The BAP objectives are:

1. To learn to breed cichlids and further one's interest, activity and knowledge in the hobby
2. To encourage and favor the breeding and distribution of cichlids of known and reliable provenance
3. To accumulate points at each level, as outlined below, and receive a plaque commemorating the achievement
4. To succeed in becoming a Master Breeder, as defined below, entitling the member to receive a lifetime membership in the GCCA

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BAP Point Levels
BAP Rules
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BAP Point Levels

BAP Program Rules

Defintions

Location: The specific geographic area where the fish were collected in the wild. For example Aulonocara stuartgranti “Ngara” or Astatheros nourissati "Rio Chancala".

Color Variants: This refers to a group of fish within a species that exhibits distinct and consistent body coloration beyond the natural, wild-type range. For example: Aulonocara “Eureka Red” or Pterophyllum scalare “Phillipine Blue”.

Hybrid: This refers to offspring resulting from the crossbreeding of two different cichlid species.

Fin Variety: This refers to common, accepted finnage variations for angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) such as standard or veiltail.

Population Cross: This refers to crossing two known locations such as Labeotropheus trewavasae “Chilumba” with Labeotropheus trewavasae “Higga Reef”.

Eligibility

• To participate in the Breeders Award Program (BAP), you must be a GCCA member in good standing as defined by the GCCA Constitution.

Breeding and Fry Requirements

• Successfully spawn and raise at least 5 fry to 60 days old, starting from when they become free-swimming.
  NOTE: GCCA recommends submitting 6-8 fry or each entry to promote the best chances for continued maintenance of the species.
• You must own the parent fish before spawning occurs.
• Fry must be offspring of your personal fish housed in your own tank or aquarium.
• Each species or species-location can only earn you BAP points once. See Location and Color Variant Recognition below.

Documentation and Reporting

• Record spawning details on a BAP "Breeder's Report" and submit it to the BAP Chair for verification at a regular meeting in order to receive credit.
• Contribute five or more (6-8 recommended) properly bagged and fry from each spawn to the GCCA regular meeting auction.
  • Ensure that the bag is clearly and properly labeled.

Location and Color Variant Recognition

• The GCCA recognizes different locations and color variations within species.
• Color variations or "tank strains" must be well-established and approved by the GCCA Board to receive BAP credit.

Location Variant Rules

• Location strains, especially for Malawi fish, must come from a trusted source approved by the GCCA Board.
• If a fish primarily originates from one location, you cannot submit both an aquarium strain (no specific location) and a location variant for the same species.
• Participants are required to have a 1-year gap between submitting an aquarium strain and location variant of the same species.

Color Form Rules

• Only Ruby Red and Eureka Red are recognized as acceptable Aulonocara color forms going forward.
• Only Eureka and Maleri are recognized as acceptable Albino Aulonocara color forms going forward.

Fin Variety Rules

• Fin variants are only allowed for Angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare.
• Fin variants are not allowed for any other cichlid.

Prohibited BAP Entries

• Hybrid fish such as Flowerhorns and OB Peacocks
• Population (Location) Crosses: Crossing two known locations within a species to create an aquarium strain

Exemptions

• Participants may retain fish from two spawns per calendar year without the obligation of a donation.
• Proof of exempted spawns must be presented to the BAP Chair for points to be awarded, for example:
  • Present the fish at a meeting to the BAP Chairman
  • Present a clear photo of the actual parents and fry from the participant’s tank to the BAP Chair
• Validation of Exceptions is at the discretion of the GCCA and is not guaranteed

Verification and Disputes

• Only GCCA Board and BAP Committee members can verify spawns.
• Verification is only allowed at regular GCCA meetings

Dismissal from the BAP Program

• Inaccurate submissions (intentional or accidental) may lead to BAP suspension from all BAP programs (Cares, Scavenger and BAP), removal of all your BAP records and or having your membership permanently revoked depending on a board vote. You can appeal a suspension decision to the GCCA Board.
• Examples of inaccurate submissions include:
  • Submitting a species which you have previously submitted.
  • Submitting a misidentified fish.
  • Providing inaccurate location or species information.
• Repeatedly disputing BAP requirements with the BAP Chair may lead to dismissal from the program.

Transfer Eligibility

• Hobbyists who relocate to the Chicago area may be eligible to transfer their BAP points from their previous club.
• Transfer points are acceptable only if the verifying board or committee member serves in either capacity in the other club.

Eligibility Questions

• Participants who are unsure about the eligibility of a location variant, tank strain, or color form should contact the BAP Chair before acquiring or submitting fish.
• Refunds are not provided for ineligible fish.

Downloadable BAP Forms

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