Which would you choose?

[gcuss]

Hello Folks,

Just continuing my education (with your help... )

Tell me what you think and why if you have time.

Here's what I think.

Number 1

Good confirmation
Female
The sumi that has come up is good
Possible that too much beni will unbalance fish in the future
No odome
Uneven moto guro
I like sumi in the shoulder, and can't see any sign of it yet

Number 2

Big head
Again, lots of beni
No sumi in left pec fin
Tail looks a little stubby
Potentially a powerful looking fish in years to come
Nice sumi pattern showing up on the head

Number 3

Beni in the pec and tail fin
Looks to have big bone structure
Nice inazuma kohaku pattern
Possibly male

Anyway, there's a total newbie's assessment. So as you can clearly see, I need work !!! I'll apologize in advance if I've misused some terminology or I'm so far off base it disgraceful.


Thank you.

Grant

[Brady Brandwood]

Hi Grant, do you have a close photo of the head of #1 by any chance?

Best Wishes,
Brady

[mstrseed]

The expensive one........................................

those are from the 555 event......................

#1 was what I thought is the sleeper, I would like to see it in 5 years......................................

[dick benbow]

my choice would be #30

[gcuss]

Originally Posted by Brady Brandwood

Hi Grant, do you have a close photo of the head of #1 by any chance?

Best Wishes,
Brady

Hi Brady, and thanks for responding.

As you've probably already guessed, they're fish from the 555 event. So the only picture I have is the one that's shown.

I'm thinking about buying a fish from them as I think it would be great experience for me in watching development, as well, as to see what the mud can do up close and personal compared to when the fish comes home to my humble pond.

I'm a little worried about the accommodations here (dont want to get too crowded) but I think I'll be alright.

Thanks Mr. Seed and thank you Mr. Benbow.

I'm off to see what #30 looks like.

Grant

[Brady Brandwood]

Oh, these are Matts? Yes, definitely would be a great experience for you to follow one or two for a year.

Best Wishes,
Brady

[gspotmc]

I would go for the first photo.

[MikeM]

Mat has been working with different Showa oyagoi. At the harvest last Fall, there was a lot of discussion about how well the Showa were turning out. The number of Showa in the 555 event sale seems to reflect that. Previously, Kohaku and Sanke dominated the offering.

The first one you posted is very interesting. At first glance, the shape of the Hi on the head gives the impression it is fading... retracting back from the eyes. If you look closely at the Hi, you can see tiny glistening sparkles across the body. It isn't ginrin. It's lustre cells in the skin. That's a good sign. A Sanke tosai I got a couple of years ago had something of a similar look. The Hi expanded, rather than contracting. So what is this one doing? Is the Hi still coming together? Is this Hi that will thicken? Wish I had a guaranteed 100% answer to that. I don't. I'd guess that Mat thinks the Hi will be fine or he would not have given it such prominence over the thousands of tosai Showa at the farm. But, he is not clairvoyant. For a 7-8 inch tosai, it sure has a lot going for it. Since I recommend getting the insurance so satisfaction is guaranteed on any of the tosai, from my way of thinking there is no economic risk. Still have the risk of a broken heart if it does not turn out... or an awesome Showa if it does.

By ignoring the other two you posted, I don't mean to imply anything. I just find the first one so very interesting.

Have fun pondering it.

[HEADACHE6]

I have been looking at Showa #2 of the above . Any comments ?

With Tosai , It's one of those "If this & this & that" happens , it will be a nice Koi .

[PapaBear]

Originally Posted by HEADACHE6

I have been looking at Showa #2 of the above . Any comments ?

With Tosai , It's one of those "If this & this & that" happens , it will be a nice Koi .

You too? All 3 of these have some of that going for them, but the interesting sumi possibilities on this one does bring out the gambler in you doesn't it...

As to the original question, all 3 have strong beni pattern-wise which should hold up well for the long haul as the fish grow. Painting the ever elusive sumi future on them is always the fun (and hard) part