Koi length

[beebo]

I'm new here..... Hi.

Just a quick question as to how you measure the length of your Koi. I know that when sports fish (in my part of the world) are measured, it's from the fork in the tail to the nose, following the body contour.
What is the universally accepted method for Koi?

[111whalen]

Tip to tip.
Welcome to Bito. Who are you? Tell us a little.

[beebo]

Quote: Originally Posted by 111whalen Tip to tip. Welcome to Bito. Who are you? Tell us a little.

Thanks
Does that mean that I can add another couple or so inches onto my butterflies? Not measured from the fork? Measured from the tip of the fin?

I live on the west coast of Canada where the climate is quite temperate all year, but cold enough in winter for my Koi to fast for about 4 mos..
I (and my labrador retriever, Hayley) keep a constant lookout for herons and raccoons as I've lost a few koi over the years to them.
My pond (hand-dug, pond liner, quite basic) is about 1700 gals. and holds 8 Koi ranging in size from 16 ins. to 23-24 ins. measured from the tail fork, and two shebunkins.
I am happily married (28 years) to a wife who doesn't get too upset when I feed my Koi fresh shrimp. One son has moved out and one son is on his way. One dog, two cats.
I am a huge Hockey fan.

[mstrseed]

Quote: Originally Posted by 111whalen Tip to tip. Welcome to Bito. Who are you? Tell us a little.

And no tail pichin.................

[mstrseed]

Quote: Originally Posted by beebo Thanks Does that mean that I can add another couple or so inches onto my butterflies? Not measured from the fork? Measured from the tip of the fin?

Long fins are from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail tube............no tail fins
Koi are to the end of the tail fin.............

Same rules down here, keep your stick on the ice

[beebo]

Quote: Long fins are from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail tube............no tail fins

It's a wonder (seriously) that I've been able to get my Koi to the size they are. Just been flying by the seat of my pants mostly. To Illustrate........ what is the tail tube? I'm guessing that it's where the tail fin is the thickest? The feathery part begins where the tail tube ends?

[MikeM]

"Tail tube" refers to the portion of the body between the rear end of the dorsal fin and the beginning of the caudal fin.

[diamond*girl]

Hi beebo,
Can I ask you where your longfins came from. I'm wondering if the breeder was West Coast Koi in Victoria. Do you have pics of your larger ones?
Thanks,
C. in BC

[The Pond Digger]

That is certainly a good question. Those that have been into koi may not know any different than tip to tip. Back when I was cool and in the business of breeding and importing African Cichlids the measurement was from nose to caudal peduncle. The base of the caudal fin, right next to the body.

I wasn't sure how measuring Koi would be exactly until I grabbed up my Shiro Utsuri's for the grow out contest from Mystic Koi. We measured tip to tip.......

It would be interesting to see what ROOKIEKOIGUY has to say about measuring fish since he was in a completely different fish trade pertaining to marine fish.

The Pond Digger Grow Out Stats

Respectfully,

The Pond Digger

[beebo]

Thanks, MikeM. I obviously have some terminology to catch up on........ I'll get there (with help)

Quote: Hi beebo, Can I ask you where your longfins came from. I'm wondering if the breeder was West Coast Koi in Victoria. Do you have pics of your larger ones? Thanks, C. in BC

Hi Diamond Girl.
I've bought all of my Koi locally (more locally than the Island, actually). Some were bought in Langley (Cedar Gardens, out of business), some here in N. Vancouver (pet shop) and some (Japanese) in N. Surrey.
Is West Coast Koi a good supplier? I've seen some impressive ads.......

I am going to take some pics of my Koi and pond to post here very soon with my 5 mp camera (passe now, I know) but I am waiting for some good weather, which is a rare thing here on the mainland this time of year LOL. You and my Brother and Sister in-law are much luckier! I really want to know what others here think. Please stay tuned.

I'm very impressed with the level of response here, by the way. Thanks again, all...... I'll be an expert in no time.