| tancho kohaku is the ultimate 'learning fish' for Jitai.
The rules apply for small fish here- pattern is important in fish under 16 inches. The tancho, in that case, should be round and fill the head, between the eyes without creeping off the head , onto the back. the white needs to be snow white with NO other markings what so ever. The fish needs orderly scales and no lumps bumps or bruises. If the fish is a thin male, a smaller tancho is acceptable - but it that fish's time, in that a small tancho will likely NOT be competitive in a larger size. It is the difference between 'cute' and 'powerful'.
As the fish get larger we need to see volume and females rule at that point. BUT the tancho does not have to be round! Instead, the beni, like with all kohaku, needs to be thick and of an even color. Because it is head beni it is typically darker red/orange. But do understand, good beni quality is more important than shape. And quality skin ( porcelain white) is MOST important. Finally, the tancho pattern must match and compliment the body. In some cases, a square tancho mark ( a chevron or even a rounded square) is ideal for a wide head and broad body.
JR |