Expertise Needed....Any potential here?

[jhamil4ton]

I'm relatively new to the "art" of seeing the potential in a young koi. However, I feel as though I am learning more and more from reading the posts here and elsewhere on the internet. There are so many knowledgeable people here regarding koi. I would like to see what some of you think about a baby koi I bought last month. (Or is it too young to see any potential?) Thanks in advance for any input.

[lildude]

I think it has potential, baby that little guy.


Im not an expert...

[dick benbow]

Like most learning curves in life and especially with koi, you can always benefit from observation. Measure this koi, find out where your dealer aquired it so you can note the breeder. Note if the black rolls back and if the red holds as it grows. Does the face look a llittle "pointy" to you? based on what you've seen change you'll be able to make better decisions the next time.
Keep in mind learning is part of the fun of this hobby

[lildude]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow Like most learning curves in life and especially with koi, you can always benefit from observation. Measure this koi, find out where your dealer aquired it so you can note the breeder. Note if the black rolls back and if the red holds as it grows. Does the face look a llittle "pointy" to you? based on what you've seen change you'll be able to make better decisions the next time. Keep in mind learning is part of the fun of this hobby

What do you think of this showa dick?

Your Nishikigoi( Koi) Has A very thick Tail region, this is a sign of big development....but can this happen at such a young age dick?

[jhamil4ton]

Thanks for the feedback. I purchased this showa from Brett Rawley on a recent trip to Houston. I'm assuming it would be Dainichi if that helps. The face seems to look more pointy in the photos to me than in reality. However, I'm more than willing to sit back and watch the changes.

[PapaBear]

This one should undergo some radical changes, so it has much to offer in the way of personal education. The baby sumi is thickly finished, and much of it will llikely fall away completely... however, there is also much evidence of underlying sumi that should rise up to take its place. The biggest question marks to me are the beni and body. As Dick already mentioned, the head shape is questionable so it may not grow all that large, but I'm not very good at judging growth potential in Koi this small. Pictures may not tell the true story of a Koi, but occasionally they will expose something you don't see clearly in the bowl.
I don't have a clue about how the beni may go on it. Too little is exposed and there is no way to know how much is buried beneath that thick sumi. Let it grow and take lots of pictures along the way.

[jhamil4ton]

Thanks...That's interesting. I had no idea that head shape was something to look for in young koi. Honestly, I just thought that if a young koi's head was a little different that it would grow out normally. I certainly didn't realize it impacted the size of the koi. GREAT STUFF!

[Jade Lake Girl]

If I might ask the experts, what does one look for in good head confirmation in a very small koi? I added one of Brett Rowleys fine Ki Utsuri to my breeding pool in '04. Thanks!

[aquitori]

Potential in what direction? As a show fish it has no potential, as a standard pond grade fish it fits the mold quite well. In your eyes you bought it because you liked it and that is all that matters....

[PapaBear]

I'm no expert , not even close .
Head conformation on fingerlings is difficult for me still, but I'll tell you what I see in the two pics. In the first you get a look at the proportionality of the head length to the body, which isn't bad. Fish are generally divided into thirds from front to back when judging conformation and pattern balance, with the head being the first third. The front view in the second picture tells a different story, which is where I have the most trouble on this one. Toward the back of the head it does appear reasonably wide with eyes set wide as well. That is a good growth indicator. As you move toward the mouth it becomes very triangular, narrow, and pointy, like an arrowhead. That is a negative look, both for eye appeal and growth potential. Hopefully some with more relevant experience on fingerlings will chime in.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jade Lake Girl If I might ask the experts, what does one look for in good head confirmation in a very small koi? I added one of Brett Rowleys fine Ki Utsuri to my breeding pool in '04. Thanks!