A question about a Matsuba? Educate me please!!

[Brutuscz]

Let me start out with..Matsuba is not really my cup of tea. I never desired to own one. I have this one to sell, not keep. But...I want to learn. Is this one any good? It is 9 inches and has a decent sheen. As you can see..the pinecone effect is mostly dorsal. Is this what is desireable at this small size....or should it cover more of the fish? As always...I appreciate the education!!!

[RayJordan]

Here is a pic of a pretty good one.

[KoiCop]

Yup, a pix is worth a thousand words.

Thanks, Ray.

[Brutuscz]

Now..my question. Does my 9 inch koi have a chance of being that nice? What should I be looking for at this size? This one was bred by blackwater creek. So, I assume there is some Suda stock in there somewhere.

[Steve Nguyen]

here is one I bought for study back in July 2006 for $20 at 5" tosai. it's now about 13". picture aren't great but it gives you some idea on development. imo, matsuba must have clean head.

your fish seemed to have long fins characteristics.

Steve

[dick benbow]

and the matsuba pattern is suggestive of the pine cone.

When selecting these koi be sure and ascertain that the matsuba pattern is black and not blue. Many times Hi Asagi are sold once the red over runs them.
In younger koi the blue usually remains in the shoulder but at some stage it is run over completely by red but you can tell the asagi base because it's not the distinct sumi image of the black.

Aka matsuba like Hi Utsuri tends as a majority to be a reddish orange as opposed to a few select individuals that are really red. I notice this as well
with my favorite..... Aka bekko.