question about this sanke

[mojo]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow I think we can all agree that it's a boy!

come on, Mr Dick, the boy ask your vast knowledge on koi, and all you give him is sex (!!!!!!!!!) Give him something else that you don't want to tell him !!!!

[Ethan25]

Quote: Originally Posted by mojo come on, Mr Dick, the boy ask your vast knowledge on koi, and all you give him is sex (!!!!!!!!!) Give him something else that you don't want to tell him !!!!

what, that it's pond grade? I know that its pondgrade because I have been told that's all I have. I was just wondering about whether it would be classified sanke or showa, and whether or not more sumi would rise.

[elunned]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ethan25 what, that it's pond grade? I know that its pondgrade because I have been told that's all I have. I was just wondering about whether it would be classified sanke or showa, and whether or not more sumi would rise.

There are two approaches to classifying koi - the foremost reason is for entering koi into a show. For pond-grade koi, classification is often a moot points - the label only helps you communicate with other koi keepers. Since this koi isn't competetive, the label doesn't really matter.

The other reason to classify koi is as a way to understand where they came from and thus where they might be heading.

As a genetics geek, I am sometimes more interested in the biology than the koi on the day. Your koi is a sanke, despite the sumi on the head. As a sanke, sumi may continue to appear, but there won't be the kind of dramatic changes you can expect in showa. As others have said, the striping in the fins and the dorsal (top down) rather than wrapping pattern of sumi are consistent with sanke genetics rather than showa genetics (modern or kindai showa development can be a bit more complex). Looking at this sanke - the body isn't half-bad, it is isn't a specklegoi, and the white is nice and clean. I like the sumi. The pattern is certainly non-traditional for a sanke, but it is balanced. As a pond koi, it is far more attractive than many I have seen, and it seems to be well kept. Koi are a journey - this one can help you learn.

[Ethan25]

Quote: Originally Posted by elunned There are two approaches to classifying koi - the foremost reason is for entering koi into a show. For pond-grade koi, classification is often a moot points - the label only helps you communicate with other koi keepers. Since this koi isn't competetive, the label doesn't really matter. The other reason to classify koi is as a way to understand where they came from and thus where they might be heading. As a genetics geek, I am sometimes more interested in the biology than the koi on the day. Your koi is a sanke, despite the sumi on the head. As a sanke, sumi may continue to appear, but there won't be the kind of dramatic changes you can expect in showa. As others have said, the striping in the fins and the dorsal (top down) rather than wrapping pattern of sumi are consistent with sanke genetics rather than showa genetics (modern or kindai showa development can be a bit more complex). Looking at this sanke - the body isn't half-bad, it is isn't a specklegoi, and the white is nice and clean. I like the sumi. The pattern is certainly non-traditional for a sanke, but it is balanced. As a pond koi, it is far more attractive than many I have seen, and it seems to be well kept. Koi are a journey - this one can help you learn.

That's some great information...I appreciate it. The reason I purchased it last spring was because of the bright white and the unique pattern on the head. I also had not really delved into the koi hobby like I have now in the sense of knowing what a quality sanke must have. Overall, it is one of the nicer koi in the pond in my opinion. Either way, Im happy with the pondgrade koi, and like you said, it gives me an opportunity to see how I do with water quality, koi care, etc...before I pay any substantial money on fish. We all start somewhere, Right?
Ethan

[CarolinaGirl]

Ethen, a very simplified way to look at Sanke is look for a good kohaku pattern and add black to the body (like a good shiro bekko pattern). That's a sanke.

[Ethan25]

Quote: Originally Posted by CarolinaGirl Ethen, a very simplified way to look at Sanke is look for a good kohaku pattern and add black to the body (like a good shiro bekko pattern). That's a sanke.

so the best looking sanke probably have a 3 or 4 step pattern along with added amounts of sumi spread out? Not stripes, but spots of sumi? Or are stripes preferred?

Ethan

[MikeM]

Ethan, I like your approach. Build up your knowledge before moving up the price scale. ...BTW, I think you are right about this koi. Of the ones you have posted, this is your best. You're learning. Keep smiling.

[CarolinaGirl]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ethan25 so the best looking sanke probably have a 3 or 4 step pattern along with added amounts of sumi spread out? Not stripes, but spots of sumi? Or are stripes preferred? Ethan

a good looking sanke should have a good kohaku pattern. Not necessarly a certain number of steps because I have seen some really nice one step kohakus before. The sumi is in spots that normally are all above the lateral line and not on the head. A showa has sumi that starts from below the lateral line and wraps up towards the back, a sanke has black on the back. This is not a firm fast wat to tell the difference because I have seen plenty of sanke with sumi on the head, and I have seen showa with no black on the head. I sent you an Email that has a link to a great article written my Art Lembke on selecting koi.

[CarolinaGirl]

Ethan, Here is a link to the article that Art wrote. I hope you enjoy it and learn as much from it as I have. I refer to it quite often!!

http://koishack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4220

[Super Kindai]

Hi, Ethan. I like your Sanke... nice body line.

There are kind of ideal pattern and theory for each variety. However Confirmation & Quality always come first. then pick up an acceptable pattern or our own favorite pattern.... We will have more chance to get good collections......