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Koi Varieties DiscussionQuestions and Answers on Koi Varieties.
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Even though i havent built my pond yet, i have the opotunity to reserve some tosai that are currently being grown on and will continue to be grown on until the spring this coming year which will hopefully coinside with my pond being ready for Koi.
As i am new to the Koi world, i would like a bit of advise before i reserve some Koi.
Just what should i be looking for in certain Koi such as Shiro Utsuri, Sanke, Showa and Kohaku. Things such as should a Kohaku have colour in the fins, patern etc....
Any help would be welcome.
John.
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Even though i haven't built my pond yet, i have the oppotunity to reserve some tosai that are currently being grown on and will continue to be grown on until the spring this coming year which will hopefully coincide with my pond being ready for Koi.
As I am new to the Koi world, i would like a bit of advise before i reserve some Koi.
Just what should i be looking for in certain Koi such as Shiro Utsuri, Sanke, Showa and Kohaku. Things such as should a Kohaku have colour in the fins, pattern etc....
Any help would be welcome.
John.
This comes up quite often, so here's a personal view.
It's my two pe'nnoth and everyone on here has different opinions and I'd never say that any are wrong. It's that sort of hobby.
It'll give you anything you want to know in what to look for in koi.
But ask yourself this, what is more important to you, having the "right" fish, or those that look pleasing to you?
Having kept koi for 25 years and suffered the heartaches associated with the hobby, (it's "always the best fish" that turns up its fins) I'd suggest you don't worry too much about the quality of the fish with which you start, having read up about the subject, select some that you find pleasing among several varieties, but don't pay too much for them.
If you start in the spring, you'll be able to get some quite reasonable fish around five to six inches for around £10 each. These could grow to close on a foot in the first year with the right conditions, good water, plenty of air and a quality food.
Keeping koi is a continuous learning process.
Whichever you chose, most visitors wouldn't be able to tell the difference from what you've got from a "kipper."
The time to buy quality fish is when you're more experienced and able to instantly recognise any problems and are able to deal with them.
I'd suggest if you haven't already, check through the "pond build and construction diaries," for ways of constructing your pond, (that'll confuse you!) then formulate in your mind what you want, then start a topic giving as much information a possible, including a photo of the site and you'll get plenty of specific advice.
Also try to visit some local koi keepers who will be only too glad to show you their set-ups.
When I was about to build mine, I visited several and on each occasion, I heard about some aspect of each pool the words, "If I were to do it again, I wouldn't do it quite like this." So you're always learning.
__________________ "I don't mind if you don't like my manners!
I don't like them myself, they're pretty bad,
I grieve over them on long winter evenings."
Last edited by Doghouse Riley : 27-12-2011 at 07:03 PM.
Thanks for the advice Doghouse, I probably will be buying a few smaller fish to start with but do, also, want a few better fish in size as i have a ghost carp of around 80cm to go in when ready and dont want it looking to out of place with lots of tiddlers around it.
These are Tosai, they were imported from Japan in July and have been in a growing on facility until now, they were about 15cm when arriving in the UK. They are now about 30cm give or take a few cm. I am able to purchase them now but will not receive until the spring as they will be staying in the facility growing on free of charge
John.
If they came into the UK in July 2011 then they would have been born the year before ie 2010, they may have been Tosai then but they are now Nisai, this fits with their size and development, some outlets tend not to update their details of fish as they get older and it can get confusing.
Now as long as you like them that's all the matters.
Shoulds and should nots???? 
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