Missing the Mature due to carp pox

An unexpected twist

It happens to a Kohaku in the barrel of Mark’s Koi feed. This beautiful Kohaku was one of the best fish at the show in my opinion. Coming out in size 7, I thought she would almost certainly be the Mature Champion. Full of conviction, I waited for the results.

Excellent quality

Look at this Kohaku anyway. The depth of the beni, the alignment of the sashi and kiwa, body, large pectoral fins and pattern are all excellent, and again that beni…. It looked like this fish had everything in it to win.

A disappointing discovery

I was wrong, as it turned out. Not because the Koi didn’t have the quality, but because the judges noted some glaring imperfections in the fins. Curious, I rushed to the barrel in the corner where you enter the show grounds. I scanned the fish and indeed; some carp pockmarks were visible on both sides of the tail fin.

Carp pox: A well-known problem

Nothing escapes the jury’s eye. Carp pox is generally quite harmless. It does not look florid and can irritate the Koi somewhat, but as befits a herpes virus, as well as a cold sore, it comes and goes. Some Koi suffer from it more and more frequently than others. These are things that count in the jury report, said a Belgian juror. Another juror, when asked, also indicated that without these skin thickenings it was the fish that impressed him the most.

A learning experience

Fortunately, this Koi still has plenty of time. The owner Raymond Woerts – who participated in a Koi show for the first time – already managed to win the Grand Champion B, selected and prepared by Mark’s Koi feed. I can imagine that this does itch, and I don’t mean the carp pox itself.

Health above all

Mark, of course, knew about it. “I deliberately didn’t scrape them off because there’s always a chance you could cause a wound and that could have further consequences. For something that can do absolutely no harm, I don’t take risks with the health of the fish; no goblet is worth that,” Mark said.

Future opportunities

Even without a medal, the fish was equally beautiful to behold and I am sure we will see her again. This experience will only contribute to the continued development and successes of both fish and owner.