Beni on Dorsal Fins of Kohakus

[LammiKoi]

Help! I am thinking of purchasing a SFF tosai kohaku (sorry, no pix at this time). Everything from conformation to pattern looks great except the latter half of the dorsal fin is covered with beni. Here are my questions:

1. Does this beni recede with time?

2. If not, then is it a major fault if he/she reaches show potential someday?

I heard that this beni usually doesn't recede. However, Kodama-san in Kokugyo II said that these usually recede and disappear with time. Please help!

This leads to another question, and that is, should one avoid showa with all-black pectoral fins when they are tosai even if they are from famous bloodlines? Or do these tighten up to show the classic motoguro pattern as they age? Again, Kodama-san said to not pass up on good showa even if they have all-black pectorals. Thanks again guys.

[RayJordan]

Quote: Originally Posted by LammiKoi Help! I am thinking of purchasing a SFF tosai kohaku (sorry, no pix at this time). Everything from conformation to pattern looks great except the latter half of the dorsal fin is covered with beni. Here are my questions: 1. Does this beni recede with time? 2. If not, then is it a major fault if he/she reaches show potential someday? I heard that this beni usually doesn't recede. However, Kodama-san in Kokugyo II said that these usually recede and disappear with time. Please help! This leads to another question, and that is, should one avoid showa with all-black pectoral fins when they are tosai even if they are from famous bloodlines? Or do these tighten up to show the classic motoguro pattern as they age? Again, Kodama-san said to not pass up on good showa even if they have all-black pectorals. Thanks again guys.

Here is what I have been taught. Beni in a tosai kohaku dorsal fin might recede if it does not go all the way to the edge. How major a demerit it is depends on how distracting. The positive attributes about the kohaku will be the important factors in how it does in a show much more that the demerits.

Black fins on a baby showa might recede especially if the front pecs ray is all white.

Also remember that koi never read the books or listen to the experts. A individual koi might follow the usual tendencies - unless it doesn't!

[dick benbow]

regards to kohaku. my experience has been that they generally pull back about half way down. But some bloodline pull all the way. I quess you pays your money and takes your chances. Red in the dorsal or the pec or the tail can be a deduct but it depends on the level of competition and also the other endearing qualities of the koi. Kentaro's fish are not inexpensive but with a good sized pond and good water there should be no reason why you couldn't get your monies worth.

Ray's tip about a white leading edge in showa is right on!

[l113892]

I think the black on the pec of a showa stands to recede much more dramatically than the red on the pec of a kohaku. Depending on the age of the fish, I would avoid the red pec kohaku unless you are getting real value and the issue doesn't bother you looking at the fish in your pond.

[LammiKoi]

Thank you for your guys' input. Gosh, I love this hobby! There's just so much to learn!!!!! I have a couple of Sakai of Hiroshima kohaku tosai with some beni on the dorsal fins that I purchased from Joel Burkard earlier in the year. From what you guys said hopefully they will recede and disappear in the future. If not, they are still beautiful koi. I will definitely keep you guys posted. Thanks again.

[Louie]

Hi,
If the red on the dorsal lays on the red of the pattern of the Kohaku it is not so distracting and yes I have seen red reside on the dorsal
Louie

[l113892]

I mis read your original post. Red is the dorsal- not red in the pec. I was surprised to learn from Mat McCann that the red can run all the way to the tip of the dorsal and still recede. In fact, Mat claimed that he could tell if the red was going to recede or not. My friend bought two kohaku, both with red in the dorsal. One he left to grow out at Nisai Koi Farm and the other he took home. I'll be able to see in a couple of years if what Mat said was correct. I would have passed on both fish before I heard what Mat said.

[LammiKoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by l113892 I mis read your original post. Red is the dorsal- not red in the pec. I was surprised to learn from Mat McCann that the red can run all the way to the tip of the dorsal and still recede. In fact, Mat claimed that he could tell if the red was going to recede or not. My friend bought two kohaku, both with red in the dorsal. One he left to grow out at Nisai Koi Farm and the other he took home. I'll be able to see in a couple of years if what Mat said was correct. I would have passed on both fish before I heard what Mat said.

Hi Mike, if you don't mind me asking, how could your friend Mat tell if the beni on the tip of the dorsal is going to recede. This would be helpful in finding potential tategoi. Thanks.