| Lam, you're correct on your term of ake nisai.
This is what what Joel Burkard wrote:
"Japanese breeders use the name "tosai" to indicate koi that are less than a year old. The term has been adopted by koi keepers the world over, and is often confused or misused.
Most koi are spawned in May or June, and technically, the name "tosai" should only be used from the time they are harvested until the end of December. This means that "tosai" are available for purchase in the fall.
Once January rolls around, they become "ake nisai" or "early two year olds", and are no longer considered "tosai".
When they are again harvested in the fall, having lived through two growing seasons, they are referred to as "nisai" or "two year olds"." |