Koi Fish Shows
Koi shows are always a spectacular event. They are held in many countries and give Koi hobbyists and dealers an opportunity to get together and show their best Koi. In Japan Koi shows attract over 2000 entries and judging occurs over a few days.
In South Africa the first national show was held at Rosebank Primary School in 1990. Eleven people, mostly dealers, entered a total of 290 Koi in three sizes, which were judged by two Japanese dealers. It was only with the advent of the third Koi show, in 1992, that entries by Koi keepers, as opposed to dealers, began increasing.
Entering the Koi shows
In 1993 a larger venue, a major shopping centre, attracted greater interest and many more entries and in 1994, the show was so successful that the administration team was barely able to handle nearly double the number of entries. Koi shows are now held all over South Africa and I would recommend going to see the top quality Koi on show.
How to keep Koi looking good
For Koi to look their best on the show, it is advisable to feed them a specialised diet prior to the event. I would recommend feeding a growth food with a colour enhancer up until one month before the show. Then three weeks before the show feed them only wheat germ food. One week before the show stop feeding them completely. This prevents them soiling the water in the show ponds, which is important as soiled water would lead to high ammonia levels, which can be fatal to Koi.
Koi shows are held over a weekend, with all Koi that are entering the show having to be benched on the Friday. Benching is the term given to the process during which the Koi are inspected, measured and photographed.
This information is logged along with the details of the owner of the Koi. If the Koi have any open wounds, ulcers, torn fins or any bacterial or parasitic infection they are disqualified. Koi are then allocated to and placed in a vat. Koi are judged in different groups according to variety and size.
There are different groups according to the age of the fish: 6 to 12 months, 2 years, 3 to 4 years and then the older, adult Koi. Judging takes place on the Saturday.
Judges take into account a number of factors, including the Kois body shape, colour, pattern and lustre. Highly qualified judges travel from all around the world to come and judge at Koi shows. The award ceremony takes place on the Sunday of the show weekend, where the prizes for the best Koi and the runners up are handed out.
By Angela Beckx
Published with permission of Chris Wilkinson Graemark