KUJAKU
General
Description
'Kujaku'
is the term applied to a metallic koi with full reticulation
or 'netting' effect on its back. The term 'kujaku' translates
to 'peacock.' According to
www.koi.com, It was
developed by Mr. Nishi Hirasawa of Hiranishi Fish Farms in the
early 1960's by crossing the Goshiki with the Hikarimuji.
The Kujaku has a metallic white base color
overlaid by metallic red, orange, or yellow markings, creating
a striking effect. Note
that in a Kujaku, both the base color and the markings are
reticulated. Reticulation
refers to scales that form a net-like appearance. Thus,
a kujaku exhibits this net pattern all over its body, unlike
Koromo (which has reticulation only on its markings) or
Goshiki (which has reticulation only in its base color).
Appreciation
Criteria
Color
The most important aspect of appreciating a Kujaku is the
sheen and luster of its metallic skin. The skin must be
shiny, allowing the koi to stand out on the surface of the
water. The overlay pattern of the Kujaku is referred to as its
Beni, which means 'red.' However, this overlay pattern
or 'beni' doesn't have to be 'red' in a kujaku - it may also
be of color gold, yellow, or orange. The beni of a
Kujaku must be sharp, deep, and of uniform intensity, but must
let the net pattern show through clearly from underneath.
Pattern
The reticulation on the back of a Kujaku koi must exhibit a
perfect 'net' effect. The net pattern must be visibly
sharp and evenly aligned, with minimal interruptions
or blurry areas.
The overlay pattern of the Kujaku must be artistically
balanced. This means that they must not be confined to one
side or one end of the koi only. The edges of the
markings must be sharp. The head of a Kujaku must not
look crowded, and is in fact preferred to be clean and
unblemished. The fins of a Kujaku must likewise be clean.
Body
Please see separate article on
The Ideal Koi Body.
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