Omosako Shiro Utsuri - Pick one

[Ronin-Koi]

Hi Everyone.

I have seen a lot of good examples of mature Omosako shiro utsuri that are just GREAT. It is much harder for a new koi keeper like myself to be able to look at a young koi and predict how that koi might turn out. I have really enjoyed JNorth's shiro utsuri motoguro experiment as it will allow us to see how his young koi develop in the future.

Below, I am attaching photos of 3 Omosako shiro utsuri. They range from 10 to 12 inches. They are nisai and are a bit small for the age due to being kept in small quarters. If you had to choose one for future potential, which would you pick and WHY? All comments welcome so we can all learn.

Feel free to post your shiro utsuri photos for comparison.

- Wayne, likes shiro utsuri.
EDIT: I should mention that I do not own these currently, and my feelings will not be hurt by honest opinions. =)

[RayJordan]

Of these three "A" is the type I would pick. A slightly better body but the small tight and better quality sumi (motogoro) that the rest. Motoguro is the best indicator of sumi quality for later I have been taught. Plus it has some finished and unfinished sumi on body.

[Russell Peters]

I like "C".

[jnorth]

A for me. best conformation

[saratogatan]

I have seen better omo shiro. I will pick C, boom or busted. 'A''s better confirmation maybe due to camera angle, if not, its nose is too short.

stan

[MikeM]

"B" is definitely last IMO.

My first reaction was "C", so I'll stick to it. Balanced pattern, motoguro forming well and I just have a feeling it is female. I've no idea, however. Reading the comments of Ray and Jim, I'm influenced to go with them, but I'd pick "C" if I was acting on my own so that's what I'll do.

[jnorth]

Pattern wise I like A as well. If the sumi comes up in the places I circled then it should be very nicely balance while c will have a ton of sumi. Also check out how thick the tail is on a vs the other two. Just my opinion though .

[RayJordan]

I agree with Jim's reasons as well. When Sakuma was here two weeks ago he really stressed significance of strong high quality but tight to the body motoguro. Nothing is 100% with utsuri or showa but given the choice go with the best motoguro at tosai.

Not saying any of these three are great selections but of the three I would go with A.

[Ronin-Koi]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I agree that B is last. I thought A was best, then asked the opinion of someone who has seen these fish in person and who has a great eye for koi. They said C has the best potential. So far, as far as "voting" A has 9 votes, and C has 9. A tie!! No one likes B.

As for me, I would want a female, and I would also want the one with most growth potential.

Here are some more photos of just A and C to see the fish at slightly different angles.

- Wayne, thinks this is a gamble between more defined sumi/ growth/ conformation now vs mystery potential.

[Russell Peters]

"C" does have the best potential as it has the best quality. Motoguru at a young age doesn't even have to exist to be an indicator, although "C" has motoguru that is almost the same as "A". "A" is male and "C" is female.

Also, if "A" or "C" had the motoguru of "B" it would not be of concern. It will consolidate. If you notice the leading ray on the pecs of "B" you will see that it is white.