Going for gold(fish): 3,000 owners compete to see who has the fattest, longest pet fish in China

By SARA MALM

Goldfish Olympics: Seemingly endless rows of entrants in the championships are scrutinized by breeders and judges

For goldfish breeders all over the world, the wait is finally over as the first ever International Goldfish Championships has begun.
Whilst some goldfish can enjoy the quiet life of a glass bowl, others are bred for competition.
Over 3,000 ornamental fish have been entered in championships to fight for prizes in 12 categories.

Superfish: A judge examines one of the flapping entrants in the International Goldfish Championships in Fuzhou yesterday

Some of the more prominent contenders include a 14.2in long Black lion-head goldfish hoping to swim away with the crown in the longest goldfish category.
Meanwhile a 3.3lbs streaky sulfur goldfish, presented by Wang Zhangliang from Zhangzhou, China, competes in the heaviest goldfish contest.
Goldfish fans from all over China came to watch the prized specimen show off their swimming skills in rows upon rows of white bowls.

Stealing the show: The frontrunner for the longest goldfish category, a 14.2in long Black lion-head goldfish flaps a pose for the camera

Bowled over: One of the judges walks from specimen to specimen taking notes for one of the 12 categories as the fish show off their swimming skills in the white bowls

The judges have begun their assessments, walking from bowl to bowl, measuring and weighing each goldfish before crowning the winners.
Preparation for goldfish competitions is not a game. Goldfish breeders looking for a top placement have to look after everything from the fish’s diet to water quality, temperature and PH level to make sure the champions are in perfect condition as they go before the judges
The competition is held in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian province.

Looking for a showflopper: Judges are looking for prime examples of goldfish as they prepare to reward the first ever champions

A golden streak: A 3.3lbs streaky sulfur goldfish has its fins set on becoming the heavyweight champion in the competition

source: dailymail