Quote Originally Posted by Matt24 View Post
I appreciate all of the interesting discussion and varying opinions. In my unorthodox opinion, it would seem that the trait that presents that largest visual impact should be the primary indicator of variety. In this case, the shape and location of the sumi, long bands stretching rather low on the body rather than spots mainly on top give this koi more of a showa appearance from the first glance. The amount of black on the head or in the mouth are indicators, but minor in light of the body sumi which is less subtle.

Were it not for the information in my earlier comment, copied below, I don't know that I would have ever thought of this koi as perhaps not being a showa:

"I am owner #3 of this koi, which has been passed around. Owner #2 and owner #1 each say it came from Kleinholz Koi Farm in Oklahoma. For what it's worth, I asked owner #1, who bought it directly from the farm, "Did it come from a Sanke or Showa spawn?" He said "Sanke"."

Thanks again for the feedback.
I have a Taniguchi Asagi who's mother is a Chagoi.