Interesting Color patterns

[bekko]

I think these two fish have interesting color patterns. They are siblings about eighteen months old. First one is about 5.1 inch, second 6.2 inch.

-steve

http://www.raingarden.us/other-kms-1a.jpg
http://www.raingarden.us/other-kms-1b.jpg
http://www.raingarden.us/other-kms-1c.jpg
http://www.raingarden.us/other-kms-1d.jpg

[bekko]

http://www.raingarden.us/other-kms-2a.jpg
http://www.raingarden.us/other-kms-2b.jpg
http://www.raingarden.us/other-kms-2c.jpg
http://www.raingarden.us/other-kms-2d.jpg

[harzan]

The first looks like a bronze turning oranage and the second looks like bronze turning orange and BLUE....? I know photos do not always look the same as in person, but I find curiosity in what a bronze turned blue will help to produce.

[johnatoranchu]

Very interesting Steve, the clarity of the orange areas in both fish is eye catching. Normally I would write-off such colourful patterns as simply part of the decolouring process but in view of your warm climate I would expect normal colour changes to be rapid suggesting that there might be permanency or at least semi-permanency in these colours/patterns. Have they had these patterns for very long? I am guessing that in your climate colour change normally occurs within the fishes first 6 to 12 weeks of life. Did these fish change then? If they have held these patterns for over a year they could make most interesting breeding stock. Pity they're both males, but if you have a female too ....................
You're still seeing blue whenever you can Harris!
John

[marlin08]

Very striking and unusual, Steve !

#1 has the white and red with a touch of blue that is very eye-catching however, in my completely inexperienced opinion, the expanses of blue coloration on #2 in combination with the different shades of red and red/orange patches is especially striking and unusual.

Just curious, on the 2nd fish, are the "blue" areas in the process of declining, increasing or just staying stable?

[bekko]

They have the gene for late demelanization. It should really be called the gene for slow demelanization because they begin the process as usual when a month-or-so old but it happens very, very slowly. I have a hibuna line that is one generation ahead of these in selecting for late demelanization. There are individuals which are over twelve inches, over 3-1/2 years, and still holding a metallic red/white/black pattern. This little project is a space hog though because you have to wait so long to see the result. So, I might quit with it.

-steve

[Bucks Koi]

The first picture reminds me of an old style showa (koi).
Good Luck
Patrick

[afertuna]

They have the gene for late demelanization. It should really be called the gene for slow demelanization because they begin the process as usual when a month-or-so old but it happens very, very slowly. I have a hibuna line that is one generation ahead of these in selecting for late demelanization. There are individuals which are over twelve inches, over 3-1/2 years, and still holding a metallic red/white/black pattern. This little project is a space hog though because you have to wait so long to see the result. So, I might quit with it.

-steve

Oh no steve they are amazing I would hate to see this line disapear I would love a small colony of them for a pond just to look at. I love the colors

[bekko]

When left peacefully in a pond these late demelanizing fish can create some incredible patterns (the most striking I have ever seen) and they are stable enough to be enjoyed for a few years. However, I am afraid to try to sell them because the disruption of being shipped and placed in new surroundings can prompt them to change color. Many of my customers are not as sagacious as you and would feel cheated if a fish changed color shortly after being received. I would probably be sending refunds for half of those sold. So, once again, I'm torn between raising the fish I like or turning their space over to something which is marketable.

-steve

[Cincy Ranchu]

I think Don Vogel in Kentucky has some of this type from you. I wonder if in a temperate climate if the decolring is so slow that he may not see it.

This is quite impressive

THX for the pix GH

[afertuna]

I understand your position Steve. Like I said I still would like afew for my pond in front of the house.They are really kewl and if they demelanize I already know it ahead of time LOL
Allen

When left peacefully in a pond these late demelanizing fish can create some incredible patterns (the most striking I have ever seen) and they are stable enough to be enjoyed for a few years. However, I am afraid to try to sell them because the disruption of being shipped and placed in new surroundings can prompt them to change color. Many of my customers are not as sagacious as you and would feel cheated if a fish changed color shortly after being received. I would probably be sending refunds for half of those sold. So, once again, I'm torn between raising the fish I like or turning their space over to something which is marketable.

-steve

[Guenther]

Very interesting fish!
I think if the fish isn't demelanized after 1.5 years it's only the genetics that decide.
Btw Allen, you can often find late demelanizer among metallic offspring of blue calicos.

[bekko]

Fifty bucks each for those two Allen.

-steve