[KoiCop]

you can pull the scales at any time, but you need to knock the koi out and apply a dab of antiseptic afterwards.

Not only does this stress the fish but the scale pocket can get infected, especially if one doesn't have top quality water at an acceptable temperature level waiting for the koi after 'surgery.'

Since the biggest reason to pull tobi hi scales would be to improve a koi's chances in the show ring, one would have to believe the koi had show potential in the first place.

You could always do it 'just for drill' of course. But I wouldn't.