Comparing the Shiro Utsuri posted by Maurice and the "Bekko Utsuri" (
) posted by JR is very instructive, I think. Both have wonderful Sumi and there is something of a maruzome effect in Maurice's as well. I would love to see JR's at the same age. While the bodies may differ in styling, the pigments are very alike in their strength. The patterning is completely different. There is no Utsuri patterning in JR's, while Maurice's is definitely Utsuri pattern. However, as you study Maurice's, notice how tight the Sumi is. Even the Motoguro has a painted-on look about it. That is not the free flowing Sumi typical of an Utsuri pattern. It has a "frozen" look to it. ....That is not a criticism! Look closely and the Sumi has come in like that of Bekko, but with a solidity not often seen in Bekko.
Two very different fish with very different visual impacts, but so alike in some ways. The breeders are on a parallel genetic journey, but with different eyes. Black & Whites for whatever your taste in pattern.