Beni Kumonryu Color Development

[koilvr]

I understand that Kumonryu start either as an (A) all black or (B) all white fish which later (A) lose its black or (B) develop back.

I was wondering how a beni kumonryu develops. Is it...
(A) start all red, then later develop black
(B) start like a doitsu kohaku, then later develop black (the red will remain as it is and not changing)
(C) start all white, then later develop red and black

I have one that is claimed as a beni kumonryu by the dealer who sold it to me, but I have doubt. This is my first time owning this variety, for which my intention is to learn.

Thanks in advance.

[Russell Peters]

Kumonryu are very unstable, it takes years for the sumi to stabilize. When they are young they can be all black with a little white, and six months later it can be all white. If you want a kumonryu with a pattern you can keep, buy one that is 3 or 4 years old. Beni Kumonryu have sumi that is very unstable as well, but whatever hi they have, will not change. I brought in some Beni Kumonryu last year that were all black, with Hi on the head and a few parts of the body. When the sumi left, the Hi on the rest of the body was exposed and I had mostly red with some white. The sumi has come back in a little, but mostly in small patches or specks. It will take another year or two for it to devolop its final sumi pattern.

[aquitori]

Some examples...One year it could look like Dositsu Kohaku, to looking like Dositsu Karasugoi another....