Asagi

[Regenmeneer]

I have heard on several occasions that Asagi without beni are very sought after in Japan, and very, very expensive.

Is this true, and does such an Asagi have a special name?

The one in the picture is bred by Otsuka.

Regenmeneer

[dick benbow]

to the best of my knowledge there is nothing rare or special about an asagi that has no red. While it can be appreciated for it's size and symetrical pattern, most show koi have red. That's not to say a nice big one would not receive appreciate or acknowledgement, but it definetly does not meet standards.



from a breeders stand point the ones that exhibit red too soon tend to get culled as asagi gains red over the years. so I could see how you might hang on to one to see if any red will break on the pecs or under the lateral line. If it doesn't you have an investment in the koi and would probably like to get something out of it.

[PapaBear]

Quote: Originally Posted by Regenmeneer I have heard on several occasions that Asagi without beni are very sought after in Japan, and very, very expensive. Is this true, and does such an Asagi have a special name? The one in the picture is bred by Otsuka. Regenmeneer

How old/large is yours? It looks fairly young from the pic but there is nothing to give an accurate perspective.

[marco]

Quote: Originally Posted by Regenmeneer I have heard on several occasions that Asagi without beni are very sought after in Japan, and very, very expensive. Is this true, and does such an Asagi have a special name? The one in the picture is bred by Otsuka. Regenmeneer

I would have call it a gin matsuba, bur there is probably something that I didn't cacht.
Thanks to explain it.
Marco

[MikeM]

Dick: How about telling us about white Asagi... as tosai/nisai, of course.

[dick benbow]

Mike, If your asking about the culling process....
asagi's babies are not even begun to be looked at for the first cull till they are atleast 2 months old. they are culled by red only at this stage. A good white nose and maybe some red on the pecs is enough to keep the koi fed.... I have seen big long nissai that have no asagi-han (blue showing) and are basically all white that are tategoi. Because the breeder knows after years which one eventually turn out and what to look for.
Many hobbists think because an asagi is a "less" color variety that they can pick them up inexpensively....but if your a producer and it's atleast 3 years till everything turns out before you know what you have...it's an expensive breed
to try and make a living with....and the consumer will have to pay for the investment. The key is to look for the good white as you would for any gosanke
next year, I want to be there in the fall at Quality koi next fall,when I pont out the Mom to my asagi....

[MikeM]

About 3 years ago, when I truly had no understanding of Asagi, I saw a 3-year old that was a soft bluish white, with blue-gray scalation on the body just coming in. There was some pale Hi at the base of the pecs, and some on the cheeks, but none in the dorsal or caudal fins. (I did not know to pay real attention to the abdomen.) It got my attention because whole effect was of a soft baby blue (reflection of the blue tub on the body). I asked the price and ....it was an awesome amount. After I learned more about Asagi, I was pleased to have seen it, but I think you have to be a gambler to play at that level.

[koiczar]

Dick,

While in Japan this year, one of my main goals was to get a really nice Hosokai sansai Asagi. As I was with a friend(dealer) who is personal friends of the Hosokai's I asked him to pick what he felt was a nice sansai to grow out and develop. He did just that. Pattern still on the light side, head very clean and very little aka on sides of face, pecs and belly. He said that his fish don't really show what they're made of until yonsai or gosai. When they come out of quarantine in about a week, I'll post a picture so you can tell me your opinion.

[dick benbow]

oh,wow! That'd be great. from what you discribed, sounds like you'll have a wonderful koi to appreciate. I will be watching for the photo! Thanks!!!

[Regenmeneer]

PapaBear, unfortunately this Asagi is not mine. It is for sale by a Dutch dealer. €2000. It is bred by Otsuka.

Koiczar, do you have the picture yet

Regenmeneer