Points to consider when buying small-size koi - series

[aquitori]

Pattern

• For koi that are to be finished small, the patterning needs to extend only as far as the lateral line. (This does not include the Utsuri type koi.)

• For koi that are to be finished when they are larger, it is better if the pattern extends down below the lateral line.

• In either case the patterning itself is a matter of personal taste, but remember that patterningthat is too unbalanced lacks elegance and imparts a sense of instability. One tends to tire quickly of this kind of patterning.

by Tsunehisa Sugioka
Nichirin 96-10 No350

This is just a series for those who are buying koi this summer and help with the decision making of choosing a koi.

Tony

[dick benbow]

Sakai san of Isawa in his teaching, suggests drawing an elongated rectangle.
on the left hand side draw a diagonal line from the top left to the bottom right.
then do the same from lower left to top right.

next
along the bottom horizontal line in equal distances mark 10 cm thru 100 cm.

at the point where the lines intersect and make an x this is the size in competition where both pattern and quality have to be at their peak and is the
most competitive.

fish that win to the left of the x must have pattern

fish that win to the right of the x must have body shape and quality

put in readers digest form....small koi must have pattern as priority,
larger fish must have quality (skin shape color)

[aquitori]

Good points added Dick.

[Sangreaal]

Even though pattern "must be" priority for small koi (except for maybe the kumonryu, because what you see patternwise is not necessarily what you're going to get later on or even next week), surely conformation should be an important prerequisite also. I've done tons of shopping for the smaller/younger koi in the 5-10" range, and a high percentage of them are just too thin and narrow--and they don't necessarily grow out to be buff hunks when they mature, either. You can't put meat on a frame that isn't there, you know?

As far as pattern, it seems that some varieties develop this over time (showa and utsuri, for example), while others are constantly changing (like kumonryu). So when one is choosing koi from varieties that bloom like these, what does one look for if the pattern is not stable at a young age? How do we know if the color and pattern hinted at beneath the shiro will emerge, and when? Is "crisp kiwa" something to be concerned about in young koi, or is this something that develops over time as well?

Marie

(thanks for starting this thread, Tony )

[Russell Peters]

I think the criteria for picking Tosai really depends on what you want to do with them ultimately. You should still look at confirmation, color and pattern. Confirmation speaks for itself, make sure the Koi is proportionate and has a good shape. Look at the quality of the skin and the luster, the cleaner the better. Does it shine? Is the head bright and clean? I also think that the better the Kiwa and Sashi on any size Koi the better it will mature. Some people pick Tosai just to see what happens, but if you do not start out with something you are looking for in its developement, then what are you going to learn. As far as pattern goes, if it is something that will grow to jumbe size then ytou really want a large pattern, so that when to Koi gets some girth on it and the pattern starts to lift, it will not look small on the Koi. If it is a Koi that will stay small, 20"-24",then the pattern can be smaller.

[Sangreaal]

How can you tell if it is a koi that will stay small if you have no idea of its age or breeding?

[Russell Peters]

When we buy Koi from breeders in Japan we know the age and if it is jumbo bloodline. If you buy from online dealers or other smaller dealers that don't know then it is a guessing game. My advice it to find a few reputable dealers and ask them these questions.

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sangreaal How can you tell if it is a koi that will stay small if you have no idea of its age or breeding?

Well it is an honor system in which we say this koi is this age and this koi is from this bloodline. Koi in general will grow and how big it depends on you.