Hi Showa development

[l113892]

I like what the sumi is doing on this showa. When I selected the fish, I thought he was unusual in that the sumi on top of the hi appeared brown. The first season I called the fish my goromo showa. I take it is far easier to get this glossy sumi appearance when the sumi sits on hi rather than on shiro. It will be interesting to see if this fish peaks early or if the glossy sumi holds up with time.

[l113892]

The first two pictures were taken 10 months prior to the second two pictures.

[KoiCop]

Mike . . .

Very interesting.

A Bradygoi, perhaps?

[l113892]

Actually an Ogata showa. I wouldn't normally buy a hi showa but again, the brown sumi caught my eye and I rarely find a showa with no weak areas in the hi.

[HEADACHE6]

I would be interested in what a Judge would have to say , Louisville ?

[l113892]

Hi Showa don't normally do well in koi shows.

[Super Kindai]

If I owned yours, I would let it grow to 32" at least. then I would challenge Koi shows..
Ogata fish may not be easy to maintain body... but I think it has a chance because of this type pattern..

[l113892]

No problem. I'm going to let it grow to 32 inches. At least.

[JasPR]

You are right about the battle between sumi and beni on showa Mike, that why showa with sumi and beni isolated as so expensive. Fish like Kato's old inazuma for instance. It is not only a rarity as an accomplishment of man and nature, but the beni can be deeper in shiro ground if it is not competing with sumi. I have a fish with a similar problem as yours. The sumi in the right light appears brown due to the beni overlapping the sumi, just as you suggested. Here is a shot as a youngster, I' ll see if I can get a more recent one as the fish is now well over 10.

[MikeM]

Old-style patterning on Showa is always grand... and so nice when it is such black sumi. Nice one.