What do judges look for in show grade trimacs?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Thank you to dogofwar also this all helps. I really couldnt find much on it.

As for the color of my trimac he gets fed hikari-gold pellets and he eats really well. The water is always has good parameters. He currently lives in a 125g tnk with two pictus cats and a pleco that he likes to try kill when he sees him. As for companions I am not sure what would work with this aggressive booger in a 125g I guess I could try mirror.
I really think the color of my substrate might cause his color to washout some. I have a big male green terror that the 125g tank seemed to make him look washed out in the coloring to. I might try switching up the natural color rock for something darker.
 
If you want to find out how judges look for, show your fish in a show like the Catfish Convention (or another ACA-sanctioned show).

Size is not 50% of the score for most shows (although it is a factor and really under-sized fish usually don't win). That said a Caquetia myersi at about 2/3 max size won Best of Show at ACA in Indy...and a nice but small Argentea won Reserve Best in Show.

An 8" trimac is far from full-sized.

Deportment is another key aspect of judging. Fish that act happy / aggressive in a small, bare tank (often in water that's different than they have at home) tend to do better than ones who act freaked out (which behavior is "more natural" is debatable ;))...

Quick Derail:

http://catfishcon.com/

The Potomac Valley Aquarium Society is proud to present its fifth bi-annual All-Aquarium Catfish Convention. This is the official website for the convention, and your source for all things Catfish. Join us for an exciting convention as we "Bring 'Em Back Alive" at a new, expanded location in Herndon, Virginia!

Matt

Not to derail, but Matt, tell us about the convention. Maybe in another thread.
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com