[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by swordfish Looking at pictures is not good enough cos only show you the top view of the koi. The side view of the fish is not shown or seldom shown at all. Looking from the side view body of the koi it should be like a 'diamond shape'. The Japanese does have a set of conformation standard. I have read somewhere couldn't remember at the moment. Have to understand the basic of koi appreciation & after looking at lots of koi personally 1st before one can understand why a koi can become GC. Go visit some of your koi dealers, see & ask questions. Books & pictures are only use as a guideline. Will not improve much by looking at pictures. SF

I think Dr. Kuroki's book pretty much set the standards for conformation, but most judges don't go by that notion anyways. I have seen koi with horrible conformation win major prizes at local shows....yes horrible!!! I have seen koi with pinched heads to over sized tail fins to whatever you can think of. I would have to disagree with the "not just" looking at magazines for conformation. Also, it depends on the magazines. What I have learned is that if you study the lines and the shape of each koi in the magazine you can see what conformation is good. "Loran" the Ogawa Kohaku had a below standard conformation being the head was a bit pinched, but in the end overall quality beat out fish with better body. I have been buying Nishikigoi Monthly for years now and I can't even read it. I study each photograph as if it was a painting. The conformation is the frame, the pattern is the painting. If you don't have a nice frame for the painting it doesn't stand out. People can learn from looking at pictures of koi. I do agree with you that they should ask their dealer or local koi veteran about things like this. But in the overall quality should be considered after comformation...