completed via the form on our website by deadline of May 15th, 2024.  
A maximum of 150 show tanks are available for the contest 2024. Entries for the contest are accepted in their order of arrival. Although the registration period ends on May 15 2024, registration may be terminated ahead of this date if the maximum number of show group entries is reached earlier. 

Auction Guidelines

When completing the registration process for the contest, you must select the correct entry fee to reflect your intentions to auction or keep your groups. Those that are not to be auctioned, must be collected in person on Sunday, time TBD. Alternatively, the owner must contact the organizing team and make arrangements for collection with them in advance. Any authorized representative may also collect the shrimps upon production of written authorization plus a copy of the participant’s identity card, if requested. Any shrimps that are not collected will automatically become property of the committee. No reimbursement of the entry fee is possible. For organizational reasons, it will not be possible to send the shrimps back to their owners by post. Auction will take place on Sunday. 

Additionally, any shrimp that were excluded from the auction, but have not been picked up by 4:30 pm on Sunday will become the property of the organizing committee. 

Shrimp Inspection

By registering for the contest, every participant gives their consent to an inspection of their shrimp breeding by a representative of the organizing committee. Inspection takes place following notification. Refusal of the inspection will result in disqualification and the entry will not be reimbursed. The breeding inspection by the representatives of the organizing committee will be carried out on a random basis. 

Transporting your Shrimp

Contestants must ensure adequate and proper packaging of shrimps with each show group entry packed separately in transport bags. The transport bag must be inscribed with the following details: category, genus, and, if applicable, the variant or grade. Please ensure these details are legible and applied with a waterproof marker. The participant’s full name should NOT be written on the transport bags. Write your name and address only on the package exterior or include a letter with your name and address inside your package. 

Verification is done with each registered show group to ensure shrimps belong to the relevant group. Should problems such as missing or wrong labeling arise and no correct allocation is possible, the shrimps will be displayed in separate tanks outside of the contest floor with no possibility of being judged. 

Although we attempt to place all shrimps in the show tanks as soon as possible, this can take some time when dealing with large numbers at once.  

Shrimp deliveries will only be opened by the organizing committee. Shrimp deliveries handed to the committee in person must do so between 8:00 am-4:00 pm on Friday, May 31st, at the Convention Center. Please make prior arrangements with the team if you intend to deliver in person. Should you wish to deliver your show group entry in person, please make sure the transport bag is handed to one of the organizing committee members ONLY.  

Delivery needs within the US can be shipped directly to Shrimp Envy in care of Ree Bloomfield. Please contact either Ree or Therese to inform them of the incoming shipment, and clearly mark the outer package that the contents are for the contest. The organizers and Shrimp Envy are not responsible for any groups that are DOA. We will handle each group as if they were our own, and keep the breeder informed of any issues.  

The address is  

118 Silverspring Pl 

Mooresville, NC 28117 

 

***Deliveries need to be arranged so that the items are delivered between Wednesday, May 29th and Friday, May 31st. 

Show Tanks Specs and Tagging

Up to 150 Aquariums, 2.5 gallon tanks will be made available for the contest. The water parameters will be maintained within acceptable limits for the different categories. 

Substrate:   A suitable substrate will be used for every category  

Lighting:   Individual lamp integrated into the cover or mounted above the cover panel 

Filter:   Internal filter with motor filter  

Water Quality:   Soft or medium hard water with a PH approaching neutral 

The tanks will be numbered/tagged consecutively. Following judging, each tank will be labeled with the category, the breeder’s name and placement, if applicable. 

Judging Criteria, Procedure, and Entry Groups

The Judges will be appointed by the organizing committee.  

Each category will be assessed by two judges, who are not allowed to exhibit in this category (family members are also excluded). Each show group entry will be judged according to a point system. The points are added together and then divided by two. It is not intended that an order will be determined by the two judges. The tanks are, of course, anonymous.  

Once the points have been awarded, if there is a tie (in the first three places) in one category, the highest single judge points will determine the order of the places with the same total points.  

After the first place has been decided in each of the categories, the competition judges will be given a list with the tank numbers of each 1st place winners and will then decide which are the three favorites (1st place = 3 points, 2nd place = 2 points, 3rd place = 1 point). The show group with the highest combined numbers from this assessment will be the overall champion.  

Visitors can vote on their favorites during the show days of Saturday and Sunday. Voting cards will be provided at the contest area. Duplicate voters will only be counted once. 

Judging Criteria, Procedure, and Entry Groups

Official photographs will be taken of the show groups. The organizers will hold the copyright to these photos, which will be made available for publishing in magazines, etc. We are planning to present the winners of the competition at least in the appropriate print media and on Internet sites. Visitors may take photos of all the invertebrates on display. No manipulation with fingers, sticks or similar objects is permitted in the tanks. Only the official photographers appointed by the organizing committee may be permitted some careful manipulation by means of clean wooden skewers. The organizing team is obliged to prevent any manipulation by visitors. 

 

Liability

TAE, all contest sponsors and the organizing committee and volunteers are not responsible for any loss, illness or failure of shrimp during transportation or during the exhibition period. 

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