Language of Koi
Higher-quality fish of a wide variety are being produced right here in the United States. (Photo credit: Blackwater Creek Koi Farms) Inc.)
The Pursuit of Perfection How to source the best quality koi
by Joe Pawlak, Blackwater Creek Koi Farms
W
e each have our own idea of perfection, whether it’s embodied in a car, a vacation, a job, or in our case — koi. Pursuit of such supremacy comes with costs, trade-offs and rules that govern all our decisions. For starters, it is regularly said that koikeeping starts and
March/April 2020
finishes with Kohaku, a simple, two-colored fish. It is not overly difficult to produce, unless your idea of perfection includes the characteristics that a true champion Kohaku might possess — such as the red color approaching but not touching the eyes, a symmetrical three-step pattern, sharp color edges and so on. Even this can be an incredibly challenging pursuit if you are looking for that perfect fish. So, what is the true cost of the perfect fish or collection of fish? What are you willing to do or risk to have it? I’ve learned a lot over the past three decades, so my pursuit of perfection has evolved. Whether you are just starting out or you’re already a seasoned pond professional, your mind, no doubt, has wandered toward this subject. Whenever I start talking about highquality fish, one of the most common questions is, “What is the difference POND Trade Magazine 51
