| Many koi have a lack of proportion along the full length of the fish. Shiro Utsuri as a variety have historically been more prone to have this lesser conformation. It is more than a temporary egg-laden state. It improves following a spawning, but the lack of proportion remains... just not as accentuated. The better Shiros of today are less likely to have the issue, although it remains rare for a Shiro to have the body conformation of a high quality Kohaku. The Culpepper and Height Shiros that were being discussed in another thread exemplify the good body conformation possible on Shiros.
Regarding health concerns, I have limited personal experience. Based on that limited experience, I believe egg impaction issues are more significant. That is why I cautioned to be watchful. The best prevention is for the fish to lose the eggs... fasting, spawning or stripping are the means I am aware of. With such fish the first signs of internal egg impaction infection are not noticeable when the fish are viewed in the pond. They continue to eat and behave normally. There may be a notable increase in girth over a relative few days that you just happen to notice one day at feeding time. By the time pinkishish discoloration is noticed on the abdomen, an infection is fairly well progressed. Reddish discoloration is virtually hopeless. What folks seem to first notice is that the fish is not as eager to eat as normal. Then the fish is not moving about as much. After waiting a day or two, the keeper bowls the fish to check it out and sees the discoloration on the underside of the abdomen. The infection has filled the abdominal cavity and the fish is very likely lost within another 48 hours. ...just my observation based on a sad personal experience and the tales told me by others.
I am not suggesting that koi with such conformation go this path. Just that I think they are more prone to do so. Perhaps it is that the conformation camouflages the condition until it is too late to have much hope. |