Rise and Fall of Sumi . . .

[KoiCop]

Thank you, Louie, for your observations.

By the way, the group shot in the blue tank was taken at your 2006 Nishiki show. Ray Jordan (one of the Judges) spent some time with me on Sunday morning kicking this fish around and wondering what the future would hold. He was kind when he said it needed some sumi on the head to compete . . . considering that other folk doubted it was, in fact, a showa.

I remember him saying something that morning very similar to what you just said. It went something like this: If Sakuma-san says it's a showa that's good enough for me and only time will tell whether it's a good one.

Like you, I haven't given up.

PS -- Belated thanks, too, to Russ and Dick for their responses, which I somehow seem to have overlooked?

[KoiCop]

it's been 5 months since the last pics were posted, so I thought I'd post this pic I took this morning. Was feeding, so pardon the radish tops and yam leaves in the water.

While the sumi has continued to return, it's only in a few places and it's not in solid patches. It remains to be seen how far back it will come and what the quality level will be?

[MikeM]

Is that Sumi at the base of the pectoral? If so, is it equally balanced in both pectorals?

[KoiCop]

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeM Is that Sumi at the base of the pectoral? If so, is it equally balanced in both pectorals?

Mike . . .

Yes, there's a small amount of motoguru on both sides -- but the right side is a tad larger. There's also sumi on both gill plates.

[aquitori]

In my opinion, the fish is more focused on growing than maturing. When the fish deems itself ready for finishing it will do that. But will the sumi come back? Maybe alittle less or unrefined..

[MikeM]

With motoguro at the base of both pecs, I think you will see Sumi expand in a couple of years.

[KoiCop]

Thanks, guys.

( . . . holding breath and waiting . . .)

[farne230]

Thanks for this forum. I found the photo's and sumi discussion very interesting. If you have time check out my recent post under my forum topic Bob's Pond. I took photo's of my three year old when purchased omosako shiro utsuri and a photo a few days ago. Note the sumi development at 3.5 years or more on the head.

[KoiCop]

Hey, Bob . . .

I'm having trouble finding it; would you post a link, please? Thanks,

[farne230]

My mistake it was located on *******: http://www.*******.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50149