Potential of this kohaku from Shintaro??

[koiczar]

Brutuscz

As Dick mentioned, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, having said that I would have to agree that the pattern on this one, looking to the future, will not be that powerful looking especially at the odome where there is no defined "stop". I also feel that the kiwa on the first step is a little weak. If you look closer, you will see individual scales beginning to separate from the main beni pattern area. This is not a good sign, unless the rest holds up and the stray scales disappear. I'm glad you're enjoying it, but just not my cup of tea.

Mike

[markgardner]

Being realistic about it, Saito San didn't see enough in it to grow it past 2 selections!!

[Brutuscz]

Mark...I can honestly say I never bought into that idea. I deifinitely believe many excellent koi slip through the cracks at a young age. Maybe to make ends meet for some breeders...or because it is a slow grower. When you are literally culling from a million koi...it is simply the law of probablity that some will slip through. I always thought the trick was to find the coupe deville at the bottom of a cracker jack box!! I've even managed to do it a few times.

[koiczar]

That theory MIGHT hold true if the breeders were only culling once or twice. But, the reality of the situation is, they know their fish, they know their bloodlines tendancies and they know what sells at a young age. I agree with Mark, especially when you're dealing with the top breeders. They're at the top for a reason. Yes, don't get me wrong, they are human and they can make a mistake, but the law of averages is totally on their side. Anything more is simply wishful thinking and marketing hype on the part of some dealer/s back when the market was thinner and they needed a hook to get people to buy lower grade imported stocks. This is also why I hate to see the term "tategoi" used so freely when it doesn't really apply to the fish imported to the U S.

[Brutuscz]

BUT...the economy is not very good right now. Selling a bunch at a lower price than hoped for, might be better than holding them and waiting for a big payoff that never comes. Plus..I really believe the earthquake may have changed things. It costs money to rebuild...so, some dealers may have been forced to sell koi that they otherwise may have kept. I just always keep in mind that the maruyama showa GC was sold for around $1,000. So...it is possible, and has happened.
I know I always stick pics of my koi here...But I'm going to show my shiro utsuri again. Bred by Marusho..imported by toyoma, bought locally in Ct. I purchased it from a batch of mixed breeders for $60. I contacted Roland to find out the breeder after I bought it. It is a female with very steady growth. It has won 2 medals..and I hope it continues to win. Art Lembke was impressed with this koi and gave me strict instructions...NOT to screw it up..LOL. Maybe it is different is California....where there is a huge koi buying audience. But, I've gotten lucky on more than a few occasions. I believe there are two ways to play this game....open a huge wallet, or develop a great eye. Since my wife controls the $$$ (thank goodness)...I'll keep working on the eye thing!!!

[Auntiesue]

Quote: Originally Posted by Brutuscz The beni is nice and stable. The picture was in direct sunlight in my pea soup water. I have a new 200watt UV coming soon...to add to the 4-36watt units I have now. I am in direct sunlight..so, it's rough. Phosphates are high in my local water as well. I also added a sun shade recently. Dick is right...I have to say this is the one time I really have faith in a koi. I found the back half of the front pattern very interesting. The first time i saw it, I thought it looked like a tornado..or Twister. I found it to be an eye catching feature of it's pattern. It completely took me by surprise when people said the pattern was boring. But..I guess that is art for you. It either touches you, or it doesn't. If it becomes a jumbo female...I will have great satisfaction for keeping it in a few years.

Sometimes a koi "speaks to you". There may be no ryme or reason for purchasing the fish, but something inside talks to you. This sounds like one of those times for you. I always buy fish that "speak to me" in some way. When the eye first glances on the fish you know if it is meant to be with you or not. You keep going back to it. You try to study it and make rational decisions about it, but there it is, speaking to you!! When you purchase fish with your heart, you'll never be dissapointed in how well they turn out. They will remain that fish that "spoke to you" always.

Sue

[Lam Nguyen]

Koi whisperer!

[Lam Nguyen]

Hope I didn't offend anyone w/ my "koi whisperer" comment. Sue, I totally understand what you are saying. I have a couple of koi in my collection that would not win any awards at any level of show, but they are my favorites because it seems that I can connect with them..........I guess no matter how serious you are in this hobby, in the end it is still only a hobby.

[darion6]

That shiro is indeed a great find! I have been interested but the better ones seem expensive. maybe u can help me with some tips!

Quote: Originally Posted by Brutuscz BUT...the economy is not very good right now. Selling a bunch at a lower price than hoped for, might be better than holding them and waiting for a big payoff that never comes. Plus..I really believe the earthquake may have changed things. It costs money to rebuild...so, some dealers may have been forced to sell koi that they otherwise may have kept. I just always keep in mind that the maruyama showa GC was sold for around $1,000. So...it is possible, and has happened. I know I always stick pics of my koi here...But I'm going to show my shiro utsuri again. Bred by Marusho..imported by toyoma, bought locally in Ct. I purchased it from a batch of mixed breeders for $60. I contacted Roland to find out the breeder after I bought it. It is a female with very steady growth. It has won 2 medals..and I hope it continues to win. Art Lembke was impressed with this koi and gave me strict instructions...NOT to screw it up..LOL. Maybe it is different is California....where there is a huge koi buying audience. But, I've gotten lucky on more than a few occasions. I believe there are two ways to play this game....open a huge wallet, or develop a great eye. Since my wife controls the $$$ (thank goodness)...I'll keep working on the eye thing!!!

[aquitori]

I am a big Kohaku and Sanke fan....But this Kohaku really doesnt catch my attention. Regardless of quality or name brand at this point, I would still want something with pattern in my pond to look at...