In this video you will learn how to select a good quality Sanke. We have a few Tosai Sanke of around 10 months old of the Izumiya Koi Farm that we use to explain you the basics of Sanke.

After waching this video, you will know which factors are the real basics to look for when you want to select or buy a nice Sanke. There are a lot of factors that influence the potential of a Sanke. Think about the skin quality, body structure and patterns for a young Koi.

A Sanke is actually a Kohaku. A white skin base with red markings on it. In addition, when comparing to a Kohaku, a Sanke also has black markings on the body. This means selecting a Sanke is actually more complex, since there are extra factors that influence the Sanke.

Preferable you want to have a nice Kohaku pattern on your Sanke. With 2, 3 or 4 steps of red dots on the back of the Koi. If you want to know more details about Kohaku selection, please look at the more detailed guide of Kohaku selection:    • Kohaku Koi selection | How to select ...  

For Sumi, or black, it is quite difficult to determine where the sumi will exactly appear. The best thing to look for, is that the sumi is well divided over the body of the Koi. You want to make sure the pattern is well balanced. Remember that sumi will developed over the lifespan of a Sanke. At a young age, it is totally fine is some sumi is still laying beneath the skin. The only thing you have to take into account when selecting sanke with underlying sumi, is that you need to make sure that some places of the sumi already developed. Typical places where you can see sumi coming up quickly is on the head, gills and beginning of the tail section. Sometimes you can already spot it on the shoulder as well.

Personally I like it when the Sanke has bright blue eyes. These look very well in combination with soft, orange looking Sanke.

Make sure the skin is as white as possible. Only when the skin is really white, the black will look even more black. Just because the contrast is higher. Young Koi fish may still look a little bit yellowish, especially on the head. This is ok as long as the koi is really young. If the Koi is older, let’s say two years and older, the head should be already super bright white!

Hopefully you learned something about the basics of Sanke selection. Something that you maybe can even use to select your own sanke! If you like these detailed videos about selection of Koi, let us know!

Consider to subscribe if you enjoyed this video. And stay up to date of new video’s coming up!

Thank you for watching and see you in the next episode!

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