The Code of Ethics was written as a guide for people who exchange fish and eggs through the BNL or the AKA\'s Killifish Auction web site. If everyone has the same assumptions about such exchanges, the chances of misunderstandings are greatly diminished. We cannot stress too much the importance of discussion before finalization of a transaction. These guidelines have been officially approved by the BOT.

1. Fish that are offered should be clearly sexable and in top condition. Any deviation from this should be clearly stated in the listing.

2. All nomenclature should be correct. Location codes should be included, if known.

3. Non-annual eggs should be shipped only when fertility is apparent but not too close to hatching date. Eggs of annual species should be shipped in ample peat. Buyers are advised to examine peat on receipt to confirm the presence of eggs and, if necessary, to add more peat for storage.

4. Live delivery is guaranteed from April through October, inclusive. Shipments between November and March inclusive are made at the buyer\'s risk. Any deviation from this should be clearly stated in the listing. Shipments should be appropriately packaged to ensure survival. The recipient should notify the shipper of the condition of the shipment immediately upon receipt.

5. The following procedure should be used during the months that live delivery is guaranteed:

a) If fish or eggs arrive dead, the water should be removed from the container and the dead material returned, if requested by the seller
b) in the case of annual eggs, if no eggs are found in the peat the seller should be notified immediately. If requested the peat should be returned for replacement.
b) The fish and eggs should be replaced by the seller at no charge.
c) Postage costs will be the responsibility of the recipient.
d) If the fish or eggs are no longer available, money should be refunded, less the postage costs of the initial shipment.
e) Substitutions will be made with the buyer\'s agreement only.

6. All orders should be shipped within two weeks of receipt of payment unless special arrangements have been made. During the winter months shipments should be made only when the weather permits. If a delay is necessary, the seller should immediately notify the person who placed the order.

7. Payment covering the price of fish and eggs, plus shipping, should accompany the order. This may be through Paypal or directly by check or money order, as agreed to by the parties. Sending cash through the mail is not recommended. If done, it should be made clear that it will be at the buyer\'s risk.

8. Shipping containers will be returned to the shipper promptly unless the shipper indicates otherwise.

9. Persons involved in fish and egg transactions are free to make any mutually agreed upon changes to these procedures before payment and shipping.

10. In the event of a disagreement, the parties concerned should make every effort to settle the matter between them. If this is not possible, a detailed complaint should be made in writing to the F&E Chairman or to the administrator of the auction site. With the agreement of the BOT, this individual will make a decision based on the validity of the complaint and, if merited, will prohibit the offending party from advertising in the BNL or on the auction site until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of all involved parties. Duplicate correspondence should be sent to all parties concerned.

11. The F&E Chairman, the auction site administrator, or the BOT can elect to bar an offending member from making further listings in the BNL or on the auction site. The offending person may also become subject to expulsion from the AKA in accordance with the By-Laws, Article III, section 5.

12. AKA members, as sellers or buyers, are bound by this Code of Ethics, provided the transactions were initiated through a listing in the BNL or on the AKA\'s Killifish Auction site. Representatives of the AKA cannot assist in any matters involving transactions not initiated through the BNL or the AKA auction site.