According to Mamoru Kodma, Kanoko means fawn. "Hi dotting the center of the Shiroji scales, which makes the Koi appear dappled like fawn. All Koi with this characteristic are called Kanoko, and it can apply to any non-metallic variety with Hi."
The question is, is this something that people look for or that breeders strive for? It sounds like many a disappointing Koi that has lost it's Hi. Someone help enlighten me. What am I missing? Is it that Kanoko gains red to get this condition and poor Koi lose red to achieve the same condition? Very confusing.
Some koi go through a "kanoko" stage as they lose their red coloration. But some fish end up as "kanoko" and it is stable. They are usually so treasured that you can't find one, can't afford it, and won't own one that lasts. Its only a fish for special collectors of special fish.
Out of a hundred "kanoko" you may find one that holds its pattern, and more likely will find none.
A true kanoko isn't pinkish, the red is firm, just smallish, in a dappled pattern. Sometimes the red is only on a single scale, surrounded by white, and then another, etc...
But, the dots on a fawn pass with age, too. There's something poetic about it.
I once had a koi that had a perfect cherry blossom on the side. Five petals, and a center. It was wonderful. Didn't last - but while it lasted it was a joy to behold.
Of course, it wasn't a "traditional" koi - but it was special. And a treasure.
Last years Gardena ZNA show has a beautilful kanoko Kohaku. I am hoping Rod L has a picture of it. Also another member here has a Kohaku that has some kanoko pattern. They are rare in good form. When shopping for koi I actually look for this rare thing. Keo
well I think its a gamble Jeff. UCondpondguy has a Kohaku that has Kanoko traits. Coming or going I have no idea. but if I find one that has it on all steps I would buy it as a gamble.
Kanoko is a true genetic pattern. It is one of the three red and white patterns. Kohaku and akamuji being the others. I have never seen an exceptional kanoko in the USA. I have seen some amazing ones in Japan and Taiwan. A great kanoko is a fantastic animal possessing all the refinement and grace of any gosanke. JR
I borrowed this image from Kerin Koi. If you want this fish it is available still I believe. I have no business relationship with them, but since I got the picture from their site I would at least give them credit for it. Is this also what you would consider kano??
I sure don't Keo! I think I remember the fish you are referring to- a showa or sanke? About 18-20 inches? Located in one the tanks at this end of the show? JR
The Kanoko kohaku that keo is talking about is Tom Holders. I like this koi a lot. You can see it in the new Koi USA on page 38, this koi even looks better in person.
Here's an interesting fish and maybe even proof that even when a kanoko goes bad it is still unique and can hold interest even if not as a show fish.
This fish's weakness, of course, is the faded orange of the kanoko pattern.
Yet this fish is 28 inches in this pattern and only four years old. The beni tone was always orange and never really different year to year. I have watched this fish grow from nisai until its premature death as yonsai just a few years ago. JR