AKA Reporter. Journal of The Australian Koi Association Inc

Transcription

1 August September AKA Reporter Journal of The Australian Koi Association Inc

2 AUSTRALIAN KOI FARM 83 JERSEY ROAD, BRINGELLY NSW 2556 TEL: (02) FAX: (02) WEBSITE: A.K.F. Fisheries Lic. No. F A.B.N Breeding and selling pure Japanese Koi and pond & bio filtration construction for over 25 years Show Quality & Pond Quality Koi Pond Consultancy Pond Restoration Low Maintenance Mechanical & Bio Filters To Suit Any Pond Custom Made Filters Pre Fabricated Fiberglass Ponds Accredited Seller Of Oase Filters & Pumps Koi Food - High Protein Spirulina Enhanced Wholesale & Retail Fish and Food Air Pumps & Accessories Hoses & Fittings Filter Media - Japanese Mats & Bioballs Large Range Of Pumps U.V s To Suit Any Pond Size Medications & Other Pond Additives Open to The Public 7 Days

3 AKA Reporter August September 2011 Administrative Members and contact details 2 President s Report 3 Coming events for members Meeting Agendas 4 New Members 4 AKA Auction Dates 4 KSA Auction Dates 5 Redfish Magazine 5 An incredible changing koi 6 Noxious fish fines 7 Buy, swap and sell 8 Development and appreciation of Go-Sanke 10 Table Show Results 24 Thank you to our advertisers... Australian Koi Farm Inside Front Cover Koi Keeper s Supplies 8 Australian Pet Supplies 9 Clear Pond 23 AKA Members Supplies Inside back cover Aquarious Multifilter Back cover AKA Reporter is published by the Australian Koi Association Inc. ABN Advertising enquiries Gordon Kilborn or Newsletter production All correspondence The Secretary, Australian Koi Association, 17 Westmore Drive, West Pennant Hills NSW Australian Koi Association Inc. Disclaimer The opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent those of the Australian Koi Association or its management. Nor does the Association accept responsibility for the claims made by advertisers or members in respect of any service or items offered for sale herein. Aug 2011 Sep

4 The Australian Koi Association Inc. Executive Officers President Paul Miglionico Vice President Arthur Johnston Secretary Ian Andrews Treasurer Bryce Hough (Ph/Fax) or Public Officer John Rhodes Committee Members Show Coordinator Dianna Banning Membership Officer Heinz Zimmermann / (Subscriptions to 55 Orchard Road BASS HILL NSW 2197) Supply Officer(s) Ron & Max Farrugia / Auction Master Ken Cantrill / Assistant Auction Master Graham Famelli AKA Reporter: Editor Ian Andrews Editing Group John Ling Kate McGill Advertising/Distribution Gordon Kilborn / Committee Support Panel Publicity Miryana Brault Alf Mizzi Librarians Carol & David Durrant Catering George & Betty Ludbrook Social Secretary Miryana Brault Sizing & Assets John Rhodes Committee Bryce Hough (Ph/Fax) or Barbara Walter Terry McNeil (Ph/Fax) Kate McGill Kevin Wong Website Web Master: Harry Watson Life Members Ethel Allen*; Jack Cohen*; Mary Cohen; Max Farrugia; Ron Farrugia; Gordon Kilborn; Yvonne Louis; Dorothy Miglionico; Paul Miglionico; Ken Newton; Dave Pogson*; Arthur Robinson; Alan Walter*; Barbara Walter; Harry Watson; Robert Wood*. *Deceased All correspondence The Secretary, Australian Koi Association 17 Westmore Drive, West Pennant Hills NSW AKA REPORTER

5 President s Report I would like to start off this report by formally announcing my intention to stand down as your President at our October AGM Meeting. It has been nearly 12 years since I proudly accepted the role and feel that it is now time to hand over the reins to someone new. Our Koi Club is in very good shape and by having a new President this will allow our Club to continue to progress with new ideas and direction. I intend to stay involved as always and will be on hand to lend my support to this new person. Once again it has been an honour and a privilege to serve as your President. We have also received the resignation of Dianna Banning as Show Co-ordinator. Dianna has been a tower of strength in this role and I offer my sincere thanks for her efforts on behalf of the Club. We are now seeking someone new to take on this role. The Committee will as always be there in support to anyone new to this position. If you feel you could help in filling this role please let me know. The next event on our koi calendar will be the running of our Annual Young Koi Show on Sunday 25th September at Panthers Club, St. Johns Park. This is a good venue for this koi show and I hope will be greatly supported by all Members. Please give some thought to entering a few koi into this Show, as we are desperate to increase our participation rate at all our Shows. By participating you will become associated with what I feel is the very essence of koi appreciation and is a wonderful way to form strong friendships with fellow exhibitors. Entries to our Young Koi Show can be ed to our Secretary ia222@hotmail.com or posted through to Ian Andrews, 17 Westmore Drive West Pennant Hills This Show is open for koi in Size 2 (20 29cm) and Size 3 (30 40cm). At the time of going to press I understand there are a few bins available for our forthcoming Auction on Sunday 7th August. If you have koi you would like to sell at this auction please contact our Auction Master Ken Cantrill on or I would also like to encourage many of our newer members to participate in our monthly Table Shows, we a one of the most successful clubs in this area and this is a great learning tool to see what makes a good young koi. Yours in koi. Paul Miglionico AKA Young Koi Show Size 2 (20-29 cm) & Size 3 (30-40 cm) Sunday 25th September 2011 Panthers Club, St Johns Park AKA Small Koi Show & Christmas Party Size 1 (10-20 cm) Sunday 4th December 2011 Scottish Hall Bankstown Aug 2011 Sep

6 Coming events for members Meetings are held at the Scottish Hall, 4 Weigand Avenue, Bankstown on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm. August Meeting The Augusr General Meeting of the Australian Koi Association Inc will be held at the Scottish Hall, 4 Weigand Avenue Bankstown on Wednesday 3 August 2011 at 7.30 pm. AGENDA 1. Welcome to new members and guests 2. Apologies 3. Confirmation of minutes of previous monthly general meeting held 6 July Raffle 5. Reports 6. General Business 7. Pizzas and nibbles 8. Table Show Results 9. Raffle Draw September Meeting The September Meeting and Annual General Meeting of the Australian Koi Association Inc will be held at the Scottish Hall, 4 Weigand Avenue Bankstown, Wednesday 7 September 2011, 7.30 pm. AGENDA 1. Welcome to new members and guests 2. Apologies 3. Confirmation of minutes of previous monthly general meeting held 3 August Raffle 5. Reports 6. General Business 7. Guest speaker: Brad Bradley 4 8. Social Break 9. Table Show Results 10. Raffle Draw New members New members are always assured of a friendly welcome when attending the AKA s monthly meetings. Help and advice is available if required and our Supply Officers can provide you with koi food and accessories at favourable prices. Call our membership officer (see details on page 2) for more information or use the application form included in this magazine. Welcome to the following new members: Richard Hwang Bill Xu Robyn Thomson Benjamin Edwards AKA auction dates Held at Auburn Botanic Gardens (entry from Killeen Street, Auburn). Commencing at am. Quality fish at reasonable prices! Food and refreshments available. Fish food and other fish keeping supplies also available. Bankstown City NSW Chapter Zen Nippon Airinkai Sunday 7th August 2011 Sunday 16th October 2011 Sunday 11th December 2011 Facebook The AKA has started a Facebook page...go to Facebook and search for Australian Koi Association. AKA REPORTER

7 News KSA auction dates Commencing am at Auburn Botanical Gardens: Sunday 24th July 2011 Sunday 18th September 2011 Sunday 20th November 2011 The sale of koi by members of the AKA can only take place between members of koi clubs and associations only, as per NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) guidelines. Redfish Magazine AKA Members are invited to take up the offer of a free subscription to a new on-line e-magazine called Redfish. This new magazine will include articles on koi from time to time. Also we hope to be able to promote our Club and AKA Auction days in this newsletter also which hopefully will increase membership and bidders at fothcoming auctions. Having had a sneak preview of the first issue, we can say that the production and content is excellent and will make interesting reading to all fish keepers. Sign up now its free. See below for details. Aug 2011 Sep

8 An incredibly changing koi the power of the photographic record Anyone could be forgiven, in glancing at the two photographs shown, in thinking these are two completely different koi! Look again, notice the red (hi) patterns, they are almost identical. This actually is the same koi, first photographed as Size 1 in 2009, as the AKA Christmas Small Koi Show Grand Champion and again as Size 4 in May 2011, at the KSA National Koi Show. This unusual koi was bred and raised by Graham and Lee Fameli and is testimony to their good koi keeping. The koi in 2009 was an attractive Kin- Gin-Rin Goshiki, showing good reticulation in the white and very bright Kin-Gin-Rin scaling. Hi patterns fit the koi beautifully and it has an excellent shape. An incredible change has occurred since that first photograph. All the Goshiki markings over white skin have disappeared and developed wonderful intensity over and around the edges of 6 hi markings, creating a rare Kin-Gin-Rin Koromo, of the Sumi Goromo type (because black is visible on the head). Hi has also improved to a deep and homogeneous colour and the Gin-Rin scaling over white skin really sets off this amazing koi. The early promise of the shape of this Koromo has also been maintained. The only minor demerits visible are one or two scattered hi spots and a slightly yellow head. Since the shape suggests a female, we can very much hope that the head will clear to white in the future. The moral of this tale - always take photographs of your developing koi, there are some amazing stories that can be told from them! Kate McGill AKA REPORTER

9 Noxious fish fines up to $11,000 NSW Department for Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is warning ornamental fish owners that heavy penalties will apply from July 1 for possessing or selling live fish that have been newly listed as Class 1 noxious on the NSW Noxious Fish List. NSW DPI, Strategy Leader Aquatic Biosecurity and Risk Management, Melissa Walker, said the six month advisory period for the sixty-six high risk fish species that were added to the NSW Noxious Fish List will end on June 30. The addition of new species to the list is as a result of a nationally consistent approach to the management of ornamental fish throughout Australia, Ms Walker said. The changes will assist in reducing the risk of high-risk ornamental fish species entering and harming our waterways. New fish species added to the list include the Yellowbelly gudgeon, Reedfish and Tropical carp-gudgeon. Some of the fish species listed as noxious grow incredibly large in size, such as the sturgeons, or may be aggressive in their nature. If they were to escape into our waterways they could have serious impacts on native fish through predation and competition. The majority of fish on the list are listed as Class 1 noxious, which means they are totally banned in NSW. People found possessing or selling live noxious fish face fines up to $5,500 for an individual or $11,000 for a corporation. Ms Walker said NSW DPI has distributed information regarding the changes to relevant groups throughout the State during the six month advisory period. \ Information regarding the NSW Noxious Fish List has been widely distributed in English and five other languages to aquarium retail outlets and key stakeholder groups, she said. NSW DPI fisheries officers will begin to enforce the changes from July and will fine fish owners doing the wrong thing. Fisheries officers may seize and destroy any Class 1 noxious fish. Ornamental fish owners are reminded they are required to euthanise any noxious fish they have using suitable humane methods as advised by the NSW DPI Animal Welfare Branch. More information and the complete NSW Noxious Fish List can be found on the website at Available from our Supply Officers. Aug 2011 Sep

10 Buy, swap and sell Buy, swap and sell notices can be placed free by members. Please call Ian Andrews on or ian. for more information. Wanted: Oval Reln 1000 litre Tank in good condition Please call Nick Christie Ph For sale: OASE Pond Vaccum Cleaner (Like new) $240 Please call AFTER August 4th Ian The Australian Koi Association does not accept responsibility for the quality of any items or any transactions advertised under Buy, Swap and Sell. 8 AKA REPORTER

11 Australian Pet Supplies Pty Ltd are manufacturers of top quality pellets and flake foods for ornamental fish. Top ingredients, listed below, provide for your fish all protein, minerals and vitamins to maintain healthy growing Koi fish. Products are all fully manufactured in Australia and are available from your supply officer. Our Goldfish and Tropical Pellets and Flakes contain the following ingredients in varying amounts: WHEAT FOLIC ACID RICE FLOUR RIBOFLAVIN (B2) SPIRULINA VITAMIN B12 FISH MEAL BIOTIN SOYA BEAN MEAL PYRIDOXINE B6 CHLORINE CHLORIDE KELP FLOUR COBALT TUNA OIL IODINE DRIED YEAST COPPER WHEATGERM IRON VITAMIN A MANGANOUS OXIDE VITAMIN B TOTAL ZINC VITAMIN E ETHOXYQUIN MENADIONE ANTI-TOX NICOTINIC ACID THIAMINE B1 CALCIUM B PANTOTHENATE COLOUR ASCORBIC ACID (especially developed for the aquaculture industry) Aug 2011 Sep

12 Development and appreciation of Go-Sanke Despite there being thirteen basic varieties of living jewels, or Nishikigoi (brocaded carp), each with their particular characteristics and beauty, three dominate the koi industry and have fascinated breeders, dealers and hobbyists alike for many decades. These three koi varieties are Kohaku (red and white), Taisho Sanke and Showa Sanshoku (both, red, black and white, but in different configurations). The big three are also called the Go-Sanke varieties, because of their comparison to the historical Tokugawa Gosanke, a powerful ruling alliance or shogunate, formed from three closely related, and most important Japanese families (Mito, Kishu and Owari) during the Edo period ( ). Hence Go-Sanke refers to the three most important families, whether people or koi (Alan Rogers, Nishikigoi International 1996). Nishikigoi have a long history, thought to be around 175 years. The name koi is much older, originally awarded to an edible fish about 2500 years ago, according to Chinese legend. Koi are thought to have reached Japan via China and Korea from origins in Persia. The Go-Sanke group, although perhaps the best recognised, are by no means the earliest varieties developed, being preceded by Asagi (a blue netted koi with red patterns), early Bekko and Utsurimono (Ki Bekko, Ki Utsuri, black and yellow koi, different arrangements of black (sumi)). Predecessors were the wild Magoi lines, Asagi Magoi (blue-black) and Tetsu Magoi (iron Magoi, a brownish black). An additional Magoi sub-species is the Doro Magoi (mud carp). The Go-Sanke (and other early varieties) appeared from natural mutations (and were subsequently developed) in a step-wise fashion over approximately years, beginning with Kohaku in the late 19 th century. Kohaku development The Kohaku story, as the very beginning of modern Nishikigoi, as well as the introduction 10 A lovely modern Kohaku of a small, rural area of Japan to fame and eventually, to the world stage, is well known. In the late 19 th century, lighter blue, Asagi type (Mizu or water Asagi) Koi naturally began to produce red patches. Mr Satoru Hoshino relates that Asagi naturally became much lighter in colour when introduced to the Yamakoshi area as a result of the local geology and resultant water quality. In 1889 Kunzio Hiroi (also known as Utogi no Gosuke) of Utogi village in Niigata Prefecture purchased a white female koi with a red head and mated it with another of his koi, a male Sakurakana demonstrating orange red dapples, like the spots on a fawn. The offspring of this spawning created great excitement, since many showed random red and white patterns, later proclaimed as the very foundations of Kohaku lineage. Hiroi became AKA REPORTER

13 one of the first known professional breeders in history; his bloodline recognised throughout the region as Gosuke. Kohaku at this time were also known as Sarasa, because of their patterning. Following the death of Hiroi in 1915, the Gosuke line was continued by Tomoemon Hoshino of Takezawa village, becoming later known (as the now world famous) Tomoin Kohaku, the foundation of many other wellknown lines of Kohaku. Granddad Gosuke (Goroji Sato) reputedly both discovered the original Tomoin parent koi (the Sakusen Kohaku) in 1935 and later rescued the Tomoin Kohaku line from threatened extinction by neglect in 1950, due to the severe illness of the then owner of the farm (Interviews with the Elders Nicherin May 2000). Koi from the Tomoin line were moved from farm to farm by Granddad Gosuke in the 1950s, leading to the foundation of other famous modern lines, for example the Yagozen, Buheita, Sensuke, Manzo, Sankuro, Maruyama, Matsunosuke and Dainichi. Yagozen Kohaku was established about 10 years after Tomoin, other lines following later. Today, it is thought that there are no pure blooded Tomoin Kohaku left (Interviews with the Elders Nicherin June 2000). It is interesting to consider that if Granddad Gosuke had not saved the Tomoin Kohaku from starvation, the Kohaku story might have been very different. The Sanke Story The history of Nishikigoi variety development is very colourful, not least because so much of it appears to have happened almost by accident, just someone being curious or noticing an unusual feature. The establishment of Sanke as a koi variety is considered to be in 1917 (during the Taisho era) because a koi farmer called Eizaburo Hoshino started to work in 1916 with the parent Kohaku originally owned by Heitaro Sato in Urgara, which produced some offspring showing black spots. Most of these odd looking koi went into the cook-pot as worthless! The story is that Heitaro s son liked the look of the spotted Kohaku and three were kept for him to play with. They came to the attention of An excellent modern Sanke A Sanke showing Torazo sumi markings Aug 2011 Sep

14 Chuzo Kawakami, who bought and displayed them, creating something of a local sensation. However, when Heitaro bred the parents again the next year, only about 10 fry showed any sumi and he decided to sell the parents, hence they finally came to Eizaburo Hoshino another year later. He is credited with producing the very first recognisable Sanke (Interviews with the Elders Nicherin August 2000). These very early Sanke were called Shima Sanke, because of black stripes appearing in the fins. The name Taisho gradually became accepted, as Sanke was established in that era as a new breed. Little information is available on the history of Sanke over the next 30 years. We can only assume they were continually bred and slowly improved during this period, although it is inferred that sumi quality remained poor, markings breaking up readily. The story is taken up again in the late 1940s with the development of the well-recognised Torazo and Sadazo lines. The Torazo (tiger) Sanke is first credited to Torakichi Kawakami of the Urakawa koi farm in 1949 who bred an Eizaburo Hoshini Sanke female with another Sanke male and a Yagozen Kohaku male. The Torazo line is marked by Sanke demonstrating stable, saddle shaped, Torazo style sanke sumi markings cross the back as stripes 12 blue-black sumi markings with a very high gloss (Urakawa Koi Farm - Nicherin December 2000). Again, by inference, the Torazo represented a quantum leap in sumi quality and possibly size of sumi markings. It is said that the great days of the Torazo line lasted for four years post its emergence, until the original Yagozen Kohaku male of the breeding group died (Interviews with the Elders Nicherin August 2000). A second great line of Sanke, the Sadazo, followed Torazo, first recognised in and produced by Sadazo Kawakami, Nigorisawa. With Torazo, Sadazo appears to complete the foundation stock of all modern Sanke. Well-known lines including Jinbei, Kichinai and Matsunosuke followed decades later; Kichinai probably the earliest, ( ). Toshio Sakai, originally from Niigata Prefecture, but now based in Isawa is credited with having the greatest impact on modern Sanke development, re-introducing wild Magoi into the Matsunosuke line and bringing with it a vast improvement in growth potential. In 2002 one of his Sanke s won the All Japan Combined Show at a length of 101 cm. The Birth of Showa Sanshoku Unlike Kohakuand Sanke, the birth of Showa was not a result of natural mutation, but rather, from a deliberate breeding experiment. Most accounts tell us the parent koi were a male Ki Utsuri (black and yellow) and a female Kohaku. Ki Utsuri appeared from the Tetsu (Iron) Magoi line in the very early 1920s. However, different parent koi were described recently, a Kawarimono female ( trout-like markings on a white ground and a reddish head) was mated with a male Shiro Utsuri (black and white) with less black spots than originally (Nicherin - November 2005). Since Kawarimono means something strange, it is possible that the female parent was a Kohaku type, just unusually marked. The offspring were strange, threecoloured koi totally unlike Sanke. Goroji Sato (Gosuke) apparently witnessed the early Jintaro Showa and related that the original female had looked a little like a Hi Utsuri (Nicherin - November 2005). AKA REPORTER

15 Jukichi Hoshino (Jintaro) is credited with producing this first Showa in 1927, so named because the new koi variety emerged in the Showa era ( ). Showa initially looked nothing like modern Showa. Red patterns were yellowish; poor quality white (shiroji) minimal and extensive sumi greyish and very unstable because of its origin in the Tetsu Magoi line. Improvement in the sumi quality is first credited to Asagi Magoi crossbreeding in the early days of Showa, as is the appearance of black pectoral fin joints (motoguro) on Showa. Jintaro Showa are said to have had heavily striped fins originally (Nicherin - November 2005). The style of deeply wrapping sumi markings on the head and body of Showa reflects the Tetsu Magoi lineage. There is an even longer historical gap in the story of Showa development, the next major breakthrough occurring as late as 1964, when koi hobbyist Tomiji Kobayashi produced the famous Kobayashi Showa, which for the very first time demonstrated deep red hi. We can only assume that during the intervening years, unsuccessful attempts were constantly made to produce a Showa with good red. It says a lot for the persistence of the breeders that efforts continued over a period of almost 40 years. It is said that Tomiji Kobayashi had been trying to produce his ideal Showa with the help of Goroji Sato (Gosuke) for many years and finally succeeded by introducing a Yagozen Kohaku male. Interesting that Yagozen Kohaku apparently figures largely in both Sanke and Showa development. The Kobayashi Showa was a landmark, A typical Showa Ki Utsuri Aug 2011 Sep

16 Did You Know? The very first Koi Exhibition was at the Taisho Exhibition 1915 held at Shinobazu Pond, Ueno; in Tokyo an epoch in Nishikigoi history a huge gamble on the part of Niigata breeders to open up new sales channels for their developing modern Nishikigoi. Nishikigoi came to the attention of the future Emperor Hirohito, when the then crown prince visited the show. * * * Following the war years, the first competitive exhibition in Niigata Prefecture took place in 1962 in Nagaoka City. * * * The Gosuke Sarasa Kohaku line is named for a pattern of birds and flowers on cloth. * * * The famous Granddad Gosuke (Goroji Sato) introduced a founder Tomoin Kohaku to his brother Tomisaku Sakai, Granddad Matsunosuke s farm. Tomoin line Koi were then moved on to Ichiro Mano in Isumiya. Granddad Gosuke was a unique figure in the very wide dissemination of Tomoin Kohaku. * * * Both Taisho Sanke and Showa Sanshoku are named for the Japanese eras in which they were first discovered, the Taisho ( ) and the Showa ( ) eras. * * * Some historical koi are world famous because their patterns are so recognisable, in addition to their exceptional quality and show winning status at the time. Kohaku Loran, the Crown Sanke and the Inazuma Showa are three of the best known. * * * Although line breeding (for example Sanke with Sanke) is an important feature of Go-Sanke programmes, cross breeding (for example Sanke with Kohaku) with other varieties can and has been introduced to enhance specific features. Old fashioned Sanke sumi was heavy and scattered contributing hugely to increased Showa popularity and establishing all modern Showa lines. By 1966, a Kobayashi Showa was already good enough to take Grand Champion at a major show, the Niigata Nogyosai Show and the next year a second, owned by Dr Takeo Kuroki, took GC at the first Zen Nippon Airinkai (ZNA) national show. Perhaps the most famous Showa of all time was the winner of the 22 nd All Japan Combined (Shinkokai) and 27 th ZNA All Japan Shows in The Dainichi Inazuma Showa, owned by Masao Kato. This koi, with its distinctive, perfect red lightening stripe along the entire length of the back, offset by opposing sumi markings on a lovely white base, is instantly recognisable. Although other lines are recognised, for example Maruju, credited to Jukichi Tanaka in the early 1950s, Dainichi arguably has had the greatest influence on the appearance of modern Showa. 14 AKA REPORTER

17 Recognising Kohaku Kohaku is a white koi with red patterns on the head and body. You would think such a simple colour combination would always be easily recognisable, but there are a few exceptions to their classification. Exception (1): When there is a red marking on the forehead, only. No red (hi or beni) appears on the body. In this case, Kohaku is classified as a Tancho (Tancho Kohaku). Exception (2): When some or all red patterns on the body appear as dapples on individual scale areas. This effect is called Kanoko (dappled fawn) and a Kohuku with these markings is classified with Kawarimono. (See photos p 17). Exception (3): When multiple rows of very shiny scales appear on either side of the dorsal fin (kin-gin-rin scaling) on a Kohaku, it is classified with Kin-Gin-Rin (A). (See photos p 17). Tancho Kohaku Kohaku Patterns & Markings NOTE: Red patterns are common to all three Go- Sanke varieties and carry the same names. Red (hi) patterns tend to be named for the number of steps that are involved and the position and shape of the markings. Both head and body should demonstrate hi. Fins ideally should be clear. Straight hi, a single continuous pattern from head to tail (ippon hi, renzokumoyo, or nagaremoyo (streaming pattern)). The streaming pattern looks like a lightening stripe (inazuma pattern). Two steps, the first running over the head (nidan pattern). Three steps to the pattern (sandan pattern). Four steps (yondan pattern). Five steps (godan pattern). Too many pattern elements to number flowery pattern. The head hi is separate from hi patterns on the body (maruten pattern). Red on the head extends all the way down to the nose, but without covering eyes or cheeks (hanatsuki pattern). The head is completely red (menkaburi pattern). The lips are outlined with hi (kutchibeni pattern). Kutchibeni is often used to describe a koi with a little hi on the tip of the nose also, but in reality means lipstick. Hi patterns appear on the back above the lateral lines, shallow wrapping - komoyo. Hi patterns extend down the sides of the body, below the lateral lines, deep wrapping - omoyo. Hi may appear as a pectoral fin joint motoaka. Hi may appear as dapples on individual scale areas kanoko. Hi may appear on the gill plates (a strong demerit). Aug 2011 Sep

18 16 Go-Sanke Early Timeline 1889 Kunizo Hiroi develops the first true Kohaku 1915 Early Kohaku are exhibited at the Taisho Exhibition in Tokyo 1917 Eizaburo Hoshino develops the first Sanke Jukichi Hoshino breeds the first Showa 1935 Establishment of Tomoin Kohaku as a specific line 1949 Birth of the Torazo Sanke line Start of the Sadazo Sanke line Kichinai Sanke becomes established 1964 Birth of the Kobayashi Showa 1967 The Kobayashi Showa wins the 1 st All Japan (ZNA) Show 1968 The first Inazuma patterned Kohaku wins the 2 nd All Japan (ZNA) Show 1970 A Sanke wins the 4 th All Japan (ZNA) Show 1978 The famous Crown Sanke wins the 10 th All Japan Show Exception ((4) ZNA classification): If a Kohaku has doitsu scaling (a maximum of two single rows of large scales along the dorsal ridge and a single row along each lateral line), it is sometimes classified at a large show in a separate doitsu class. Ideally, for all Kohaku, white (shiroji) should be pure white from nose to tail, with no yellowing, spots or stains. In more recent times, fukurin, a faint reticulated or netting appearance between individual scale areas and intervening skin, has become a prized shiroji feature of adult and mature koi. High gloss skin appears threedimensional in consequence. Originally only seen on metallic varieties, fukurin can now be expected on all top quality Go-Sanke. Beni should look thick and homogeneous when fully developed. Trailing edges of pattern elements (kiwa) should be sharp, either following the rounded edges of scales in a scalloped pattern (maruzome kiwa), or cutting across scale areas as a straight line (kamisori kiwa). Top quality shiroji and beni looks soft and smooth with a high gloss. Individual scales should not be easily visible. Since Kohaku first appeared, tremendous effort has been made by koi breeders to improve the quality of both shiroji and beni. Perhaps the greatest variations for Kohaku over the decades has been in the extent and positioning of beni. Fashions have come and gone and acceptable features changed remarkably. Examples are innumerable. Shallow and deep wrapping body patterns, stepped or continuously running patterns, or a separate head pattern (maruten). Features originally despised, like red pectoral fin joints (motoaka), lip and nose beni (kutchibeni), or beni extending over an eye or cheek are now just appreciated in context with the rest of the pattern. At the end of the day, a Kohaku pattern is a unique feature to each individual koi and cannot be appreciated in isolation, since it depends for its effect on other elements, for example, the size, volume and overall quality of the koi. One feature however, has remained constant. It has always been considered most elegant for a little white to appear on the nose and just before the tail. Recognising Sanke and Showa Add a third pattern element black (sumi) to a Kohaku and you could have either Sanke or Showa, depending upon the extent and positioning of the sumi. In earlier years, quality of the sumi could also have been added as a defining feature between Sanke and Showa, but in recent years, sumi quality has become very similar on both varieties. Quality of shiroji AKA REPORTER

19 Kanoko Kohaku Kindai Showa Kin Gin Rin Kohaku and beni has been comparable on all Go-Sanke members for much longer than quality of sumi. All appreciation points expected for Kohaku also apply to Sanke and Showa. Although it must always be appreciated that to achieve the same degree of excellence, when you have a third pattern element in the equation, is much more difficult. Correct classification of Sanke and Showa, has always posed a problem for beginners, because essentially they carry the same colours and can have similar patterns. For example, modern (Kindai) Showa may have few and quite small sumi markings, looking at first glance very similar to Sanke. Similarly, some Sanke with the new (Atarashi) style of sumi can demonstrate features very similar to those Aug 2011 Sep

20 Three Famous Historical Go-Sanke Loran, is a very famous All Japan Show winning Kohaku that breaks a major appreciation rule yet is clearly a superb koi. She demonstrates why the (deceptively) simply patterned Kohaku endlessly fascinate hobbyists. Look at the pattern. It fits this koi perfectly, as well as being particularly memorable, but is completely the wrong way round when compared to classically taught beni placement. The largest area of beni is generally required over the shoulders to complement the broadest part of the figure, yet here; the largest pattern element is much further back. What we need to take into account here are the other appreciation elements. This koi has a lovely, graceful figure and wonderful beni quality with perfect kiwa to all pattern edges. The white area before the tail exactly matches the length of clear white nose, saving the pattern from looking too heavy at Loran s tail end. Most noteworthy of all however is the incredible shiroji, a large contributing factor to Loran s winning the All Japan Show over 4321 other koi. Shiroji like this can only be described as textbook in its perfection. Hard and fast rules have no place in koi appreciation! The Crown Sanke is another highly recognisable koi, because of the very unusual maruten (separate) head pattern, which looks a little like a crown in shape. This famous Sanke won the 10 th All Japan Nishikigoi Show in 1978, demonstrating exceptional quality for that time. A powerful figure is complemented by beautiful clean looking shiroji. Notice that the pectoral fins show no sumi stripes. The plain white fins, neat white tail stop (odome) and the fairly large area of white skin over the shoulders lift the rather heavy body patterning on this Sanke. Deeply coloured beni describes a running pattern with inserts of white rising up from the belly. Sumi placement is excellent, mostly on white skin, but look at the quality compared to that seen on top quality Sanke available today. There is no comparison. One small area of beni on the shoulder of this koi is also weak, but in her day, the Crown Sanke was very special and will always be remembered. 18 AKA REPORTER

21 The Inazuma Showa is perhaps the most famous historical koi recognised, a piece of living artwork in the perfection of the lightening stripe (inazuma) beni pattern, exactly centred along the back. This is a once in a lifetime koi and an early example of a Kindai or modern Showa, a break from the traditional, very heavily patterned Kobayashi Showa. Kindai Showa have relatively small sumi markings and usually demonstrate a higher proportion of shiroji, as in this example; called the representative Dainichi Showa. The figure of the Inazuma Showa is excellent, broad shoulders complemented by a thick tail area or peduncle. The head is perhaps, just slightly small in comparison to the very full body. Neat motoguro adorn both pectoral fins and the sumi patterning balances the beni attractively. Beni quality is excellent, although that of shiroji and sumi is a little lower. Notice sumi in the dorsal area is very unfinished, appearing grey and rather scattered. Again, compare this koi to top quality Showa seen today. Sumi has improved tremendously in recent years. The sumi pattern on the head of this Showa however, is very appealing, harmonising beautifully with beni and shiroji. Author s Note: Historical information about koi is, sadly, incomplete. How good it would be if a koi association in Japan, like ZNA, would sponsor a university student to research the topic thoroughly, before much of it is lost forever. Even better, if the results were published in English. Boke Showa. Greyish sumi may be a throwback to Tetsu Magoi. of Showa. However, in most cases, the two varieties can be distinguished by applying a few very simple rules. In general, Sanke sumi is more usually seen above the lateral line as relatively small markings, often demonstrating a rounded appearance. In contrast, Showa sumi can be very extensive, as either large blocks or jagged looking markings crossing the back and extending well below the lateral line. Sanke are not expected to have any sumi on the head, particularly towards the nose, although again, in recent years (due to breeding experiments towards improving sumi quality), Sanke are sometimes seen with some sumi on the Aug 2011 Sep

22 Modern Sanke head. Generally however, it will not be extensive and should not be confused with Showa sumi. Showa, in contrast to Sanke, are expected to show sumi on the head, which may be quite extensive. Typical and well-recognised patterns are either a line dividing the head vertically from forehead to nose (menware or hachiware), or a V (Japanese Kanji symbol) shape on the forehead with a separate nose sumi. These patterns are by no means universal however, there is much variability and occasionally a recognisable Showa will have no sumi at all on the head, although this is quite unusual. The pectoral and other fins of Sanke may be plain white, but often carry light sumi stripes (tejima or tezumi). Heavier markings have been seen occasionally, in recent years, but are not really a Sanke feature. In general terms, only Showa demonstrate true motoguro, or black pectoral fin joints. On a young Showa, the entire pectoral may be black, but the colour should retract, as the koi becomes older, particularly if the leading ray carries a white stripe. Exceptions to classification of Sanke and Showa are the same as those for Kohaku. Kanoko 20 Example of modern Australian Showa exhibiting excellent quality Sanke or Showa are classified with Kawarimono, Kin-Gin-Rin examples in Kin-Gin-Rin (A). If a Sanke or Showa has a single forehead beni marking with no beni on the body, they are classified as Tancho. If a Go-Sanke doitsu class is included at a show, Doitsu Sanke and Showa are included with Kohaku examples. Occasionally, Sanke and Showa are seen with almost no shiroji, (Aka Sanke and Hi Showa respectively). At first glance they may appear to be two-coloured koi (Aka Bekko or Hi Utsuri). However, if you can find a distinct line somewhere on the head or body, with shiroji below it, the koi is either Sanke or Showa, depending on sumi arrangement. Aka Sanke and Hi Showa are not thought to look as elegant as Sanke or Showa with more extensive white skin, although some hobbyists appreciate them. AKA REPORTER

23 Learning More About Koi Classification There are now many books available to help you learn to classify koi. Here, some are listed, the first four being the most up to date. The first two are the only dedicated books on koi varieties: Kokugyo: Mamoru Kodama (2002) Koi Appreciation - The First Step: Kate McGill ( Updated and reprinted 2006) Koi A Handbook on Keeping Nishikigoi: Servaas de Kock & Ronnie Watt (2006) Koi: Steve Hickling, Mick Martin, Bernice Brewster & Nick Fletcher (2002) Koi Kichi: Peter Waddington (1995) The Ultimate Koi: Edited by Nick Fletcher (1999) The Enigma of Koi: Barry Goodwin (1997) Manual to Nishikigoi: Takeo Kuroki (Editions 1 8, ) Koi of the World: Dr Herbert R Axelrod (1973) Koi: Grant Fujita (for the Associated Koi Clubs of America AKCA, date unknown) Living Jewels Koi Keeping in South Africa: Ronnie Watt & Servaas de Kock (1996) Koi on the Web just Google Koi Classification! Looking at Sanke Comparing Sanke and Showa, historically Sanke have tended to be lighter in style, due to size and placement of sumi markings. Very early modern Sanke tended to develop quite heavy, scattered body sumi markings and fin striping (see photo on p 14), but over the years a huge reduction occurred, leaving Sanke looking much cleaner and more attractive. In the early 1990s, we saw sumi markings on the body reduce in size and number, but improve in depth and quality of colour. Gradually, since that time, size of sumi markings has increased, but without the heavy fin stripes. Today, the quality of sumi on Sanke can be incredibly impressive; lacquer black, dense, large and cleanly finished. Little scattering of sumi occurs and often a beautiful three-dimensional effect is seen, due to the presence of sashi of sumi, the blue shaded leading edge where sumi inserts under white skin. The result of sumi improvements has been to create a Sanke that is more powerful in appearance, but at the same time retaining a very clean impression. Positioning of sumi must complement beni and shiroji patterns, ideally creating a pattern that leads the eye along the koi from head to tail. All three elements should give a balanced impression in all areas, very difficult to achieve. A critical appreciation point for Sanke is considered to be a sumi marking on the shoulder, preferably on a white base. Sumi against white is considered more impressive. For many years sumi on white skin was thought to be called tsubo sumi, but in reality we learn that tsubo sumi actually means well-placed, rather than against a specific base. Examining Showa Original Showa sumi, from the Tetsu Magoi Aug 2011 Sep

24 line, had a tendency to remain unfinished, greyish in appearance (see photo of Boke sumi on p 19). Sumi was also unstable, patterns breaking down and small sumi speckles scattering over the body. When placed in pale blue show vats, early Showa sumi often faded. Showa today still occasionally demonstrate some of these characteristics, although in general, sumi quality is excellent, dense, lacquer black and showing good kiwa. Although Kindai (modern) Showa are popular, it is recognised that Showa appear to greatest advantage when all three colours are present in almost equal quantities. In contrast to Sanke, Showa sumi can be very extensive and usually reaches well below the lateral line, wrapping over the dorsal area in often dramatic, jagged patterns generating a powerful and instantly eye catching impression. This is particularly the case when the sumi is of excellent quality, showing no lighter areas within pattern elements or scattering of sumi spots over beni or shiroji. As for Sanke, sumi is required to complement beni and shiroji patterns and a little white at both nose and tail are considered most elegant, although a match of either beni or sumi in the same positions can also be very attractive. The most notable developments for Showa over time have been the Kindai Showa and the overall improvement and stabilisation of sumi. Blue-black, rather than brownish-black is now the norm, although areas of greyish, unfinished sumi can complement a Showa pattern attractively, if it also demonstrates fully developed sumi patterns elsewhere. Kate McGill New air pumps for sale The Club has available new Hi-Blow Air Pumps (made in Japan). Sizes 20 litre hour capacity ($215), 40 litre ($230), 60 litre ($240) & 80 litre ($270). Available at our meeting nights or through our Supply Officers. 22 AKA REPORTER

25 CLEAR-POND PRODUCTS, SINCE 1976 A LEADER IN BIO ECOLOGICAL WATER TREATMENT FOR LAKES, WATERWAYS, PONDS AND AQUARIUMS. CLEAR-POND formula - the forefront of the new Bio-Technology products currently being developed by Universities throughout the world. This development is in response to our need for natural methods of cleaning pollutants from our environment, without the use of chemicals or other un-natural products detrimental to all life on earth. CLEAR-POND PRODUCTS THE ROLLS ROYCE OF BIO-ECOLOGICAL WATER CONDITIONS FOR AQUARI- UMS & PONDS Made by AQUATIC BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC. Ventura-California How does CLEAR-POND work? The answer lies in the diet preference of the various strains of bacteria. While decaying organic waste matter and foul gasses such as ammonia can create problems for fish, they are an attractive menu to CLEAR- POND bacteria. By using CLEAR-POND fish stress and mortality will be noticeably reduced. The growth rate of your fish in CLEAR-POND treated water... WILL SHOW IMPROVEMENT. All of our formulations contain naturally occurring bacteria and are safe, non-toxic, non-pathogenic, non-chemical and are beneficial for effluent use. Overdoses pose NO DANGER to fish. FOR MORE INFORMATION RING RON OR MAX ON (02) Aug 2011 Sep

26 Table show results June 2011 July 2011 Kohaku 1st Charles Grech; 2nd Charles Grech Showa 1st Charles Grech; 2nd Charles Grech Tancho 1st Betty & George Ludbrook; 2nd Betty & George Ludbrook Asagi 1st Betty & George Ludbrook Kinginrin A 1st Charles Grech Judges: Ron and Max Farrugia Judge s Choice: Asagi, Betty & George Ludbrook Asagi 1st Ian Andrews & Kate McGill Hikari Utsuri 1st Ian Andrews & Kate McGill Utsuri 1st Ian Andrews & Kate McGill Showa 1st Ian Andrews & Kate McGill Kawarimono 1st Brad Bradley Metallic Doitsu 1st Ian Andrews & Kate McGill Judge: Dick Power Judges Choice: Asagi, Ian Andrews & Kate McGill June Judges Choice: Asagi, Betty & George Ludbrook 24 May Judge s Choice: Asagi, Ian Andrews & Kate McGill AKA REPORTER

27 Supplies available to AKA members Contact Ron and Max Farrugia for all supplies listed on (02) or Hours: Mon to Fri 8.00 am pm Sat and Sun 8.00 am am FOOD Flake-Tropical 1 kg $35.00 Flake 200 mg $8.00 Fry Food 1 kg $17.00 AKA Growth Food 5 kg $25.00 No.1 High Protein Crumble 1kg $17.00 No.2 High Protein Crumble 1kg $17.00 No.3 High Protein Crumble 1kg $17.00 Baby Koi Pellets 1kg $8.00 Pond Sticks 4 kg $35.00 AKA Premium Growth Food 5 kg $35.00 MEDICINE Malachite Green 20 gms $20.00 Methylene Blue 18 gms $20.00 Phenoxotol - fin and tail rot $20.00 Clean Fish CF 50 $35.00 Condy s Crystals 200 gms $20.00 Oil of Cloves 100 ml $20.00 AIR Air Stones small $1.00 Air Stones 50 mm $6.00 Air Tube per metre $2.00 Green plastic air tube Roll $50.00 PUMPS XF 171 Davey Pump P.O.A. 60 litre/min Air Compressor $ Aquarium Air Pump $25.00 SUBMERSIBLES King litres/hour $ King litres/hour $ King litres/hour $ King litres/hour $ WATER Sodium Thiosulphate 1 kg $15.00 Tri Start 250 ml $15.00 MISCELLANEOUS Large Plastic Bags $1.50 Carbonate hardness raising 2 kg $6.00 Clear Pond 200 mg $30.00 Slurpy Pump fitted for use $ Algae Fix 500 ml $25.00 Clear plastic Table Show tanks $20.00 NETS 6 Nets $ Nets $5.00 TEST KITS Ammonia Test Kit $20.00 ph Test Kit $20.00 Carbon Hardness Test Kit $20.00 Chlormon 1 litre $20.00 BOOKS Koi Appreciation...the first step By Kate McGill $75.00 (new supplies available 2009) KSA Koi Handbook $14.00 Please Note: Members orders for supplies for delivery at the monthly meetings are to be in the Tuesday prior to the meeting. Members ordering supplies for postal delivery should send money order or cheque payable to Australian Koi Association to 32 Hardy Ave, Riverwood Please ensure cost of return postage is included.

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