After almost every competitive judging of fishes and aquaria, one will hear some grumbling regarding the judges.
Judging is by its very nature a subjective activity. Every judge without exception has limitations and personal biases. Perfect judges probably don't exist and even satisfactory ones are hard to find.
Who Would Be a Good Judge?
- Should be able to identify every species of fish he is expected to judge.
- Must have knowledge of the fish species including proportional variation in size and shape of the sexes, all ontogenetic (developmental) variations in shape and color.
- Must be without bias (no preconceived ideas of beauty; no preferences to color, size or species of fish, no prejudice for or against aquarium strains or wild strains).
- Be able to detect irregularities in deportment and coloration due to the use of hormones.
If you know of such a person, they will quickly become famous and exhausted since the demand for their services will be without limit.
Let’s take a look at a look at a few examples of challenges that judges face.