Heads and tail on these eight Kohaku’s

[Vogata]

Anyone that wants to point to bloodline? We had asked for would like as clear as possible, but are still awaiting the answer on this.
We our self have problems finding all eight to one line.

Breeder/farm is the same for all eight any thoughts?

[Clay]

The breeder is always difficult for me to guess. It is easier to guess when the fish is older. Your English is quite good.

I think that you will have a great adventure with these fish. You might find differences in the same line between female and male growth. You will see the hi develop as they age. You will see how the white develops and you will have fun doing it. Congrats on importing the kohaku that will bring a smile to your face.

Rick

[Vogata]

Could not agree with the breeder/bloodline part more! It’s like we are complete idiots each time out.
I have held back just to see if out was obvious to everybody but us. Just to get more feedback, they are all from Dainichi Koi Farm and supposed to give some insight in growth and development. Well to be honest over the last beer I just blurted out, please get me some gold to the price of copper, but I doubt that that one came through.

This was as normal for us a leap of faith. This is not a complaint! We have always felt and still do feel that we get best value from the Japanese breeders through our mentor).
So like on an early “Christmas evening” we gathered around and opened that long awaited parcel. All of us by then expecting that the Dainichi bloodline would revel some of its turn and twists for us right there and then.

Sorry to report but that was as usual not so. We have spent many an evening watching, thinking and reading up. I therefore responsible for this post and a outstretch to everybody in an effort trying to increase our understanding and knowledge.

We have convinced our self that at least one in each picture doesn’t the any of the characteristics, and that the rest in some way or another do.

We have no problems with finding nice parts one all of them in our different moments some more than others…….. We do feel stupid not seeing what gives the great difference between this and the ponders normally available. Must in the same breath mention that we have no Kohaku’s labelled as such available to compare with.

[MikeM]

Congrats! You're going to enjoy this bunch. Lots of variation on the theme of Kohaku. I think this has to be the way to learn a deep appreciation for simple red and white.

[Vogata]

Not to nag, but i hoped there would me more punch or spirit in the coment whers Luke when you need one?

[MikeM]

OK, I'll punch it up a bit.

The fish in the first photo are the most interesting to me. The one at 12:00 o'clock has the worst pattern and gives an initial appearance that the Hi is at risk of fading. But, I think that is a misperception. This fish has a strong shoulder, looks to be female to me and I'd guess she will be growing well for a number of years. But, I would not want her because of the pattern. (Pattern is least important in judging, but is quite important in my decision of what I will have living in my pond for a decade or more.)

The one at 3:00 is the stand-out today. I agree with DickB that this most likely male, but never can be sure from a photo at that size. Enjoy this one now. In two years, I think you will start finding him boring.

The one at 6:00 is my favorite of the group. See how the Shiro glistens? The Hi pattern is the most interesting of the group, with decent odome. Right now the Hi looks a bit messy, but I think it will clean up. The Hi also looks lighter. I cannot tell if it is thinner or simply too immature to show properly. The way the Hi cuts across the shoulder and the deep sashi reminds me of Hasegawa Kohaku. Then, there is the Hi in the pectoral.... not too much, but if you believe the notion that Hi at the base of a pectoral indicates strong Hi that will not fade, then this can be seen as a positive (albeit unfortunate) indicator of the future Hi development. So, altogether, I see the Hi as most likely immature and would assume future improvement. Then the most important factor: the body. The photo angle is actually pretty good for this purpose. See how broad the head is between the eyes? And, it has a flatness to it?? I think this fish has the genes to grow to be large.

Then the one at 9:00 ... Well, I already took 6:00 home with me, so I'll let you guess at my thoughts on 9:00.

.....Seriously, I am not able to evaluate these fish reliably from a photo. But, it is fun to guess. If you jot down your guesses now and then review your thoughts in a year, I think you can learn a great deal about koi development. It really helps to see the living fish in person!!

Enjoy.

[Vogata]

Thanks for your time and thoughts, you’re on our side now (picture). It’s a real problem up close for us since so many details jump up at you …..

No. I am the shortest ones and No. II are the longest in the group, so all considering a difference ~4cm also gives a difference I quality.