Archive for the ‘Goshiki’ Category

Stabilising Kuro Goshiki

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

The genes for Kuro Goshiki; a kohaku-type pattern over a predominately black base have come together in Australia from time to time, including this Tancho Goshiki from 1994.

The challenge with Goshiki comes from the  considerable range of looks and shades. Kuro appears to be the rarer type. Most have a paler grayish skin colour. So, while Goshiki is a reasonably stable variety, Kuro appears less so. With Hijaro common, hopefully, the introduction of Karasu sumi (genetically dominant) will make it easier to produce.

Ignore the pattern, focus on the genetics.

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

A little goshiki that normally would not grab my attention, except on this occassion the parents are this seasons’ spawning of Matsukawabake & Kohaku. It will be a little koi like this that might one day produce kuro Goshiki with a hypermelanstic sumi base, typical in karasugoi. It may also be a step towards a Goshiki with a Matsukawabake atmosphere. The next 12 months will reveal if this koi has inherited those desirable traits. There is some suggestion of it in the emerging sumi below the dorsal fin. One of the fascinating elements in producing something new are the insights and developmental learning that this koi may provide.

Rebuilding Goshiki Sumi

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

This koi has the hope for the deep dense sumi I hope to carry into my goshiki line. Born in 2008, it is from the goshiki x hijaro spawning. The photo from April 2009 shows thick sumi over the asagi/goshiki base. It is a dramatic snapshot in time, that if it had been missed this koi would have been presumed to be an hijaro only.

Update: Kuro Goshiki Ochiba Shigure

Friday, March 5th, 2010

I recently posted this picture with the hope that perhaps this koi might make the start of a kuro goshiki ochiba shigure.

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You may remember this koi has siblings with the many themes of matsukawabake. I knew there was always the possibility that it would develop along those lines.

There is also the chance that the brown in this black based koi would turn to orange or red.

I took this photo a few days ago as it shows a dramatic change in the shifting sumi.

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In the side view you can see the sumi and brown battling for dominance. Given the sumi will likely change again, it is impossible to say who will win. For now the brown is barely visible with the sumi masking the appearance.

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At this stage I am disappointed with the body shape. The body falls too deep. The back is far too high and gives the tail area a short appearance.

GOSHIKI – BREEDING GOALS

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

GOAL 1 - produce kuro goshiki ie. a kohaku pattern over dense black.

These koi are not currently produced in Australia. Our kuro goshiki typically have dark grey base.

In the first year I crossed a male goshiki with this hijaro in an attempt to rebuild the sumi from the karasu clan

Here is an example of what I hope to produce


(http://www.niigata-nishikigoi.com – photo by Mark Gardener)

My cross produced many matsukawabake and some goshiki and koromo that may be become the basis for future linebreeding.

GOAL 2produce Kuro Goshiki Ochiba Shigure

One result from the goshiki x hijaro spawn are some dark Ochiba Shigure. Therefore, I hope to also produce Kuro (black) Goshiki Ochiba Shigure, ie the tan coloured pattern over the dark goshiki sumi. I have no idea if Kuro Goshiki Ochiba Shigure is a real ‘variety’, but my friend Bindi said I should call them Autumn Goshiki.

Here is an example of one I am hopeful with. The tan is too brown for what I am hoping for, but it is a step closer. In the future I hope to lighten the brown to a milky tea colour.

GOAL 3produce a goshiki with a matsukawabake atmosphere.

This type is a little harder to describe – kohaku pattern over a light goshiki base and a lateral sumi pattern.

This year, some of the male koi from the first goshiki & hijaro cross will be spawned to commence the line breeding. Over the next few years I will be able to focus on the second and third generations. The development of this line will take place over the next few/many years to come.