| [quote=Akai-San]Now you guys are really scaring me. After all the time and money invested, I think I would be devestated the first time and be really scared to buy expensive koi again. Any cases of the color coming back stronger than ever? Would a koi in stress be susceptible to this type of phenomenon? QUOTE]
Akai-San,
I have not heard of any color returning in cases where it faded or disappeared. A week ago I visited the recipient of the shiromuji/ex-kohaku that I had given him earlier this year. The koi is still colorless, an off white with the flesh tones showing clearly through the low grade white that is left. You can hardly believe it is the same fish. I have asked this question of a few long-term experienced koi keepers and all said....."Once gone - all gone. Sorry."
Regarding your question about stress, there was none at the time my kohaku lost it's hi. There were 17 other koi in the pond at the same time & virtually none showed any signs of stress. Neither did the kohaku that lost its color. Water parameters all checked out fine. I have no idea what the reason was for it.
So enjoy the patterns and shining white on the koi you buy because it may not always be there!
Happy New Year!
Dale |