Which Kohaku would you pick and why?

[aquitori]

I just wanted to see what people like in Kohaku, and if they select fish for competition or fun. Both fish are from Momotaro and are jumbo tosai. Click pic to get a better look.

[JasonS]

I'd want the pattern of A on the body of B. :?

But can't win them all... if one was FREE, I'd take A because I'm a sucker for pattern.

It they weren't free (or nearly so), then I'd pass on them both and get something better next year...

[dick benbow]

I like "b". At tosai stage I like to look for a heavier pattern that will stick with the koi as it grows to jumbo. at this age I look at body shape first,
quality of beni second and pattern last.
I agree with jason that "a" is cute.
what's a hoot is that I bet in reality A is atleast as expensive as B because it has a cute pattern and the seller can get full price for it.
my biggest fault as a consumer is that I always go for the futrure fish
with no care or interest in now....

[aquitori]

Both fish are priced the same at $800, Kohaku A is 1/2 longer than Kohaku B. With the value of the 2 kois out of the way. If it were just these 2 Kohakus left in the world, which one would you take...and why?

[Bancherd]

I think pattern on "B" would be better in the future.

[JasonS]

Guys, wouldn't the hi on the cheek of 'b' and the lower hi on the other side near the shoulder be demerits in judging? What about the pattern bleeding into the tail?

[aquitori]

Kohaku B has a pleasing pattern. Kohaku A has a nice pattern, but the maki doesn't wrape down enough to give it presence. At a judging stand point, what do we use? The AKCA judging is too by the "Book". The Japanese judging is alot more forgiving. Those 2 demerits you mentioned on Kohaku B, aren't really faults...They seem to enhance the overall apperance of the koi.

[Andrew]

'B' - much better frame and head shape for the future, better beni overall and sashi and kiwa of higher standard.
I'm surprised they are same price, I'd definatley go for B.

[MCA]

Yep...definitely B. It has more pleasing broader head and shoulder. It it a year or two and it should a nice larger koi with a good pattern.

MCA

[jacovors]

B !!!!!!!!!
Very well build and should grow quite large in the right environment.
I love everything about the fish.
Jaco