dick's sanke and kohaku from Quality Koi

[dick benbow]

Jen was nice enough to offer to post the pics of koi I selected at Quality last fall. It included pics of them at around 8 inches and again this spring just before going out in the mud. Mike P had some comments in the tiny tategoi thread and was hopeful to get some other's thoughts....can I chase you over about 5-6 comments down and see what you think?

[jnorth]

Might be easier to post the pics here as well.

[PapaBear]

Another good lesson in photo angles making a difference because I didn't notice any real signs of the massive shoulder hump on the Sanke at 8", but the 12" photo makes it impossible to miss.
The bodies on both are really filling out nicely. Very strong look with a lot of growth potential. The baby sumi on the Sanke is still playing hide and seek but looks to at least have the potential to make a nice statement in a year or so. What is most impressive to me is the hi plates on both. Rather than stretching, thinning, and breaking up with growth they both seem to be growing in size, depth, and color. Almost to the point of overwhelming the shiroji, which also looks to be of good quality. I'm guessing that as they grow physically larger (20"-24" range) the patterns will eventually stretch enough to make room for the shiroji to add a bit more character to the overall look of both.

[mulberryjen]

Quote: Originally Posted by jnorth Might be easier to post the pics here as well.

Thanks Jim. I didn't mean to post Dick's pictures into oblivion! Jen

[dick benbow]

Larry thanks for your observation. I was thinking the same thing...both beni plates are growing thicker and bigger...to be honest I'm hopeful the grow ponds will give me back some white! The black on the sanke has me curious, amny times at this age some of it drops out only to come back again a year or two later, but that's not happening here so will be interesting to see ehat gives this fall.....

[aquitori]

Like both fish. Sanke will be another couple of years before it is complete, but I like the energetic balance of pattern on this Sanke. Pattern will really stand out when the fish is around 20+ inches...The Kohak speaks for itself and it looks like it can compete in the coming year. Conformation on both fish are great!! Dick keep us posted.

[MikeM]

So far not much has been said about the fact that these are domestic-bred koi. Were there such domestic-breds anywhere in the U.S. 10 years ago?

[dick benbow]

I think Tekemi at california koi was making Born in the USA....and we've had some wonderful additions across the nation since then, but your right Mike.....
Pretty darn good stuff if i do say so for " Domesrtics"....in Mat's case it's more of an international effort....borne in the USA under UK supervision with japanese Parents ( not overlooking the top notch assist with Jen, Ross, Tara all USA)

The times they are a changing..... won't be too long and Hannah (mat and jen's daughter) will be lending a hand...( Joe, your not overlooked for making it all posible...oregato! )

Chris c who post here on occassion is going back with our group this fall for the
draining so will be fun to show her around...Mike looking forward to meeting you
after all these numerous email chats!

[MikeM]

I am really looking forward to the trip. But, I have to work on my will power. ...Maybe there will be something blue to try in our water.

[ChrisC]

Chris c who post here on occassion is going back with our group this fall for the
draining so will be fun to show her around...Mike looking forward to meeting you
after all these numerous email chats![/quote]

And really looking forward to seeing a pond pull!