Swellendam koi takes the show crown

The turnout at the annual Assupol Southern Cape Koi Show held at the Garden Route Mall over the weekend was a clear indication that keeping koi is a family affair.

While the warm, sunny weather George was blessed with over the weekend might also have had something to do with it, the addition of a goldfish exhibition, presented by the South African Fancy Goldfish Organisation (Safga), as well as a bonsai tree showing by the Kat Rivier Kai Bonsai Club, no doubt would have attracted its own following.

While attendees browsed the ponds, interacted with experts and replenished their collection of koi, goldfish and bonsai paraphernalia, judges were hard at work determining this year's supreme champion koi. With a large contingent of highly attractive fish, the competition was stiff.

In the end it was Richard Walker of Swellendam's red, white and black Sanke koi that was awarded top honours. 'Sanke' is the Japanese word for three colours.

Koi judge Abraham Wiggill explained the judging criteria.

He said colour, body and size are main features with 40 out of 100 points going towards body characteristics. "A big fish with a big body stands out and is attractive," he said.

Judges also look at the quality of the colour as well as the pattern and where it is placed on the body.

Koi are also judged against different classifications, such as size. Size, he explained, is not only related to age but is also impacted by genetics, the environment, food and the quality of the water.

A large school of small koi in one of the koi ponds at the show. Photo: Jacqueline Hebrst

Describing koi-keeping as a family affair, Wiggill said he always encourages people to get a koi pond at home because children enjoy it, it is beautiful and has a calming effect thanks to the water and the movement of the fish. Joining a society also has the social benefit of meeting a lot of new people.

The owner of the supreme champion koi, Richard Walker from Swellendam, receives his trophy from Abraham Wiggill (left) and Dr Willie Cilliers (right). Photo: Supplied