Please help me select these koi !!! I'm Newbie

[The Pond Digger]

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeM I do not think there is a shimmy. I think that is debris in the water, like what is seen in the container.

Good Catch Mike. I too thought that was a spot of undesirable color in the Hi plate under the dorsal fin. Boy picking fish from a photo is tricky! I am learning a wealth of info.

Even if there are no undesirable spots of color in any of the HI plates wouldn't a more desirable HI pattern be plates separated by white? I suppose it is that is left to the desire of the buyer. From my perspective it would appear that on fish number 4, most of the HI will be connected or slightly separated without any fancy interest. The distance of the white on the nose to the first Hi plate seems to balance nicely to the odome.

I was told, "The art of koi begins with Kohaku and ends with Kohaku."

My desire to understand Kohaku, will always be.

Respectfully,

The Pond Digger

[aquitori]

#3 and #5 have better bodylines. The farmer must have used Maruyama Oyagoi for this breeding.

[HEADACHE6]

OK , Yuck may have been a little strong of a word , But I'm still passing .

[Super Kindai]

Quote: Originally Posted by koiczar I'm surprised! I was looking at #4 as well, UNTIL I SAW THE SHIMI ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SECOND STEP!!!!! Don't tell me the rest of you missed THAT!? Junichi What do you know that the rest of us don't - #3 and #5 are much more yellow in comparision. Also, doesn't #5 have a torn dorsal fin? If the breeder/dealer is using "color food" then the coloring is understandable, but I would still question whether they are males or not due to this fact! So, what do you think? Mike

Hi Mike, Yes, I 've found a few tiny black like shimi on the back of #4. At the same time, there 're many debris on left side of the blue area,. So maybe shimi, maybe debris....

Well, there is no secret on #3 and #5.....it's just a matter of taste/favor. Since it's not a koi judging so I picked what I like. Yes, they smell male fish and I didn't pay attention a torn dorsal fin on #5.
My priority is for proportionally correct body and skin quality rather than pattern. In these days, koi grows to 27 -28"(70cm) or so, I just prefer to enjoy a koi with luster, smooth & natural body flow and a way of swiming in general.
Take off pattern/beni, then it's a Shiro Muji... Has a fish still attraction without its pattern...?

Also, there are not much difference of beni quality among 5 kohakus, I mean... yes, there 're difference but, I am sorry to say , they are not really good quality,overall...

[aquitori]

Have to agree with Junichisan on this, either way we look at it the fish presented arent very high quality. What would I rather have a yellow consistant tosai or weird conformation tosai? With the consistant yellow it has a chance to improve later on, but a weird conformation tosai can only get worst. I would take my chance on #3 and #5, only because they have a better future than the rest.

[dick benbow]

First let me say welcome to our chat board. As you can tell there are many theories and
opinions as to the development of these kohaku.

In helping to select by pattern, Imagine each lil koi is a balloon. Your going to inflate them and watch them grow before your eyes. Some of the smaller patterns that look so
"right " on them now will begin to "ride up" and become less dominating as they grow . Take a good look at #4. See how heavy this pattern rides on this koi. It will stick with the koi as it grows and improve. The very flowery pattern of #3 is the other end of the learning curve. It is a Very busy pattern, it will not stay with the koi as it grows. As your learning, the power of your taste should play a part. Do you like the formal #1. technically pretty smart looking.
Or would the judges remember #2 because it pattern is quite unique. Which one do you prefer. I think it's important not to be so swayed by other's opinion on patterns. Pick what you like. As you raise various ones you will learn about the things that develop into quality like skin, irregular sashi etc. I hope you'll remember the lesson of a heavy pattern on a little koi ( the balloon lesson) it will serve you well as you advance.

[Super Kindai]

Some nice looking small ones.... (too expensive tiny fishes. )

[111whalen]

I like these also. Is the red a bit thin in #3 or is it growing rapidly. I would love to bid on #2 or #4. where are they?

[Super Kindai]

Quote: Originally Posted by 111whalen I like these also. Is the red a bit thin in #3 or is it growing rapidly. I would love to bid on #2 or #4. where are they?

I am not sure but #3 is Ginrin Kohaku, so maybe that's why it looks a bit thin....?
Pattern like #2 is currently the most strongest for a small size fish at major koi show in Japan and, according to my friend, the breeder is hiding #1 kohakus from their regular customers so far.....


These are in Japan and name of the breeder is Oishi Fish Farm / Hiroshima
English

One of the most strongest breeder for small size gosanke at major koi shows in there.
Ü—ð‚Ì‚²Ð‰î

[aquitori]

Tom from Champ brought in some really nice ones 2 months ago and they sold really quick!!!!! Hopefully he will make a trip back to get more this spring.