Since we are discussing Shiro's- opinions please!!

[Brutuscz]

Since I have shiro on the brain now..I figured I'd take a few pictures of one of my own. This one is over-wintering in my basement. The breeder of this female utsuri is Marusho. I have owned this koi for two seasons. It was purchased at a size of 4 inches and is currently over 12 inches. Not my fastest grower for sure. You can see I've documented it's development from the day of purchase until today. I would definitely like opinions on this koi, and it's development...they are always appreciated.

[dinh]

Very good utsuri. Excellent development. I like it....

Why don't you enter the show? I would love to see side-by-side with other...

--Dinh

[Brutuscz]

Quote: Originally Posted by dinh Very good utsuri. Excellent development. I like it.... Why don't you enter the show? I would love to see side-by-side with other... --Dinh

I entered my ginrin kohaku. This utsuri won an award in a show already(best utsuri size 1). I figured I'd enter a fish that has never been shown to get some opinions.

[MikeM]

In another thread we were focused on body shape. This one makes a good contrast. On a scale of 1 to 10, it is not a 9; but does not have the imbalance seen in too many Shiros. This one can put on growth and the body frame will handle it. You'll not be disappointed at 24". Nice pattern. Really like the timeline showing the maturation of the shiroji. We so often focus on the maturing/thickening of beni and sumi, and overlook development of shiroji. With Shiro Utsuri the shiroji is just as important as sumi development.

[JasPR]

Bingo! As much as we talk about conformation as a review or 'body' as a quality element, there are keys to certain varieties that are all the difference between a nice fish and an exceptional fish.
And beginners need to get enough exposure to shiro utsuri so that are not fooled by the impressive contrast of color alone.

Mike is right in that the nature of the shiro ground is everything in Shiro utsuri. To understand the level of evolution of shiro skin just compare it to ki utsuri and hi utsuri- they really can't, as a general statement, hold a candle to shiro utsuri. The reason is, the skin and ground color are of a more rare quality in shiro than in the other two varieties.

The difference beween a good and a great shiro utsuri is in the genes that trigger the type of skin. White is a mutation. But it can be due to :

a) a reduced amount of black in the skin ( very hard looking cottom like skin)
b) no black in the skin at all ( hard white)
c) no color in the skin at all. ( soft white)

Soft white is the highest quality white. Fish with hard white will often show color in the face. Fish of a soft translucent porcelin quality show no color at all in the skin. That is the highest quality fish typically as the sumi is highly complimented by that look. JR

[Brutuscz]

I realize it is difficult to tell in pictures..but I understand the concept of soft white. I just haven't seen enough to tell in the case of my Marusho shiro utsuri. Can this quality be evaluated at a very young age? This is my newest shiro (also, in for the winter.). It is 7 inches and from Omosako. It was sold to me as a probable female. I believe this koi has that soft, porcelin type of shiro you are describing. Any predictions on this one? I appreciate the info as always.

[Auntiesue]

It's really hard to say for sure from photos, but the whites on both these fish is stunning. If you ever get tired of either of them, you can re-home them in Minnesota!!!

Whatever you're doing, just keep on doing!!

What are you feeding these babies?

[The Pond Digger]

This sure is a nice looking fish. It is interesting to me how the fish has not made any drastic changes in sumi, yet the white seems to be maturing nicely. The thing that strikes me in the most appealing way besides the unique facial pattern, is the sheer beauty of the pectoral fins. I will look forward to seeing the fish in one year.

The Pond Digger Grow Out Stats

The Pond Digger

Quote: Originally Posted by Brutuscz Since I have shiro on the brain now..I figured I'd take a few pictures of one of my own. This one is over-wintering in my basement. The breeder of this female utsuri is Marusho. I have owned this koi for two seasons. It was purchased at a size of 4 inches and is currently over 12 inches. Not my fastest grower for sure. You can see I've documented it's development from the day of purchase until today. I would definitely like opinions on this koi, and it's development...they are always appreciated.

[Brutuscz]

Quote: Originally Posted by Auntiesue It's really hard to say for sure from photos, but the whites on both these fish is stunning. If you ever get tired of either of them, you can re-home them in Minnesota!!! Whatever you're doing, just keep on doing!! What are you feeding these babies?

Thanks for the compliments!! I have been feeding blackwater creek gold formula for all of last season. I am extremely happy with the results. I have used many different foods, from many companies. I was given a free sample and used it reluctantly...now, it is all I use.

[Auntiesue]

Quote: Originally Posted by Brutuscz Thanks for the compliments!! I have been feeding blackwater creek gold formula for all of last season. I am extremely happy with the results. I have used many different foods, from many companies. I was given a free sample and used it reluctantly...now, it is all I use.

Interesting!! I've considered offering this food myself. Nice to hear some feedback on it especially since you are feeding shiros.

A local keeper is feeding the Blackwater Creek staple and getting tremendous growth from his fish.

Sue