Goldfish Judging in America

by Rick Graham
First published in "Tank Topics," Greater Akron Aquarium Society, Dec 2000/Jan 2001
Aquarticles

I recently judged the North American Goldfish Championship presented by the GAAS. I was assisted by Denny Herbert and glad to have the help. The Goldfish competition in Akron began twenty-five years ago and has continued to improve each year. This year's competition was no exception. I believe over one hundred goldfish were in competition and they were among the finest I've seen. The Ranchu, Eye type, Ryukin, American/Chinese Lionhead, and Oranda classes were extremely competitive. One class that may have caused controversy was the Pearl Scale class. Ideally Pearl Scales with both short and long fins are shown in one class, and Pearl Scale Orandas and Sac Heads (Hamani) should be shown in another, however, they were placed together. Please keep in mind all show committees try hard to be fair in class structure, however, they can't afford classes for every type. I believe GAAS does a great job but could use a little goldfish class tweaking.

Getting back to judging the Pearl Scale class, all entries must have mandatory elements that make up a show fish and the proper classification. All goldfish must have two eyes, two ventral fins, two pectoral fins and two anal fins. I know a few of you think it is OK to have only one anal fm. Unless you are showing a single caudal variety or a Chinese Egg Fish (no dorsal or anal fins) it must have two anal fins. Without two anal fins it is not a show fish. Yes it may be a beautiful fish, but it is not a show fish. It is a regressive condition and should not be accepted. There are other mandatory elements such as an erect dorsal; a smooth back for dorsal-less type, proper shaped mouths, etc., etc. One condition for Pearl Scales is the item they're named for - PEARL SCALES! In this class we found many nice Pearl Scale Orandas and Sac Heads, however, they had scales missing or areas that scales were not developed. The fish we awarded the first place was a traditional short finned Pearl Scale. It was a good example of that type. It was well conditioned, properly portioned and had a very good scale development. And it was well presented (I'll get back to this element later.) No, it did not have head growth or a sac head, but it had one of the prime elements, it had properly developed pearl scales. Any good judge will know the prime elements that make up each type. I don't care if it is a dog show or a fish show they must know! You may wonder where color comes in. The above mandatory items, plus proper body shape/proportions are key items to look for. After that, look for ornamental items if that class requires them for that particular class. Then look at color, visual appeal, deportment and presentation.

Many times an entry could have placed higher if the entrant would have taken time to clean the tank glass. I feel an entry must be presented with pride. If you're not presenting with pride then you are most likely only interested in awards or your ego. Please take the time to present your entry properly. I know it takes a lot of work to bring an entry to a show. So complete the job and take the time to wipe off the water spots on your entry. In closing I'd like to say judges try to do a good job. I can also tell you Denny and I have bred and raised Goldfish for a long time. We are not going to be overwhelmed by some new exotic fish. Yes we will enjoy seeing it, but we will not overlook it's flaws. I have found most goldfish hobbyists believe what they have in their fishroom is the standard of that type. Or it seems a hobbyist who raises English Goldfish believes English fish are superior. Or those who raise Chinese or American Lionheads are better than Ranchu and so on. The truth is we should enjoy all types and encourage improvements on each type. We are known as a nation of many cultures and a melting pot of the world. This applies to Goldfish and humans, Next time you question a judge's decision, remember there is usually a good reason for its placement in that class.

Note if you are interested in seeing or showing quality Goldfish, or interested in just talking Goldfish, please come to Akron. Show your fish! It may not place, but so what? It will be nice to see your entry and you can always say you participated in the GAAS North American Goldfish Championship and annual Great Goldfish Get-Together.