The correct answer is C.
The author, Elizabeth Bishop, is expressing in these lines a sincere admiration towards the fish. She starts comparing fish with medals, objects that reflect glory, which are only owned by champions. The author is hence considering fish to be glorious animals with their ribbons, which enhance their beauty at a greater extent.
Moreover, she continues stating that these animals wander around spreading a 'five-heard beard' of wisdom. It suggests that they have seen so many things in their wanderings, that they have become a source of wisdom, even tough you might not think so at first sight.
Definitely, she shows admiration.
