Show Kohaku

[Sterling]

How would a Kohaku be judged if it has beni on both of its knuckles. Would this be regarded as a demerit? Or as long as it doesn't extend into the pec fin is it ok? Would a small extention be a problem if the overall quality is there? My understanding is koi with red knuckle or on base of pec fin have strong stable beni.

[Russell Peters]

It depends on the quality of the Koi.

[aquitori]

I guess this question depends on the judge and what fish are at the show that day. Judging is based on Conformation, Skin Quality, Beni and Sumi Quality and pattern(judges preference). Now if every koi in the show was equal and the judge(s) didnt like the red on the pec then the fish would lose out.

[111whalen]

There are no perfect fish. In smaller sizes, it would be more likely that the fish would be beat by "closer to perfect" fish. In larger sizes, conformation, etc. make it almost a non-issue. I think it's hard to pick small fish with minor faults that will grow into to GCs. Of course, if the breeder sees the potential, he will not likely sell it as a tosai. The deck is stacked...

[KoiCop]

Sterling . . .

Tony and Mark have given some excellent advice.

My question to you is whether you're looking at an 6-8" fish to show in a couple of months or whether you're looking at a 3 year old with hopes of growing it to GC? Big difference.

[l113892]

I don't think the beni at the base of the pecs presents a problem. The leading ray of the pec is a problem that will grow larger over time.

[Sterling]

I've attached some pictures of the particular fish I'm speaking of. It's a 20" nisai Marudo Kohaku. It's a fish that I would like to try to compete for CG with at small shows here in the South.

I'm used to showing dogs were we have written standards for each breed of ideal. It lists major demerits within the standard, but of course each standard has gray areas. Like a koi show they depend on the competition, judge, and which dog the judge feels the best dog is that particular day.

I was more wondering if this would be a knit picking given the entire package. Of course as the fish is larger the more we can forgive. It seems that she's off to a wonderful start though.

[aquitori]

Once again it falls down to who is showing what. IMHO this Kohaku is a ways out to be competeing for GC.

[KoiCop]

Hello Sterling . . .

Pretty fish, but I don't see GC in its future.

[JosephandGabby]

Agree with Aquitori and Don on this one. Above average kohaku, but probably not a future GC...