Page 45 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 75
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The Go Sanke Group: What Does It Mean? For juvenile Koi or tosai (under a year old), predicting
future sumi colour depth can be difficult, but certain
Showa Koi are part of the Go Sanke group, a term that traits help identify good potential. Look for small
refers to three of the most esteemed Koi varieties: patches of refined sumi, even if it’s just a single scale
Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa. Often regarded as the or part of one. These early patches can serve as a
pinnacle of Koi breeding, these varieties showcase the proxy for quality of how the rest of the black will look
artistry and skill of breeders. However, it’s important to over time.
recognise that many other Koi varieties also hold
significance and merit, each bringing its unique charm Well-placed sumi patches are essential in developing
and beauty to the Koi hobby. the Showa’s final pattern, but they can be hard to
predict at this stage. Often, you can spot underlying
Buying Tips for Showa Koi
sumi, which may appear as a bluish-grey tint under the
Identifying Good Potential in Small Showa Koi: skin. While this might seem faint, it’s a good indicator
that rich, deep black will come through as the Koi
IDENTIFYING When selecting young Showa Koi at newly harvested matures. Keep in mind that the Koi’s breeding line and
tosai stage (one summer old, and around 9-12 months
GOOD old, depending on when in the previous year’s season the breeder’s track record are also significant factors.
Koi from a strong lineage with a history of producing
POTENTIAL they were bred), identifying good potential can be both WELL-PLACED quality Showa are more likely to develop stable,
an art and a science. At this early stage, the Koi’s
CAN BE BOTH patterns and colours are not fully developed, so SUMI PATCHES balanced black patterns. When buying young Koi, it’s
helpful to select a few from the same breeder and
AN ART AND breeders and hobbyists look for subtle clues that ARE ESSENTIAL bloodline. Over time, you’ll learn to recognise traits in
suggest how the fish will mature. Here are key traits to
A SCIENCE consider: IN DEVELOPING juvenile Showa that indicate a higher probability of
good sumi development.
Balance of Colours: THE SHOWA’S Motoguru:
The head of a Showa Koi is where a pattern starts and FINAL PATTERN Another important feature to watch for in Showa Koi is
so it’s particularly important. It should ideally feature all the motoguru, the black markings that originate at the
three colours – black, red, and white. This is most base of the pectoral fins and radiate outward. While not
important for show-grade Koi, but it also adds balance an exact science, motoguru can be a useful indicator of
and appeal to all Showa. When the Koi swims towards future sumi development. In young Showa, a small
you, the head is the closest point to you and having all amount of solid black at the base of the pectoral fins
three colours on the head makes the overall pattern can signal the potential for strong, deep sumi
more likely to be balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
elsewhere.
Sumi Quality and Pattern:
Beni (Red) and Shiroji (White):
The black (sumi) should ideally be deep and glossy
In addition to the sumi, it’s essential to evaluate the red
when fully developed, and its placement is crucial for
(beni) and white (shiroji) of a young Showa.
creating the striking beauty characteristic of Showa Koi.
However, predicting the final sumi pattern can be In some Showa lines, the beni develops a little like the
challenging, particularly in younger Koi. beni on a Kohaku; so starting in the orange, pastel
orange area of colour and intensifying as the Koi
When a Showa is first hatched, it begins black, and matures. But on some very young Showa, it can look
over time, the red and white colours emerge, with the brown, tan, greenish or even yellowish, only developing
black reappearing later. This means that what you into more of a red colour when the Showa approaches
should look for in a Showa’s black pattern will vary 6-9 months old.
depending on the age of the fish.
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