Keegan Armke looks over the 40-foot wall of built-in "show" aquariums to see if there is room for some "additions". The wall is located in the entrance hallway leading to the main fish room. Customers and visitors enjoy spending time viewing these impressive setups.
Most of ARAF's regular customers are acquainted (at least by phone) with the Armke businesses' fish manager, Linda Thompson.
Linda has been an integral part of the ARAF staff since 1997 and has gained knowledge of all aspects of the African cichlid world.
Jennifer's skills and pleasant personality have made her a favorite among customers and staff alike.
Dave, an aquatic biology major at nearby Texas State University, has been a welcome part of the ARAF staff for more than a year. He has special expertise in husbandry and is in charge of the ARAF breeding operation.
Bagging and packing carefully to ensure prompt, safe and successful live arrival of the fish has high priority at Armke's Rare Aquarium Fish. Here, Dave packs while Linda checks off and Keegan oversees the operation.
Off the main showroom at Armke's Rare Aqarium Fish, there is a special room filled with tanks used specifically for breeding fish and rearing fry. ARAF breeds some--but by no means all--of the fish it sells. Below, Linda feeds a group of fry tanks. The "Breeding Room" is not open to the public.
Updating the fish availability list and recording new orders are never-ending tasks at Armke's Rare Aquarium Fish. Here, Linda works on the "fish room" computer. Keegan Armke and his father, Ken Armke, assist with computer tasks from their offices. ARAF takes great pride in keeping a very close match between actual stock on hand and the "availability list" shown on its web site.
