Culling Kohaku

[HEADACHE6]

Mat , I have had several friends purchase kohakus from you this year . Would it be safe to say they are all from the same female ?

[cppond]

On fish that size with so little beni on most of the fish, wouldn't you want the one with the most clean beni and the best shiro? Can you really tell anything from the body at this point, aside from defects?

If you have experience with the line, I guess you can trust that the beni will not recede too much, but based on the pics alone, why wouldn't you pick the second koi? The shiro on the nose is good, and the pattern is more likely to form into something that would look good on a large fish.

The kiwa looks better on number seven, but what is going to be left of that pattern? Is kiwa that important at that size?

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I would appreciate any insight that could be provided. Not that I am ever likely to have to select from fish that size, but I am interested to know.

[Richard Rombold]

Carl,

Mat may have a different take on this than I, but quality is evident at this age. The crispness and overall appearance may fade as the fish goes through the phenomenal growth spurt of the first two years, but at this age you can tell quality. The shiroji is snow white, the beni beautiful and the kiwa clean on the best fish. Like I said though, Mat may have a different oppinon and it's his thread.

Richard

[dick benbow]

So, Carl....what did you think of #5?

[cppond]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richard Rombold Carl, Mat may have a different take on this than I, but quality is evident at this age. The crispness and overall appearance may fade as the fish goes through the phenomenal growth spurt of the first two years, but at this age you can tell quality. The shiroji is snow white, the beni beautiful and the kiwa clean on the best fish. Like I said though, Mat may have a different oppinon and it's his thread. Richard

Thanks, Richard. You and Matt make your living making these choices, so I appreciate your input. Are you saying that we kind of get a "peek" at quality at this age that may be obscured by growth for the next two years? That's very interesting, if I understood correctly.

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow So, Carl....what did you think of #5?

That one certainly satisfies my concern about pattern, but the pic was not that clear and the beni behind the head did not look even to me, so it gave me some concern. With a better pic, and if I could resolve my concerns about the beni behind the head, I would like it better than #2.

I can't really make meaningful choices about quality at that size which is why I find this interesting. I also like the third fish in the first group of pics which is probably the best of both groups "today." Of course, these are not supposed to be "today" fish.

[MikeM]

Like them all.... but, Dick, I'd take #6.

[Richard Rombold]

Carl,

Yes, exactly. It may have to do with the scales not being fully developed or the hormones at this age, but it is in many ways easier to spot the ones with the most promise at this stage. Many breeders like to keep these aside in a separate net while culling. If for no other reason than to admire them at the end of the day. I am sure this was the case at Quality Koi. This may not be the case with all varieties, but it holds true for kohaku, sanke, yamabuki and purachina.

Richard

[PapaBear]

I'm still looking for one among them I DON'T like
I'm with you Carl. This is some great education for me too. Learning what to look for at such an early stage and following them through the ongoing culling process.
(Yes Mat, that is a BLATANT hint for more to follow as the weeks and months go by)...

[cppond]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richard Rombold Carl, Yes, exactly. It may have to do with the scales not being fully developed or the hormones at this age, but it is in many ways easier to spot the ones with the most promise at this stage. Many breeders like to keep these aside in a separate net while culling. If for no other reason than to admire them at the end of the day. I am sure this was the case at Quality Koi. This may not be the case with all varieties, but it holds true for kohaku, sanke, yamabuki and purachina. Richard

Good to know, Richard. Thank you.

[mr_koi]

Hi everyone
I had technical difficulties logging on last night and very early this morning, so all answers and more photo will be tonight. Got to rushh back to Kohaku
Thanks for all the great feedback
Mat