Choosing young fish

[MikeM]

Yep. ...most koikeepers would do best having all males. It makes no sense to spend what it takes to get females with the genetics to grow large unless the pond will support it. Most ponds will not.

[jbolding]

I would concur that for many (especialy newcommers) shouldn't be looking for the jumbo koi. First you need to learn to keep koi at a smaller more easy to manage level. But I would disaree on males as they will rarely if ever be as long lasting in color quality and won't have the kind of skin quality that even slightly smaller (26 to 18 inch) quality female koi will have. I beleive those two point are much more important to me than the ultimate size of the koi conformation aside.

[Brady Brandwood]

The male Koi in this pic is over 14 years old, possibly 18. If male Koi are given the same good care high quality female Koi are given, their beauty lasts many many years.

Best Wishes,
Brady Brandwood

[Brady Brandwood]

A full view.

[Brady Brandwood]

A 12 year old male Showa.

Best Wishes,
Brady

[Brady Brandwood]

A 11 year old male Sanke.

Best Wishes,
Brady

[mstrseed]

Brady,

Some killer colors...........................

[JasPR]

Tony has the 'most right' answer IMHO.

The ultimate question is what are you buying the fish for? The answer about choice then will be A) normal body for age
B) a body type that compliments that pattern
C) future body for adult female
D) a fish that is developing a typical body for that line or variety.
JR

[PapaBear]

We've enjoyed raising fry just to watch how different types change over time. Since we're rank amateurs our first experience was a complete crapshoot, but we still learned by observing them. This time around we're intentionally growing good and bad together to observe the differences with a more educated eye. It may sound like re-inventing the wheel, but the up close observations allow us to learn how and why different shapes, sizes, varieties, skin and scale types, develop the way they do. None of them pose any threat to JR's dollar, but the chance to learn is still there.

[jbolding]

Brady do you beleive that male koi of this quality are as readly available as female koi of this quality (or is it more or less)?
One thing I do sort of evny is that in most of the show results that I have seen in jJpan they also have Kyogyo (sp?) award for the male fish as they are important, but often can't compete head on with the females. Why in America do you think such awards have been shunned?