236 TROPICAL FISH EXHIBITIONS 



into effect, but who have no experience, we mention a few of the practices 

 and rules which are successfully in operation. 



Pairs receive consideration above a single fish, even though that 

 fish is of superior quality. 



Pairs should be matched in size according to their natural propor- 

 tions towards each other. That is, for instance, if "Guppyis" were being 

 shown, the female should be considerably larger than the male, and not 

 the reverse. 



Single fishes are eligible to compete against other singles if no pairs 

 of the same variety are present. 



The main points considered are condition, size and color. 



Rarity is sometimes given separate consideration. 



One competent judge is found to be more satisfactory than a com- 

 mittee of several. 



It is the usual custom at society meetings to give separate evenings 

 to exhibitions of different groups of fishes, such, for instance, as live- 

 bearers one night, and the following groups separately on other nights: 

 Labyrinth or air-breathing fishes, Cypronoids, Characins, novelties and 

 native aquarium fishes. 



In addition to awards for the best and second-best in each class, 

 it is usual to have a prize or award for the best pair in the show, any 

 variety. In large public exhibits it is also usual to offer awards for the 

 greatest number of varieties, for the rarest pair and for the best arranged 

 exhibit. 



Owners must declare the classification of fishes offered for exhibit. 



One prominent society offers, at the end of the season, a prize to 

 the member who has taken the greatest number of awards. 



