What do you think of this Showa?

[johnsmith]

Not bad? But male, no? Here's one I'm currently considering--

[koiczar]

The fish you posted in fact is a 3 year old male. It'c currently on auction at JKO. Regardless, it's a very nice fish. If you win it let us know. Also, how big is your pond? How many other fish do you have?

JR

That's a killer showa. I just hope my avatar develops and finishes like that. Is it sansai or yonsai and how big - looks to be about 55-65cm and definitely female!

Mike

By the way, the showa that's posted at the beginning of the thread, a 3 year old Isa male of 17" sold for a whopping $1920.00. SAY WHAT???????

[MikeM]

JR: That is truly stunning. ...I know you would never make a purchase based just on a photo and will either have seen the fish yourself or have a dealer/someone involved "on the ground" who can be relied upon to eye the fish. For all those who do buy based just on a photo, I think this photo is very instructive! It is so clear and the lighting gentle enough that the quality of the Sumi shows well. So often photos will have overly bright light that creates a sort of glare that makes whites look whiter than any koi has ever possessed. Such photos cannot be trusted. The quality of red is very hard to tell in photos. The glisten in the Hi of this Showa is a very positive sign. That sort of Hi is not seen in your everyday Showa!! But, based just on the photo I could not buy this fish because of the head. The head is not symetrical and the eyes are not level with one another. It is very, very likely just the angle of the photo and the position of the body at the instant the photo was snapped. But, nobody should assume the photo is not disclosing flaws. It should be assumed every "off" aspect is even worse in person until proven otherwise. So, how can the koikeeper a thousand miles from a dealer protect themselves? ...There is no 100% certain way. There are things that can be done to reduce the potential for disappointment. First, get additional photos, including the "bad shots" not normally sent over the internet. If the seller says there are no other photos, ask him to take some. It really can be a hassle for some dealers to catch & bowl fish in their holding facilities... they're not designed for selling/displaying. If the fish is priced under $1,000+ they may well decline unless you are a regular customer or they have nothing else to do. But it doesn't hurt to ask. Better, have someone with reliable eyes on the ground with the fish check it out and tell you what they see (and they can take photos too.) I don't mean to suggest there is anything wrong with the Showa JR posted. To the contrary, it is an impressive fish. I'm just pointing out to those who have to purchase without personally viewing a koi that if you are relying on a photo don't assume the fish is better than exactly what is shown...assume it is worse.

Koiczar: I firmly believe the value of a koi is a matter of personal opinion. I do not think any koi sells for more than what someone thought it was worth at the time. Of course, if one assumes an auction has a representative sample of the universe of potential purchasers participating, then by definition the high bidder on every item has paid more than market value ... since the only person to whom it could be re-sold is the next lower bidder. So, I guess the high bidder overpaid $10 compared to the second highest bidder?

[johnsmith]

Good advise Mike. I suggest not ever buying a koi by photo until you have a guaranteed of no deformities from the seller- IN WRITING. I say this because this is the number one trick of exporters ( not dealers but jobbers) in Japan. Color and pattern disappointment and a sense of buyer's remorse is NOT, however, the responsibility of the dealer or breeder. In that case, the picture is only a likeness and not to be relied on. It is the nature of the beni that is your best indicator and NOT shade of coloring. You must be able to see the scales and the details of the kiwa and sashi. If not, you really shouldn't buy because sooner or later you will be disappointed.

I bought fish from pictures ( direct from Japan) for years during my impulse buying stage- I'm here to tell you, don't do it. Those who buy from Ebay from unknown sources need to have their heads examined. IMHO.

As for this koi and photos in general, when a koi is placed in a bowl for a quick photo it is moving- or more appropriately- 'wagging'. This creates the look of non symmetry. a bulge in the side, a kink in the tail, a crocked head etc. Always look at the position or tilt of the head, then the wag in the body line and the wag in the tail. This will not tell you if the koi is really 100% sound. But it can give you an idea IF an anomaly is present.

Happy koi hunting- JR

[TuanP]

Hi all thanks for all the input...I didn't bid or win the fish

[aquitori]

If the value of the koi is high I would suggest asking for other angle pic shot of the fish if you cant see the fish in person. But it is still hard to gauge the depth of color on photo graphs. Buying something in the high 3 or 4 digits, i would need to see in person.

[johnsmith]

For sale, used chevy camero. Never on blocks, well maintained. Worked on exclusively by the owner. Gold. For additional details, buyer can look at a picture of model cameros on the chevy website. $40,000 firm. Send money to PO box 7, Tulsa Ok. Car will be delivered by Delta Dash next day.

Caution: This type of ad can only be done for selling koi! And then, you will have a dozen responses! LOLs
JR

[Brady Brandwood]

JR, what ever became of this Showa you posted a couple of years ago? Any recent pics?

Best Wishes,
Brady

[johnsmith]

dead in earthquake move to kato's place. JR

[aquitori]

Pretty amazing Showa...who was the breeder?