Monday, April 28, 2008

Enigma of Shiro Utsuri Part 3

This shiro utsuri comes from the same batch as the shiro utsuri shown in Part 2. However, the sumi development of this shiro utsuri is exactly the opposite even though they came from the same parent namely Musashi.At initial stage, the background of this shiro is pale white and greyish black sumi pattern as seen in photo A.When this koi grow to nissai,the sumi finishes quite well at the tail section and the sumi slowly become more solid gradually towards the shoulder section and subsequently on the head as shown in photo B. I wonder how many shiro utsuri as shown in photo A will develop and become the shiro shown in photo B. In fact, many shiro utsuri from the same batch the sumi tend to fade or the sumi remains sunken at the age of two or three regardless of the sex of the koi.
Some said that the sumi of male Shiro Utsuri tend to emerge earlier than females and vice versa. I have also heard that those fishes with thick sumi at early age will not grow as fast as those with pale sumi (hidden sumi). I personally think that these two statements are not true after having the experience in raring more than 300 shiro utsuri mainly from a few batches of Omosako bred Shiro Utsuri. However, I observed that shiro utsuri with nice pattern and sumi are usually males. That is why most people claimed those shiro with nice black and pattern when young usually grows slower because they are mainly males. It is quite obvious that those females with nice pattern and sumi have been picked by the breeder as their tategoi and of course they tend to grow bigger. Only those female shiro without clearly defined nice black pattern or sumi that has no indication that it will become better, we can own it for a much lower price but a lot more risks compared to what the breeder has picked as their tategoi.
It became very clear to me that small shiro without outstanding sumi and pattern as well as body structure will be sold by the breeder as tosai. Out of these tosai, very few females will turn out to be good unless you are the lucky one.In my case I bought these shiro utsuri in-bulk(300 pieces or more) and a lot of effort is required to grow and sex them as they grow bigger. Not forgetting those cosmetic work required to remove the red spots that appear on the skin of shiro utsuri that needs a lot of hardwork and patience. Ultimately, shiro utsuri came from showa bloodline and that is why red spots can easily appear and especially if it is fed with colour food.
So if you want a safer bet, buy shiro utsuri that are two years old which is more stable but this does not mean that it will be a perfect bet as you still have to take some risks and also much higher purchase price.

No comments: