Speaking from a judge's point of view.....
When i judge a fish...each fish first is judgd on its merits.
I look for size...it is to or near standards set for that fish? If not, it's not likely to get further considertion unless there arent othr quality entries that meet that criteria.
Finnage....is the fish in good condition...and finnage tells a lot. I look for clen lines, but not trimmed. Too many exhibitors trim finnage to meet what they think is expectation. You can tell, and it will weigh against the fish. Are the fins held erect and is the fish alert? Tells me much about the health and vigor of the fish.
Displaced scales. I have eliminated many an otherwise wonderful fish simply because of handling. It is missing scales, an that takes away from the actual appearance. The judging I do is on that fish that day...not how it MIGHT look. Harsh to someone who thought they had it in the bag...but how a fish is hanled says much.
Color...does the fish meet what I classify...what standards classify...as proper color? I expect a minimal amount of fading in a fish...this isnt the home tank and its a bare tank to boot. If the fish absolutely glows with color, chances ar its been hormonally enhanced...good ole testosterone...and if it comes down to two fish and one seems too good to be true...likely it is.
Deportment...does the fish respond well to stimulus...or does it hide behind the sponge filter and require prodding to turn for exazmination? Chances are the very reason it is hiding will also detract from its color and how it holds its fins...if it hides likely it wont place.
There are other factors that will determin which fish wins and which one doesnt. Consistancy is a key...very often its the shower, not the fish, that makes a difference. In our area a gentleman by the name of Ron Georgionne shows a lot of very nice cichlids, both new world and old. Ron knows how to hndle his fish...and he wins a lot of classes and usually is in the running for if not winning best in show. Why...he does it right. As often as not I find myself looking for reasons why NOT to give Ronnie the ribbons...and you know its his fish even though its a blind show...it shows in the fish.
so what defines a show quality fish...not a thing. Anyone can sell you a fish that they proudly call show quality. Will it win a show...who knows. But it can be entered...any fish can be entered...thus..by definition...any fish is potentially show quality....
its al semntics...designed to sell fish...and it works.
a quality show fish is different mtter...and its not from some strenuous breeding program...its from the care that a fish is given. The best bred fish shows for nothing if its not cared for. Thats what I look for when I judge.
