The Dark Horse May 2008

Dark Horse Koi...

Sanke from Sakuma. About 22cm in size at the moment.

Note: We get these things wrong about as often as we get them right. Small Koi are always a bi of a gamble - they can change and develop in ways you cannot predict. However, you should try and stack the odds in your favour and enjoy your Koi. That said, if you like a Koi then buy it - YOU are the one who enjoys your Koi and you buy them for YOUR enjoyment, no one else's! We've lost count of the times when we've thought a Koi was total rubbish only to have it turn into a beauty and of course the Koi that we thought would develop spectacularly develop into total rubbish. Of course we still love them all just the same.

Anyway, herewith our thoughts on this Koi.

Summary:

This little Koi was overlooked largely in the auction until spotted by FancyFins, who bagged a bargain at R1005!

The Koi has a very full Hi pattern which is probably what puts most people off the fish immediately. However when selecting baby Koi you should learn to put on your 'Prediction Eyes' which means trying to visualise what the Koi is going to look like when it is a lot larger.

We know that as Koi grow, the hi patterns tend not to grow at the same rate as the Koi itself. Hence over time although the Hi pattern is the same, relative to the rest of the Koi the hi pattern appears to be smaller. To counter this effect it is generally a good rule to select a small Koi with more hi rather than less.

You will note point A that is going to become increasingly important in the pattern of this Koi as it grows. Here we have some sumi starting to make its appearance on the Koi but in fact there is shiroji (white) directly behind the sumi. We think that the pattern is going to make an attractive break here, bordered with sumi - which will look very good on a large Koi.

The next obvious indication is the sumi development that should take place at point B. It's not quite on the shoulder which would be better, but it is going to be a good dollop of sumi, neatly on the white of the Koi, which is very desirable and attractive. The sumi on the other side of the dorsal is also pleasing.

Point C is in fact what we call a fukurin scale - a glinty sparkly scale. We like to see these - they are generally a confirmation of a good quality white, and good scale lustre.

Point D is the near perfect head pattern of the hi. This is as close to ideal as you could wish for - it extends slightly  in front of the eyes and leaves the nose clear and white - when the Koi is large this will always be a focal point of beauty on the fish. Also the eyes are bright and clear - this Koi is alert and very aware of its surroundings (sadly you can't entirely pick that up from the picture).

E is an indication of more sumi popping up on the hi pattern. This sumi is perfectly positioned and the overall sumi quality is that of typical desirable Sanke sumi - small round blobs at even intervals. So when the Koi finishes, the sumi pattern should be very desirable and attractive, leaving the dominant hi pattern as an after thought rather than the focal point it is at the moment.

Point F is the hi in the pectoral fin. Considered a demerit it is not something we mind seeing on a young Koi. It is a confirmation of good hi quality which is paramount above all else when it comes to pattern on a young Koi. Good hi is a critical success factor on Koi - without it you are generally going to be found wanting in later years.

Body shape on young Koi is always a challenge. Without worrying too much about body at this young age we look for Koi that are not obviously deformed, have no obvious deviations and that have good finnage. This Koi's pectoral fins are very good and the body is good without being exceptional. However, as we say, on young Koi looking for a show quality body shape might detract you from buying good quality Koi that will be of show quality later in life. This Koi is just one such an ideal example of this - the Koi has the potential and it is up to the hobbyist who bought this fish to bring it out. Good food, good water and good Koi husbandry will reward the hobbyist with what we think is an exciting Koi.

An ideal Dark Horse in other words...! Good luck to Fancy Fins - we hope to see the fish in the future, looking like a million bucks...