Page 49 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 75
P. 49
If you are buying at a typical end of winter tosai harvest appearance in their fish may find that a Showa’s
stage when the Koi is around 9-12 months old, the beni evolving nature offers a different experience. An older
should be a red or reddish colour and aim for a colour Showa may be more advisable for this situation.
that is as consistent as possible. Also aim for a beni However, even with older Showa, the journey of change
that is as thick as possible – irrespective of the colour continues. When looking at older Showa, shiroji (white)
tone consistent and thick beni may indicate the red and beni (red) should already be well-defined and
will hold up over time. In the youngest tosai, some strong in older Koi, as these colours don’t fluctuate as
tolerance on the beni consistency can be allowed for in dramatically as sumi over time. The sumi should be well
young Showa. developed, but may still be refining or deepening.
For sumi, we have to make some judgements and take Environmental Factors
some risk on predicting where the sumi will come. But
Showa Koi, like other Utsuri varieties, are sensitive to
for beni, we can see where that is and so at this stage,
environmental factors that can influence their sumi
when choosing young Showa, bear in mind the different
SHOWA KOI styles of Showa. For a Kindai style Showa, look for development. Light levels, water quality, temperature,
CONTINUE TO small beni patches which are well spread out across and diet can all affect how the black patterns emerge
and change over time. Generally, lower light conditions
the body – these will leave plenty of space for a sumi
DEVELOP THEIR pattern to emerge, hopefully on the white ground. For EVEN WITH tend to promote stronger sumi, so pond placement and
light exposure can play a role in helping the Showa to
PATTERNS Hi Showa, look for a large beni pattern with some OLDER SHOWA, develop sumi leading to the most bold contrast that
smaller areas of white ground, and in this case, we are
OVER TIME hoping the sumi will develop on the beni mostly leaving THE JOURNEY defines a Showa’s appearance.
those areas of white to be present at the end of the OF CHANGE Good husbandry, as always, is critical to bringing out
transformation. And for traditional Showa, look for a the best in your Koi’s colours and patterns.
mixture of small and/or large beni pattern elements that CONTINUES Related Varieties
in total cover around one third of the Koi.
There are some related varieties within the Showa
For shiroji, look for pure white and as opaque as
family that offer unique features:
possible. Allow some tolerance when looking at the
youngest tosai, as their skin is still early in its Tancho Showa: The Tancho Showa is a distinct
development. variation that features a red circle (Tancho) on its head,
with the rest of the body displaying the characteristic
The Journey of Showa:
black and white sumi patterns.
Showa Koi, especially younger ones, will continue to Gin Rin Showa: This variety adds another feature to the
develop their patterns over time. The sumi, in particular, traditional Showa by incorporating gin rin scales, which
may grow, recede, and change intensity as the fish give the fish a glittering, diamond-like sparkle. The
matures. Unlike Kohaku, whose red patterns tend to reflective quality of gin rin scales enhances the overall
remain consistent, Showa sumi is dynamic and visual impact, especially when the Koi moves through
unpredictable. This ever-changing nature adds the water, creating a dazzling effect under light.
excitement to owning Showa Koi, as you witness their Whether that takes away from the boldness of a
transformation from year to year.
Showa, or enhances the transition or change aspects,
Patience is essential to appreciate how a Showa is a matter for personal opinion.
matures over time. It’s also important to embrace the
transitional phases, as a Showa may go through stages Kin Showa: Kin Showa is a metallic variant of the
where its pattern appears less defined. Therefore, traditional Showa, where the Koi displays a shiny,
hobbyists who prefer a consistently neat and tidy lustrous sheen across its body. The word ‘Kin’ in
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