Fish enthusiasts flock to auction

KAUKAUNA - It was a packed house for the Green Bay Aquarium Society's fish auction, where people came to buy and sell fish. Some of the money raised will help maintain public fish tanks in the area.

“Just people that are fish nuts,” said Ron Greunke who is the Vice President of the Green Bay Aquarium Society. “People that like fish and trade fish with other people.”

The aquarium society puts on two auctions each year, one in the fall and one in the spring.

A fish isn’t the only thing you can take home from the auction. A good laugh is almost sure to be had with Marc Steevens as auctioneer and entertainer.

“I probably do things differently than a lot of auctioneers because I'm not afraid to embarrass myself,” said Steevens.

The chance to improve their fish collections keeps people coming back.

“You usually can pick stuff up cheaper than in the store,” said Jim Zander of Jackson.

But Steevens says some people just enjoy the camaraderie.

“I will try to do everything I can to badger them to drive their bids up,” said Steevens. “I'm not above making up a bid for someone to make sure they are paying attention.”

Bidders at the auction aren't the only ones updating their fish collection. Some of the money raised by the aquarium society will help update the fish tank at the downtown Green Bay library and fish tanks at the NEW Zoo.

“Anybody that likes fish, it's a good place to come and get their fish and any fish supplies they want whether its fish, tanks, food, filters, anything that they need,” said Greunke.

While many people at the auction admit to being intense collectors, the aquarium society says it’s for people with any level of fish fondness.

“The Green Bay aquarium society is not just for the hardcore aquarium enthusiasts,” said Steevens. “It’s for anybody that has an interest in tropical fish.”

The aquarium society receives at least 20% of each sale at the auction.