Now I know

[kingkong]

When I was fortunate to be able to tour some of the gardens and ponds on the tourist trail in Tokyo and Kyoto, I noticed koi lurking about their way with reflections of ancient black pines and pavilions above. I never saw show quality koi or anything that was strickingly marked. Just ogon types looking good and healthy having a relaxing glide across the water if the water was clear enough to see that is.
Well, there is something to be said for this and I am traceing and digressing my way back to this more relaxing form of enjoying koi .
No more hikui in adolescence, vanishing hi, odome measurements, motoaka paranoia, tategoi expectation paralysis. That's right. Give me those solid colors, enough with the 'show' fish mania cause if its good enough for the Emperor's Palace then its good enough for me too. There is nothen more beautiful than a platinum ogon, they just do not get the credit deserved in my view. But that is me and maybe I need more Iodine in my diet. See you at the next show.

[mitten]

Does that mean ogon in Orlando?

[kingkong]

Exactly, this will be my third Orlando visit. Do you think I will be able to find female platinum ogons that have the potential of growing to 24 inches? What fun this will be not being cocerned about sashi or kuchibeni. Show me the shiro is my slogan from now on.

[bekko]

Cause and effect? Was it the fact that they were ogon? Was it that fact that they were placed in a large pond where they could find some natural forage - the magical diet? Was it the fact that a bunch of inexpensive koi were thrown in the pond, the strongest/luckiest survived, and each time another dies it frees up more space for the others?

Many koi keepers (myself included) would have larger/healthier fish and might enjoy their ponds more if they could bring themselves to cut their fish density in half.

I have only kept a few platinums and other ogon, but did not find them to be any hardier than the gosanke.

-stevehopkins

[adreamer2]

I love the ogons... But, I wasn't particular about the "scaled" variety.... I wanted a doitsu platinum ogon.... and a solid white one at that..... I finally have one coming....

What do you guys think of koi with scales as opposed to koi without scales?...

adreamer2

[Kohaku]

I heard that scaleless koi are more prone to health problems like parasites.

[kingkong]

Quote: Originally Posted by bekko Cause and effect? Was it the fact that they were ogon? Was it that fact that they were placed in a large pond where they could find some natural forage - the magical diet? Was it the fact that a bunch of inexpensive koi were thrown in the pond, the strongest/luckiest survived, and each time another dies it frees up more space for the others? That sounds like it, but it didn't bother me seeing inexpensive koi (back then). Everything fell in place without the tejima and tsubo sumi and the nidan kohakus. There was ample space per fish, I remeber that. I still do not understand why you do not see more spectacular colored koi in Japanese gardens, it just doesn't make sense. Many koi keepers (myself included) would have larger/healthier fish and might enjoy their ponds more if they could bring themselves to cut their fish density in half. I have only kept a few platinums and other ogon, but did not find them to be any hardier than the gosanke. It's funny, I didn't pick the easiest ogon, your right there. I have 4. One is a runt, one has a twisted head, one has a yellow cast and the other is looking good. -stevehopkins

You know its interesting Steve, I almost feel like there is a peeping Tom at my pond sometimes. People (forum readers) suspect I have a koi density problems as soon as I start fussing and they are right, it's uncanny how perceptive viewers can be. I can almost walk to the other side of the pond on koi backs. I can't help myself anymore.LOL

[adreamer2]

Quote: I heard that scaleless koi are more prone to health problems like parasites.

I have heard that too... But, I'd like to give her a try and see how she does....

She is solid... scaleless and clean... I'll have to see how she does...


adreamer2

[Kohaku]

Good luck with that. I wish her fine health.