Water Gardening: Shusui talk .... Please help a rookie to understand ...., 1 by WNYwillieB

WNYwillieB wrote:
Pardon the intrusion :-)

I am posting a picture of my 'Big Blue,' and being a novice, I am not sure how to "look" at these guys. He's really only 5-6 inches now, so, I am hoping he will grow into his name.

My quandary is in not fully understanding all the info out there about judgement; ki, GinRin, etc.

While some of it seems out and out clear, when it comes to my shusui? (which I am guessing Big Blue is), what do we look for, specifically, when choosing one in this case.

When I Google Image Search Shusui, koi which do not really resemble Big Blue seem to be more the norm.

My guess is that Big Blue must (sigh) be one of the "undesirables" as he was the last one in a bulk tank. Perhaps, because he is of mixed breeding?

The "season" for buying them is a few weeks past already in this area and pond nurseries are winding down for the season.

He was only $3.99 (3-4 inch) and I know that the breeders / sellers stratify them by "quality," so I am guessing bulk shipments of koi, like that of my pond supplies store are pretty much "lower grade" (not meant to offend any shusui out there, at all!! ..... Really!!!).

I realize that this isn't the sharpest of pictures, but I am hoping y'all can see well enough to point? things out to me.

I guess I am trying to understand what makes the million dollar Shusui ...... and why Big Blue ain't .... He sure seems handsome enough, no?

Thank you kindly for your time.