Florida fish enthusiasts gathered for the 2008 Gainesville Koi Club show at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens on Saturday.
Koi shows are similar to dog shows, except with fish, competitor Joe Wruazabal said.
The fish are judged on their color, pattern, shape and elegance.
Owners of the Japanese fish spent all day pacing the show ground, made up of 20 blue tubs, waiting to hear the results.
The grand champion award went to the shiro utsuri, a species of koi, owned by Henry Culpepper. John Sprinkle's fish won the young champion award.
Koi are unlike any other fish. Their skin coloring and pattern changes throughout their lives, said Don Hellard, founder of the Gainesville Koi Club.
Wruazabal said every judge likes something different, and he wasn't sure if any of his seven fish would win.
"Showing koi isn't about money," he said. "All you'll get from a show is a ribbon and bragging rights."
