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Judging The Delta Male Guppy to IFGA Standards

Revised August 2022 - Color judging terms changed to Coverage and Quality.

By Bryan Chin and Stan Shubel

Introduction

This article focuses on judging the color and shape of IFGA standard delta guppy males. I (Bryan) chose the best pictures I had of guppies that could clearly show the color and shape. These were then sent to Stan to point the color of these since this is the most difficult part of judging. For shape judging I superimposed proportion outlines over the photos and then pointed the fish. To further judge the guppies the body size point estimate is given from what I remember (the guppies are mine). From the body size, tail and dorsal size point can be estimated. Condition, deportment and symmetry are pointed by Stan as they appeared in the photo. All points were then sent to Stan for review/adjustments and edits. All the points are totaled to show their standings.

Be sure to reference the IFGA Judging Standard available to IFGA members on the www.ifga.org website to better understand how these guppies are judged. Pointing IFGA guppies is challenging and is well known by those who take the visual judging test. This article can help those working towards being a judge, and picking the right males for breeding and competition.

Judging Color

The color points are divided into two criteria which is Coverage and Quality. Coverage points are judged on how well the primary (and secondary color(s) for bicolors, multis, and variegated) cover the caudal and how close it meets the ideal color(s) for the color class. For body and dorsal fin, ideal Coverage is a 100% match of color(s) (and pattern if bicolor, multi or variegated) of the caudal fin. Color Quality for the caudal is judged on the brilliance of the color for solid tail color classes. Distinct and contrasting colors are also considered to judge Color Quality for biocolor, multi, or variegated color classes.. Dorsal and body Color Quality is judged on how well its color(s) match the caudal. For all fins and body, areas that do not have the primary and/or secondary color(s) of the tail receive no points for Color Coverage and Quality.

Delta Male 1 Color Points

Delta Male 2 Color Points

Delta Male 3 Color Points

Delta Male 4 Color Points

Judging the Shape

Outlines were used on each guppy to help show how close the shape proportion requirements are met. The illustration below shows the proportions.

Delta Male 1 Shape Points

Delta Male 2 Shape Points

Delta Male 3 Shape Points

Delta Male 4 Shape Points

Summary

Below is a summary of the points. To further judge the guppies the body size point estimate is given from what I remember (the guppies are mine). From the body size, tail and dorsal size point can be estimated. Condition, deportment and symmetry are pointed in the table below as they appeared in the photo.

*Bottom of caudal condition.
**The caudal on each of the guppies are not hanging, even though the angle is hard to tell on #2.