I see everyone is putting up pics of theire big or bigger koi, I'd like to start with the little ones first. These 2 are about 10cm each and since this is a good bad and ugly board I'd like to know if these are good quality , just another fish or cull quality.

1st up is my Tiny Shiro Utsuri of 10cm





and My Doitsu Ogon I just had to get one I think one paruchina and a yamabuki in the same pond look soooooooo Nice



Ps. I dont know how this photo quality is pls let me know if its bad also I only started koi keeping recently so I would apreciate constructive criticism and all the advise I can get.

Hi Bubbles

A Shiro Utsuri (or other Utsuri) is quite difficult to judge at an early stage, because it is going to change dramatically. An Utsuri must develop over a long period of time and should not be "finished" too early.

The pectoral fins should be balanced. With your Utsuri, there are no Sumi in the one which makes it unbalanced.

The head should have both colours, almost 50/50. In your case, the head is basically white. The ideal is a pattern of black down the head called "Hachiwa" or a V across the head. However, any interesting pattern would do. You fish has no pattern, but it can develop, although unlikely.

The body of the fish should have more or less 50/50 shiro and sumi(black and white) and rather too many white than black. Remember that most of the black will still be deep and unfinished. This one might be too black, but a fairly good balance.

The black should not be represented by spots. It should rather have large patches like yours.

I do not like the black around the one eye. This will be a demerit.

In conclusion, this is not an ideal Utsuri, but remember, it might develop great.

As far as the Platinum Ogon is concerned, sorry to say, but I think it is not a good quality. The head is too dirty and black will gradually come through on the body. At this age, a Platinum Ogon should be all one colour with a good lustre and shine. It is still a good pond fish. I might be wrong, it is only my opinion and I will be glad for you if you can proof me wrong over the next few years.

Lets see what Pieter has got to say about your fish. Come on Pieter!

I agree with you that Platinums combined with Yamabuki's look great in a pond. The white and yellow creates a good contrast.

Admin Thanks for all the pointers and how they should look like this helps allot for future purchases

The more opinions I get the better so C'mon ppl lets hear what are the ups and downs.

I will net and post pics of my other Koi after everyone has had theyre say on these 2

Pics to follow :

Yamabuki Ogon Just over 20cm
Sanke ( I think ) also about 20cm
Kumunryu I think Beni Kumunryu cause the belly has Red at about 35cm

Hi,
As you put me on the spot!
It is hard enough to judge a Big Koi from a photo not mentioning small Koi like this.

The Utsuri is a very bad Koi, the head is too big and it looks like there is some gill problems already. I think this Koi if it ever grow to 25cm, will become 80% black.

The Doitsu Koi. I agree with Paul.

Bubbles for a beginner it is the right sort of Koi to buy………….R 10 each?

They were quite cheap so I'm not complaining. I need schooling in keeping cheap koi before buying expensive ones.

I will post these 2 again once they hit 20 - 25cm.