View Full Version : The Spartans: Showa 37, Kohaku 10
Spartan
03-29-2013, 10:46 PM
While one of the main aspects of the growout is size and rate of growth, my selections were also based on choosing patterns that I would be happy with later.
In the case of the showa my hope was that all three colors would eventually reach a very pleasing balance. I do not know anything about Purdin's lines so my guess was based on general common principles. Right now the hi and shiroji are probably in the pattern that this fish will have, but the sumi is still very faint. The sumi is a bit patchy over the left side of the 2nd hi plate but if it coalesces I think this one will be quite good. Time will tell if it reaches expectations. In my pond I have had very good fortune in developing sumi in my other koi so I thought I might do well with this one. It measures about 6 3/4".
Spartan
03-29-2013, 11:08 PM
For the kohaku, I admittedly chose with an eye a bit more toward size potential, but from the selection pics it was impossible to tell the relative sizes between groups. This one came in at about 8 3/4" so it will have some catching up to do, but that's part of the game. This one has a simple pattern with alot of hi. My thought was that as koi grow from the belly sides up, it might have a chance at being an inazuma, but that might be wishful thinking. Now I've said "I" alot but I should give credit where it's due, my children will each take care of one these and did have alot to do with the choices. Even though they are 11 and 9, I assure you that they are formidable koi keepers. Best of luck to all and I hope everyone enjoys this, as we surely will.
Nice job! :wtg: The kids did well! :D:
Midorigoi
03-30-2013, 07:02 PM
Hey that showa was my second pick, really eager to see how this one develops. Looks like a nice head pattern will start if the little dot of sumi on the nose is an indication of more lurking there :D:
I like your showa. It was in my top three list. i think it has a killer pattern will develop in a VERY nice koi. Post pictures of development in the future.Good luck.
Spartan
03-31-2013, 01:33 AM
Midorigoi,
Ours have very similar patterns, I forgot what yours measured but it look bigger.
Chag,
I had ranked your Showa 2nd overall. Fwiw I ranked the one I have 3rd.
So it will be very interesting to see all three of ours develop, particularly since all of us have such good taste ;)
dragonfly1976
04-14-2013, 09:25 PM
Updates? How are your fish doing in QT?
montwila
04-15-2013, 01:42 AM
You did a nice job picking. Both these fish were high on my choice list also.
With the red in the pec fin it will be interesting how the beni fills in on the right side of the shoulder area or not. Maybe it will match the left side when it is done.
Good luck on the lightening bolt. With the makibara it has you stand a chance, provided it becomes a thick fish. In my opinion anyway, guess we will see.
Spartan
05-23-2013, 01:19 AM
Both did well in QT. We released them into the main pond right before the weather here hit a cold spell. They made it through that just fine fortunately.
The kohaku is a much more aggressive feeder than the Showa. But both usually don't eat until the big guys have stuffed their mouths. So we ll have to see how they do as they definitely are getting less food than I'd like.
I hadn't realized its almost 2 months. I'll see if I can snag one over the weekend to measure.
Spartan
05-27-2013, 09:32 AM
Here is the showa. It did put on a little size, now about 7 1/2".
Spartan
05-27-2013, 09:40 AM
The kohaku is around 9 1/2" (I didnt realize a bit of the tail was out of the frame). Definitely starting to fill out as well.
Spartan
05-27-2013, 09:45 AM
This guy is from our spawn last summer. I thought we'd throw him into the contest. I don't think Purdin has much too fear...
Spartan
06-29-2013, 08:40 PM
We returned from being away for a week and could not find the Showa.
Very disappointing to say the least. I'm guessing it was a heron but I don't really know. My kids were really focused on target feeding it so even though it was the smallest fish we have, its absence is still felt.
:uggg: I'm so sorry for your loss. I've lost several
the same way... one day they're there, the next... gone, without so much as a scale left behind.
montwila
06-30-2013, 07:27 PM
So very sorry.
I hate heron visits.
dragonfly1976
06-30-2013, 10:56 PM
Sorry for your loss. It stinks not being able to see that fish develop.
jimfish98
07-01-2013, 12:54 AM
Sorry for the loss on this one. Hopefully its just hiding really well somewhere in the pond and emerges a GC, lol.
Spartan
07-01-2013, 02:18 PM
Thx for the thoughts guys. It is a shame not to see how it would have developed.
Still have the kohaku - so will keep at it! And cheering on the other showas!
jimfish98
10-11-2013, 04:41 PM
Any update on the Kohaku?
Spartan
10-13-2013, 06:27 PM
Here is the kohaku taken earlier today.
I was in a bit of a rush so I apologize for the shadows and glare. The color saturation differences are due to flash settings (no photoshopping!).
Conformation filled out well but broad in the shoulders; tail tube ok but not great. I will say this though, the skin quality and beni are excellent. Soin this regard I give Purdin high marks. What do you guys think?
12 1/4".
jimfish98
10-13-2013, 06:36 PM
Not bad, makes me want to replace my kohaku
Spartan
10-14-2013, 05:28 PM
Still not sure if female or male but thinking that it's female.
Also I'm curious to see how the pattern will look with at 18". Going to keep at it with this one.
Your Kohaku looks GREAT.
I am sorry for your loss, i lost my showa also i know how you feel.
jimfish98
12-06-2013, 01:38 PM
Don't forget to get measurements and enter your grow outs into the Virtual Koi/Goldfish show, see how well your selecting and husbandry stacks against the others in the grow out.
Spartan
08-31-2014, 04:58 PM
So here's my latest on the kohaku for those of you still sticking it out on this grow out.
The Good:
The beni and shiroji really look great.
The Bad:
It has developed a shimi. I tried to gently scrape it off, but it didn't come off. So left it; perhaps it will fade.
The Ugly:
I have been very disappointed with the growth this season. It's now around 13.5", added only about 1.25" since last fall. Even though I've thinned out my flock a bit. I think it might be getting out competed by the larger koi. Even so I have several in a similar size range that are doing better.
I am going keep it for another season. I think the pattern is more suited to a larger body (which is the now the big question) and if its color holds, she'll be very good.
koisan
08-31-2014, 07:15 PM
Thanks for sharing, both beni and shiroji look good, and the lack of size may be because it's a male. Hang in there and let's see what happens next spring.
montwila
08-31-2014, 08:06 PM
Only one shimi! Yours is doing very well. I passed my last two on at our koi show auction this Summer. They both had multiple shimmies and the beni had begun to break up on the trailing edges and lateral line. I really should up date my threads.
I think it is still a good looking fish. Mine were about the size of yours also in a heavily stocked pond.
Good Luck!
Thank you for sharing