Choose Good Koi Fish

This article is simple guideline to choose Good Koi Fish for newbie. After we have clear known difference between Koi and Nishikigoi in the previous article. In the other article we have talk about koi types. As a Koi keeper you need to decide what level of Koi quality, you are looking for Pond Quality koi, Ornamental Quality or Show Quality. Before you start choose koi you must prepare koi pond before. Best way don't place over quota of koi in pond. Make sure pond filter running well and water in mature condition.
First determine the amount of money you would like to spend. Many Koi keepers don't want to spend much, but want the very best and this is almost impossible. Each Koi has different possibilities, size, and quality. A Koi which achieves its best condition while still small will not, usually, maintain this quality as it grows. Some of you may have experienced owning a small Koi, a winner in competition, that later on has started to lose pattern and color.

Before you spent money for Koi , this simple Guidline For Good Koi ,there are three basic factors for every Koi types evaluation, Form, Color and Pattern. According to the contest screening standard, Koi are evaluated on Form 50%, Color 30%, and Patterns 20%.

1.Form
Well shaped Nishikigoi with proper height and width that look healthy and powerful are rated high. Attracted by beautiful color and exquisite patterns, bodily defects are sometimes overlooked.

2.Color
The vivid red, deep charcoal-black patterns, even colors and beautiful in hue. Evenly colored, free from shading, such as white snow ones are highly rated.

3.Pattern
Well balanced patterns, symmetrical on either sides are highly rated. Clear patterned-edges (Kiwa) and uniformly colored on top (Sashi) are more highly.

3.Shine
Not cloudy on the head or on the body, and shining wholly are rated well.

4.Dignity and aroma
Unbalanced patterns, but bestowed with dignity or aroma of its own are well rated.
Your own taste will anyway play an important role in judging the most appropriate for you.
Try to find out the attractive one of originality, not always finding a fault.

5.Female and male
Female: white fair skin, plump belly and larger size. Male: quick in swimming. Finish is fast and very beautiful, allowing participation in the contest during juvenile.



Reference:
1. Japan Koi

Koi Type Classification Part IV

This article is fourth part of four series article about koi type for newbie Koi Keeper who want to start keep koi. About this series koi types and koi clasification designed in 4 part. Part I talk about Gosanke and Bekko . Part II about Utsurimono, Asagi and Tancho. Part III about about Hikarimono,Goromo And Hikarimoyo. The last part talk about type of koi in classification Matsuba and Kawarimono.


Matsuba
Aka Matsuba is a red koi with black centres to its scales, creating a pine cone effect.Ki Matsuba as above but yellow. Kin matsuba is a metallic gold or orange koi whose scales have black centres, causing a pine cone effect. Gin matsuba is the Silver version.

These Koi have a grey shading pattern on their scales.

1.Shiro Matsuba

Shiro Matsuba are a white Koi with a black net pattern. When buying a Shiro Matsuba,
make sure that the net pattern is equal all over the Koi. Watch out for any discolored scales or old scars.


Matsubas have been around almost as long as the Asagis. They are closly related,
sharing the same net pattern.

2. Aka Matsuba

Aka Matsuba are a red Koi with a black net pattern. When buying a Aka Matsuba,
make sure that the net pattern is equal all over the Koi. Watch out for any discolored scales or old scars. The Hi should be very deep too.


Matsubas have been around almost as long as the Asagis. They are closly related,
sharing the same net pattern.

Kawarimono

These Koi don't fit into any other classification.

1.Ochiba Shigure

Ochiba Shigures are made by breeding a Chagoi with a Soragoi. Look for a nice Kohaku-like
brown pattern. This is a very nice fish and this type really stands out in any collection.
The Japanese breeders often name the Koi after things that
they like. Ochiba Shigure, for example, means "leaves fallen on the water.

2.Kumonryu

Kumonryu are one of the strangest Koi. They are scaless and their pattern actually changes throughout
the year. No one is absolutely sure what causes the color change, but the two best theories are a change
in temperature or a change in pH. Kumonryu are usually black in the winter and the white usually appears in the spring and summer.
Kumonryu aren't usually judged by their pattern. Look for good symmetry between the black and white. When the color of a Kumonryu is changing, the area turns a blue/grayish color.

3. Beni Kumonryu

Beni Kumonryu are a rare form of Kumonryu, they have red along with the black and white. They are
scaless and their pattern actually changes throughout the year. No one is absolutely
sure what causes the color change, but the two best theories are a change in temperature or a change
in pH. Beni Kumonryu are usually black in the winter. The white and red usually appears in the spring and summer.

Beni Kumonryu aren't usually judged by their pattern. Look
for good symmetry between the red, black and white. When the color
of a Beni Kumonryu is changing, the area turns a blue/greyish color.

4.Benigoi

Benigoi or Higoi are Koi that are solid red. When buying a Benigoi, look for solid
Hi. Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away
from the look of the Koi.
Benigoi and Higoi are the same fish. The name, Benigoi, is given
to the Higoi with exeptionally deep red.

5. Karasugoi

Karasugoi are Koi that are solid black. When buying a Karasugoi, look for one with deep color.
Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away
from the look of the Koi.The Japanese breeders often name the Koi after things that
they like. Karasugoi, for example, means "Black Crow."

6.Haijiro

Haijiro are Koi that are solid black with white tipped fins. When
buying a Haijiro, look at the white on the fin edges and make sure it is even with the other side.
Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away
from the look of the Koi.Haijiro

Haijiro are Karasugoi with white tipped fins. These are a nice addition
to the Koi varieties and allow for a larger collection.

7.Aka Haijiro

Aka Haijiro are Koi that are solid red with white tipped fins. When
buying an Aka Haijiro, look at the white on the fin edges and make sure it is even with the other side.
Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away
from the look of the Koi.Aka Haijiro are Higoi with white tipped fins. These are a nice addition
to the Koi varieties and allow for a larger collection.

8.Chagoi

Chagoi are a non-metallic brown colored Koi. When buying a Chagoi, look for one with even color.
Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away
from the look of the Koi. Old scars will appear as dark areas.
Chagoi have the terrible habit of growing very large. It is not uncommon
to see one that is 36 inches swimming around a pond in Japan.

9. Kigoi

Kigoi are Koi that are solid yellow. When buying a Kigoi, look for one with deep color.
Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away
from the look of the Koi.
The most prized Kigoi have red eyes. This gives them an eerie look.
Some people call the Kigoi, Lemon Koi.

10.Midorigoi

Midorugoi are Koi that are solid green. When buying a Midorigoi, look for one with a nice green color.
Many Midorigois have red spots on them or patches of darker coloration.

The Japanese have a habit of naming things for
what they are. Midorigoi, for example, means "Green Carp."

11. Soragoi
Soragoi are a solid grey Koi. They make a great addition to any Koi collection. When buying a Soragoi, look
for any old scars or any bad scales. The Soragoi in the picture below is actually a Gin Rin
Soragoi. It's scales look strong enough to turn any blade.

Soragoi, along with Chagoi, are used to create Ochiba Shigure. By
combining these two single colored Koi, the Japanese breeders have made
a two colored Koi with a pattern.

REFERENCE
1.Koi Oase
2. Nishikigoi Info

Show Quality Koi

These kois are winner of The 39th All Japan Nishikigoi Show (Tokyo-Show). Beautiful koi with good patern, color and overall beauty. They breeded by famous koi breeder.We can refered to them if we are breeding koi to obtain good koi fish in our pond. Although we are not a professional breeder , be satisfied if we can produce good quality of Koi.

1. Gigantic Champion/Best in Variety

85Bu Showa Sanshoku
Mr. N Budiono Gunawan (Indonesia)
Bred by Dainichi Koi Farm

Showa change very much as they grow.This Koi Type can also take a long time to develop, many times 5 or more years to finish. Many times the black is very deep and only comes out as the fish grows. For this reason, when you see gray areas in the white, it may be deep black that will appear later rather than poor quality white.

Degree in the show is "Gigantic Koi Division Overall Champion" can be translated also as 1st Runner Up GC, while the 2nd Runner Upnya usually called as "Jumbo Koi Division Overall Champion"


2.Jumbo Male Champion
85Bu Male Showa Sanshoku
Mr. Hiromi Muramatsu (Japan)
Bred by Dainichi Koi Farm

The head should have all three colors: red,black, and white, preferably in equal amounts. Best would be to have a good Kohaku head with a lightening stripe or a Y-shape in black on the top of the head. Kuchi sumi or Nose sumi is a sign of good black to come. Many Showa do not develop this until later, so try to pick a koi with good red and white with some black coming out.

3.Mature Champion
70Bu Taisho Sanshoku
Mr. Tepsit (Thailand)
Bred by Marudo Fish Farm


The head of the sanke, as in all varieties of koi, is one of the most important things to look at. The head should be the exact same head as you would buy in a kohaku. There must be red on the head and the red should go down to the nostrils. The nose is better if it is white. One eye may be covered in red as long as the red is not over-powering. Red is too over-powering when it covers both eyes. THERE MUST NOT BE ANY BLACK ON THE HEAD.
Next look for an interesting pattern of red all the way down the body. Do not pick a koi with only red on the front half or on the back half of the body. If you have followed the above steps, you will notice you now have a good kohaku.

4. Adult Champion
55Bu Taisho Sanshoku
Mr. Tepsit (Thailand)
Bred by Sakai FIsh Farm

Sakai Fish Farm is a wholesale special trader. not selling it to general those who love.Please acknowledge itHigh quality koi food.Sakai Special Brend Koi food for color up.They havw mud ponds for fly breeding and selection Over 90ponds.Aquarium water temperrature Observation machine Oxygen generating equipment Aeration equipment
Sakai original automatic feeding machine





5.Young Champion
40Bu Showa Sanshoku
Mr. Yoshio Kubota (Japan)
Bred by Uonuma Koi Farm









6.Miya Hideo Prize
90Bu Hikarimuji
黄　創増様 (Hong Kong)
Bred by Marusei Koi Farm









7. 65Bu Kokugyo Prize

65Bu Utsurimono
Ms. Yoshiko Miyagcawa (Japan)
Bred by Omosako Koi Farm








8. 55Bu Kokugyo Prize
55Bu Kohaku
Mr. Jitsuo Takagi (Japan)
Bred by Sakai Fish Farm









9. 30Bu Kokugyo Prize
30Bu A Ginrin
Mr. Yoshikatsu Toyama (Japan)
Bred by Suzusei Koi Farm









10. 12Bu Kokugyo Prize
12Bu Kohaku
Mr. Takashi Fujimoto (Japan)
Bred by Hoshikin Koi Farm









11. Best in Variety

90Bu Taisho Sanshoku
Mr. Tepsit (Thailand)









12.Best in Variety/Sakura Prize



90Bu Kawarikoi
黄　創増様 (Hong Kong)
Bred by Koisho Shiagenosato Shuya






13. 80Bu Sakura Prize

80Bu Kujyaku
Mr. Tepsit (Thailand)
Bred by Konishiki Koi Farm








14.60Bu Sakura Prize
60Bu B Ginrin
黄　創増様 (Hong Kong)
Bred by Minuma Koi Farm









15. Best in Variety
90Bu Doitsufcfc
Mr. Eiji Maeda (Japan)
Bred by Konishiki Koi Farm

















Source :
http://narita-koi.com/

Vortex Chamber For Koi Pond

Vortex chambers has recently become very popular that is used today and has been used as part of the main filtration system now for many years. The cone shape of the filter design aids in the settling of debris and ensuring gentle action of the dissolved waste throughout the filter process. Many People said they cannot work because it requires very high revolutions for sufficient centrifugal force to be generated. The efficiency of the unit does depend a lot on it's design, especially the diameter, height, and especially the positioning of the inlet and outlet pipes. The pumping rate can also be very important.

If you have any doubts about the efficiency of a vortex chamber then do try to visit a pond keeper that has one in use as I am sure you will be quite impressed with it.
Careful thought must be given to the correct size of your vortex chamber(s) when designing your koi pond, taking into account the necessary pump rate.

How Vortex System Operate


This rough sketch shows the basic idea for the Vortex chamber. The inlet from the bottom drain passes through the inlet just above the cone section of the chamber. The inlet is positioned so that the water flows around the side of the vortex, and then rises up and out through the outlet at the top, and then passes into the next chamber of the filter.
The solids will then fall to the bottom of the cone, and can then be flushed away several times a day.


Used as Primary chamber, fits into the filtration system as the 'First Line of Attack' ... and should be placed at the front end of the filtration system .. Normally the water from the bottom of the pond - together with waste and other debris is fed directly into this via the 4" or 110mm pipe from the Bottom Drain where it then adopts a 'spiral' motion inside the vortex chamber.


This allows the waste and debris to settle into the bottom of the vortex chamber where it then collects at the conical end of the vortex - waiting to be 'Flushed' via the Slide Valve which should be fitted to the external pipework that has been installed as part of the filtration system . Please note that for 'Gravity Fed' systems the water level in the pond should be no more than 1/2" from the Top edge of the Vortex Unit with the pump switched off. less if you can manage it. So if preparing a solid or concrete base for your Vortex units to stand on the base should be laid at the height of the vortex less 1/2"or less

Advantages to a Vortex Filter system

1.Vortex Filter Systems remove undisturbed solid waste before entering the pond's pump. The majority of other pond filter systems "puree" the solid waste from the bottom of the pond through the pump, creating a more heavier load for the filter system.

2.The Vortex System is an "open bed" allowing for atmospheric oxygen to interface with the surface water in the filter chambers, thereby acting as an oxygen supply safety net during power outages.

3. Closed, or pressurized filters, by design, can lose all of the dissolved oxygen present at any given moment in time if the flow is stopped. This process of oxygen depletion in many environmental cases can occur within an hour's time.

4. All systems have some unwanted, undesirable anaerobic environmental conditions which can "biologically bloom", given the circumstances. Example: a pressurized filter system operating at full capacity during hot weather conditions, loses its flow of water (and its source of dissolved oxygen).

5. The small population of anaerobic bacteria always present, but subdued can now flourish in an environment which is quickly becoming ideally suited for their populations to increase. As anaerobic populations increase, aerobic bacterial populations decrease. 6. When the pressurized filter begins to flow again, toxic waste products (hydrogen sulfide - rotten egg smell) from the now-active anaerobic bacteria flow into the pond.


Three Chamber Vortex



Exit the pond: The water should exit the pond (drain) from its deepest point, where most of the heavy debris will have settled. Obviously, the best thing to do is get rid of the heavy debris before transferring the remaining waste to the useful bacteria, in the biofilter. The water should be gravity-fed to the filter chambers. The flow rate should be low enough to allow the heavier solids to settle within the chamber and great enough to allow a complete water turnover every 2 hours or so. (The efficient match between pond design, pump selection and filtration system is essential.)

The first chamber: The water enters the settling chamber, which is shaped something like a cone, on a tangent to the cone and therefore begins to swirl in a vortex. This gentle swirling action encourages the heavy debris to sink to the bottom of the cone, where you can simply open the drain for ease of removal. The water then proceeds from the lower portion of the cone, wells up and exits through a port in the uppermost portion of the chamber.

The second chamber: The water then enters the second chamber, a prefilter. The prefilter contains filter media - such as filter brushes, which filters out some of the finer debris which gets by the first chamber. Now this filter media is likely to get rather mucky, in time, so it is beneficial that this filter brush media is light and easy to clean.

The third chamber: The water then proceeds in the same low to high path, past the baffle into the third chamber, the main biofilter. The main biofilter contains filter media which millions of bacteria call home. Here's where the dissolved waste products, primarily ammonia, meet the bacteria. The main portion of the nitrogen cycle takes place here.



Example Pond Design With Vortex System


REFERENCE:
1. http://www.koicymru.co.uk
2. http://www.aquaart.com
3. http://www.koiofindonesia.com
4. http://www.koifooddirect.co.uk

Koy Type Part III :Hikarimono, Goromo And Hikarimoyo

After described Gosanke,Shiro,Utsurimono,Asagi and Tancho, Next tipe of Koi are Hikarimono, Goromo And Hikarimoyo.

Hikarimono
The metallic Koi with only one color for a pattern.

Nezu Ogon

Nezu Ogon are an old type of Ogon. They are a metallic colored dark grey Koi. As with other
Ogons, the color should be uniform throughout the fish. Also, look for any signs of previous
damage, for any scars will take away from any Ogon's look.

Nezu Ogons have a dark area on the center of their heads. This has caused many breeders and Koi keepers to affectionatly nickname them Helmet Head. The dark area almost looks like a maruten spot, but is it usually not very uniform in color and does not have sharp edges.

Orenji Ogon
This is the Koi for goldfish lovers. Unlike goldfish however, Orenji Ogons have the potential to grow up to 36 inched in length. As with other Ogons, the color should be uniform throughout the fish. Also, look for any signs of previous damage, for any scars will take away from any Ogon's look.

Ogons are single colored metallic Koi. They come in a variety of colors and variations. No Koi keeper's collection is complete without at least one or two Ogons in their pond.

Platinum Ogon

Platinum Ogons are metallic white and are one of the most popular Ogons. The color should
be as white as fresh mountain snow. As with other Ogons, the color should be uniform
throughout the fish. Also, look for any signs of previous damage, for any scars will take away from
any Ogon's look.

Platinum Ogon is the English name for this Koi. The name that was originally given to it
in Japan is Purachina Ogon. Many people buy this Koi because their ponds are under filtered and
this type is easy to see in dirty water.

Yamabuki Ogon

Yamabuki Ogons are a metallic yellow Koi. You don't want to get a Yamabuki Ogon that is too yellow
when you are selecting one. For some reason, they seem to develop Hi (red) spots, usually on
the head. Yamabuki Ogons are usually popular with people that have under-filtered ponds,
because Yamabuki Ogons are easy to see in green water.

Hikarimono

Ogons are single colored metallic Koi. They come in a variety of colors
and variations. No Koi keeper's collection is complete without
at least one or two Ogons in their pond.

Goromo

The Koi that have black shading over their patterns.

AI Goromo

This is a very interesting Koi. Ai Goromos have a Hi pattern like a kohaku, but
there is a dark shading on the Hi. A good Ai Goromo will have a red maruten spot on it's
head without any shading on it. Goromos are the exact opposite of the Goshiki, they have a shaded
Hi pattern on a white background while Goshikis have a Hi pattern on a shaded white background.

What makes an Ai Goromo?

Goromos were created by accident. How? A breeder was breeding Goshikis and a goshiki with
a white background and a net pattern on the Hi appeared. This Koi was carefully bred and now
we have the Goromo variety.

Budo Goromo

What makes an Budo Goromo?

Goromos were created by accident. How? A breeder
was breeding Goshikis and a goshiki with a white background and a net
pattern on the Hi appeared. This Koi was carefully bred and now we
have the Goromo variety.

Sumi Goromo

Some Goromos have a black shading instead of a blue shading over their Hi pattern. These are
somewhat rare and if you see one with a nice pattern, you should get it. The skin should
be a nice white color and the pattern should have crisp edges.

Goromos were created by accident. How? A breeder was breeding Goshikis and a goshiki with a whitebackground and a net pattern on the Hi appeared. This Koi was carefully bred and now we have the Goromo variety.

REFERENCE:
1.http://www.nishikigoi-info.com/
2. http://www.nishikigoiofniigata.com

Choosing Koi

People said "Koi" as a general term. There is a difference between "Koi" and "Nishikigoi." "Koi" (common carp) are found in rivers and lakes. These carp are used as food. "Nishikigoi" are a spedal breed of carp, which is adrrired solely for their beauty. Nishikigoi, known as "living jewelry," originated in Niigata. It is this breed of fish that will be discussed although, to conform to general understanding the term "Koi" also will be used in this text to describe "Nishikigoi."

Throughout the years, the breed has been improved and is broken into several categories such as "Kohaku," "Taishio Sanshoku", "Showa-Sanshoku" and many others.

There is no set price for the Nishikigoi. The seller and the buyer decide a price depending upon the knowledge of both. The price also varies according to their size, quality, and condition.

Many times, an expensive Koi will change in the course of its growth and become a worthless one. Likewise an inexpensive Nishikigoi, sometimes, could change into a champion. The knowledge of dealers and Koi keepers determine the future of the fish. Pond environment can change the condition of the Nishikigoi. An expensive and beautiful fish can lose its color in six months because of a poorly conditioned pond. In a pond with a good system, the color will deepen and become beautiful.

QUALITY LEVELS FOR KOI

1. Pond Quality
Pond quality Koi can be purchased at local pet shops and breeders. Mostly this type of Koi is bred locally with a mixed blood line and no previous record. Often it is not known who did the breeding and most are not suitable for competition. However, they are very inexpensive to buy and enjoyable in the pond.

2. Ornamental Quality
Ornamental Koi are not bad quality. They may have been bred from good quality parents, have good blood lines, good conformation, and beautiful color. The only difference between ornamental and show quality Koi is the pattern. In most show quality Koi, the very important in addition to the body conformation, Jihada (skin), Kiwa (edge of pattern) and evenness of color. Most ornamental types have an unbalanced pattern with many faults, however, they are very beautiful and can be bought inexpensively. Some may even be used as breeding parents.

3.Show Quality


There are many requirements to be considered when selecting show quality Koi. Good Koi Show should have:

1. Good body conformation.

2.Good shiny skin Uffiada).

3. Sharp pattern edge (Kiwa).

4. Evenness of color in the pattern.

5. Overall well balanced patterns.

The experts consider bloodline to be an extremely important element and are sure that most show quality Koi are bred from parents with a good blood line.

The breeding season in Japan runs from April until the early part of June. In the early spring the female can lay 200,000 to 400,000 eggs. The small fry begin to display colors as early as 3 weeks. There is a continual sorting and culling operation during the summertime, in which the Koi that show most promise are separated from the culls. Culls usually are destroyed. Some breeders cook the culls and feed them to the young fish for high protein.

Many very young fry are discarded because their genes have been strongly influenced by their original hereditary color. For example, the Kohaku originated from both white and red colored carp. Many Kohaku fry display single white, red and even dark gray colors.

Selected young Koi are released in a mud pond which is very rich in natural food. Of course they are provided additional food too. They grow rapidly under these conditions until October when they are caught. The first year Koi or "Tosai" are 5 to 6 inches long. They are only 6 months old when they have a chance to see the world, that is, the first time they are netted by the breeder from the mud ponds. "Tategoi" or potential Koi are kept in mud ponds for further growth although some are bought by large wholesale dealers for future investment. The best Tategoi, roughly 500 to 1,000 or more, will stay in the ponds until the following October. Then the best Koi, those that are in excellent condition with good patterns and color for competition, will be sold to the Koi dealer or the individual Koi keeper at an unbelievably high price.

The following year, again in October, the breeders and wholesale dealers drain the mud pond where the "Tosai-Tategoi" have been kept. Those "Tategoi" that are ready with good pattern and color will be sold. The young potential fish that are not ready but have a good pattern will be returned to the mud ponds for another year. The rest of the Koi that are not considered in the Tategoi category anymore because of undesirable pattern or color, willbe sold at auction.

Many Koi keepers think that "Tategoi" means only small Koi,but for the dealer "Tategoi" means Koi of any size, from three inches to more than thirty inches, that have potential to become beautiful in the future. Each Koi has a different quality, personality, and character and each will grow to a different size. One could become beautiful, another worthless and others could attain top condition when they are only six inches in size. Alternatively, others only achieve top condition when they grow to about thirty inches. Although a dealer may have many years of experience and the best knowledge, when he picks more than a thousand "Tosai-Tategoi," he realizes only a few percent will reach his expectations.

Many Koi keepers ask the question "Why is Nishikigoi so expensive?" Being fully aware of the many problems that face the breeders, wholesalers and dealers, the dedicated hard work spread out over several years plus the costs involved it is understandable why Show quality Koi are expensive.

Each Koi has different possibilities, size, and quality. A Koi which achieves its best condition while still small will not, usually, maintain this quality as it grows. Some of you may have experienced owning a small Koi, a winner in competition, that later on has started to lose pattern and color. In past Koi competitions in Japan as well as in the United States, a small Koi (under 10 inches) that has won a high prize usually will not maintain the same condition and win another high prize when it becomes larger (more than 28 inches). On the other hand, if a large Koi (more than 26 inches) becomes beautiful and in top condition it will normally keep the same condition for a long time, unless placed in a bad environment. In the past, in Japan, some of the large Koi, (more than 30 inches), that took Grand Champion in the All Japan Koi Competition have come back the next year to win Grand Champion again. Maybe this next time they are entered in a larger size category or under a new owner's name.

As a Koi keeper, you need to decide what level of Koi quality you are looking for i.e.. pond quality, ornamental quality, or show quality. Show quality can be very expensive, however, if not interested in Koi competitions, you do not have to spend a lot of money to enjoy beautiful fish. Do not expect to get show quality pattern with pond type of fish. If you are thinking about competing in a Koi show, you must consider an entirely different selection process. All show quality Nishikigoi are not expensive, but most are.

First determine the amount of money you would like to spend. Many Koi keepers do not want to spend much, but want the very best and this is almost impossible. However, if the Koi you select is not polished or in the best color condition, it will not be as expensive as one that is polished. With a well maintained pond and a good filter system, it is possible you could improve and polish a good quality Koi. Normally, small Koi are less expensive than large ones but, sometimes, polished small Koi are more expensive than unpolished large. Some knowledge regarding potential is required when buying small Koi because they will change drastically during a six month period. If you can predict the changes in a small Koi within 6 months to a year, then you must be very good at selection.

Very often good quality, medium to large Koi that have not been polished, or have been damaged by either bad water conditions or excessive transportation will be sold for a reduced price. By putting them into a good pond environment with a good filter system this type of Koi could be improved.

Unless the intention is to enter the fish in a competition immediately it is not wise to purchase a polished small Koi at a high price. The Koi keepers in Japan say, "The person who buys expensive "Tosai" is a fool and the dealer who sells expensive "Tosai" is also a fool." The only way to acquire the skills to pick small Koi for the future is to buy many small ones and watch how they change. Observe how pattern and colors change with body growth. For example: if the size of the red pattern does not keep up with the growth of the body then, later; the red pattern will be diminished by the body. On the other hand, be aware of the size of the black pattern, most of the time, will increase when the Koi gets bigger.

In conclusion, if you are looking for inexpensive show quality Nishikigoi, learn as much as you can by getting active in organizations such as Koi dubs. In addition, attend as many Koi shows as possible, learn how and why the judges make their decisions, most judges do not mind if you ask questions. Some Koi keepers will tell you that the only way to learn is to make mistakes first. This maybe true but don't make too many costly mistakes. One of the best ways to learn about Nishikigoi is to visit and talk to people who are knowledgeable. Another is to take pictures when you purchase your Koi then, if it is small, take pictures every month until it reaches top condition and you will see the changes. Medium and large Koi don't usually change as much as small ones, so take the pictures every three to six months. Of course, each Koi will grow differently, but certain categories such as Kohaku, Taisho-Sanshoku, Showa-Sanshoku change in a similar way.

REFERENCE:

1. Gratn Fujita. http://www.akca.org/library/tategoi3.htm

2. http://www.niigata-nishikigoi.com/

3. http://www.koi.com/

Koi Type Part II :Utsurimono,Asagi and Tancho

This continuance of the first article about Koi Classification to help us know and familiar with koi variety. In this article the next three tipe of koi Utsurimono, Asagi and Tancho will describe.

UTSURIMONO

Utsurimono is The black Koi with a colored pattern.Include in Utsurimono type are Shiro Utsuri , Hi Utsuri and Ki Utsuri.

Shiro Utsuri
Shiro Utsuri are like Showa, they are a black skinned Koi, but Shiro Utsuri only have one pattern,
white. A good Shiro Utsuri will have a nice balance between the white (shiro) and black (sumi).

When buying, look for a unique pattern.
Be careful when selecting a Shiro Utsuri, look for any small black dots, these will only get worse
as the Koi ages. If you have the chance, see if you can find a older brother or sister to the Koi that
you are looking at and then study it to see how it has developed.

Hi Utsuri
Hi Utsuri are like Showa, they are a black skinned Koi, but Hi Utsuri only have one pattern,
red. A good Hi Utsuri will have a nice balance between the red (hi) and black (sumi).


When buying, look for a unique pattern.
Be careful when selecting a Hi Utsuri, look for any small black dots, these will only get worse
as the Koi ages. If you have the chance, see if you can find a older brother or sister to the Koi that
you are looking at and then study it to see how it has developed.

Ki Utsuri
Ki Utsuri are like Showa, they are a black skinned Koi, but Ki Utsuri only have one pattern,yellow. A good Ki Utsuri will have a nice balance between the yellow (ki) and black (sumi).When buying, look for a unique pattern.


ASAGI
The blue/grey Koi with a red pattern. Include in Asagi type are Asagi and Shusui

Asagi
Asagi are one of the original types of Koi. This is evident with their coloration, red and blue/grey.

When looking at an asagi, the red (hi) should be even on both sides and the grey scales shouldn't
have any flaws.

Shusui

Shusui are the mostly scaless verion of the Asagi. There is usually one row of dark scales on top and one row along the lateral line. Check all over the Shusui before you buy it to make sure that it has a complete row of scales. Also, make that they are straight and do not distort the look of the Koi.

TANCHO

The Koi with a pattern only on their Maruten spots.

Tancho Goromo

Tancho Goromo are just like regular Goromo, but they only have a pattern on their maruten spot,the pattern on the head. Tancho Goromo's are very rare, if you see one, buy it. These do not come around very often. The skin should be very white and the maruten spot should be symmetrical. The maruten spot should sit between and slightly behind the eyes.

The Tancho Koi, the ones with a nice head pattern, are one of the Japanese'
favorite types of Koi. It is because this pattern looks like their national flag and
the red crowned crane (Grus japonensis). Every Koi collector needs at least one
Tancho in their collection.

Tancho Kohaku

Tancho Kohaku, the most common type of Tancho. This is is a very popular variation of the Kohaku,with the Hi (red) pattern only appearing on the head. The Hi should be circular and should be centered of the Koi's head.There should be no other Hi on the body at all.

Reference:

1.http://www.koipondfever.com/shusui-koi.htm

2.http://www.nishikigoi-info.com/

3. http://www.heavkoi.com
4. http://www.koi.com