This Benigoi is a little monster at only nisai born either June or July 2004. It's already 26 inches and I think this koi will just continue to grow at accelerated rates.
Here is a sandan kohaku about 80cm and born May 2000 from a famous kohaku "Tsukitsuke Rose" and is being conditioned for show until March 2006 at Sakai Fish Farm. For those looking for a true Grand Champion contender.
This sanke is a nisai born May 2004 and 23 inches. She is female with very good body conformation, very good beni, and very good sumi. This is a must see sanke for those who like high quality nishikigoi.
Here is another sanke that at only nisai born May 2004, is already 23 inches. The body conformation is excellent and has the potential to grow very large in the right conditions.
For many of us, our ponds are beginning to warm (or will soon be). Water temperature, not the ambient air temperature, is the gauge for what to do and when to do it in regards to your pond. Water temperature should be checked at approximately 1 foot of depth. Avoid feeding your fish until the water temperature is consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This will also be the time to start adding spring maintenance bacteria and enzyme treatments.