is that koi when young are very much like the ugly duckling story. They change as they grow. While the picture on the left looks very goshiki like,
the transition is more like sanke in the end pictures.
So many times as i observe those wandering the tanks of a dealership, looking at pictures on the walls of champion fish and trying to find an exact replica in a tank they can afford.I have to smile to myself, knowing that when something is there in the beginning it is not in the end. Your learning curve has made it very apparent that they do change quite dramatically. and you've done a nice job raising this koi.
As you progress in the hobby with your confidence intact, you'll be able to buy better and better fish, knowing you can get them thru as a healthy happy member of the pond. And you'll learn that while there's a heartstring
to tug at when something is born in your pond, the chances of getting anything worth while with redeeming qualities from a flock spawning is pretty remote.
Starting with a koi that was bred true from it's color variety will help you on your next step of learning, which will then get you closer to being able to evaluate a future prospect when you climb up the ladder rung by rung to where you might want to compete in a show close by.
It really helps having a mentor that will take the time to show you things. maybe it's a club member or maybe your local dealer. Being able to spend some times at shows to see why the judges pick what they pick and to hear their explaination at the banquet or judges session the next day will be an important step in your learning.
Now you see why Larry and Russ wanted you to be encouraged to start with a better propect. But maybe your learning style is like mine. If i had to draw
a picture of mine it would be a brick layer. I have to get the first row done myself before I can lay the next row. each row comes progressively easier
once I have the first one in place
