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What is the Chicago Livebearer Society?
The Chicago Livebearer Society (CLS) is a tropical fish club for hobbyists in and around Chicago to trade fish, learn more about livebearers and help raise funds for conservation.
When does the Chicago Livebearer Society meet?
The Chicago Livebearer society meets four to six times per year. We generally meet shortly after swap meets of the Greater Chicago Cichlid Association (GCCA). GCCA Swap meets attract hobbyists from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa, so this is a convenient time to bring livebearer hobbyists together.
Visit our Upcoming Events page to see all our future meeting dates.
What is a livebearer?
A livebearer is unique category of mostly freshwater fish in the family Poeciliidae that has internal fertilization and gives birth to live young. There are many popular livebearers kept by aquarium hobbyists including the guppy, swordtail, mollies, and gambusias.
Why should I keep livebearers?
There are many reasons. Most livebearers are undemanding and may be kept and bred in small tanks at room temperature. Most livebearers are hardy and easy to keep, too. Some livebearers are beautiful and can be the centerpiece of a show tank. Aquarists concerned with conservation are also interested in keeping livebearing species which are threatened in the wild. By keeping these fish, we can ensure their continued survival.
What is the best way to keep livebearers?
Livebearers vary in their requirements. Many are easy to keep in small tanks (5-10 gallons) at a temperature of 70-78F. Good water quality is important for good health, so regular partial water changes are important. Many livebearer hobbyists like to use plants, either natural or plastic, to provide cover for the fry and to shelter females from the relentless pursuit of males.
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Here are the most common questions we get about membership. If you can't find what you're looking for, please email the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
How much is it to join CLS?
One year is $10. Two years is $19. Three years is $27.
Can I join online? How do I pay?
Yes, you can join us online. We use Paypal to process payments.
I don't have a Paypal account. Can I pay by credit card?
Yes. Just click the "Don't have a Paypal Account" link during checkout:

How do I check my membership status?
Yes. Choose Account & Join> Check your Membership. Your membership status will be listed:

How do I renew my membership?
Yes. Choose Account & Join> Renew Your Membership. You can renew for one, two or three years:

When and where are meetings?
CLS generally meets on Sundays from 2:15 to 3:30PM after Greater Chicago Cichlid Association Swap Meets. GCCA Swap Meets (our cichlid friends) attract hundreds of people and many hobbyists from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin plan to attend. This is a convenient time to bring everyone together. We are a bit at the mercy of GCCA in planning our meeting time, so we generally only know about 6-8 weeks in advance when the next meeting will be.
Will you send meeting reminders?
Yes, we send meeting reminders about a week before each meeting.
Why should I join CLS?
First of all, it's only ten bucks. You can afford it! Humor aside, membership dues offset the costs of meeting space, our website, and paying for the honorarium, lodging and travel of speakers. Your ten bucks supports the livebearer hobby!
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