South Cape not coy when it comes to koi
There is no limit to the number of hobbies and interests Southern Cape folk enjoy. Whether it is woodwork, gardening, scrapbooking or darts, there is always something interesting taking place. The Southern Cape even boasts its own koi fish society, called the Southern Cape Koi Chapter.
Committee member Chris Visagie, based in Mossel Bay, says, “We have a Grow and Show competition starting soon, with 15 fish. They are all imported Japanese fish from the same genetic pool, so they have the same possibilities. Our members bought raffle tickets for R600 each. Each ticket buyer will receive a fish and it’s their responsibility to grow the koi until March next year, when our annual koi show takes place.”
The show is at the Garden Route Mall in George.
“We’re having an event on 28 July in Wilderness at the koi chapter’s chairman’s house,” says Visagie. This is when the ticket holders will be allocated their fish. This specific type of koi is called Goshiki and originates from a breeder called Kawakami. The fish are all one year old and 15cm long.
Interesting meeting open to public
This interesting meeting is open to the public. If you would like to attend, contact koi chapter secretary Tarryn Durant (tarryn737@gmail.com, 082 371 6199) or Visagie (076 356 0390).
“Each individual has the right to treat the fish as he thinks most suitable and most appropriate. What he feeds it will be a secret until the day of the show in March,” Visagie says. The chapter members meet monthly at a different location in the Southern Cape. “It’s a science to keep and maintain koi. Actually we’re cultivating water, not just keeping fish,” Visagie points out. “We’re constantly using water and oxygen and nutrients. It’s an art to keep fish growing and healthy.” He also alludes to the interesting variety of koi fish available. They can cost from R20 to several hundred thousands of rands.
The Southern Cape Koi Chapter is one of five chapters in the country, governed by the SA Koi Keepers’ Association.
The Southern Cape area covers Plettenberg Bay to Mossel Bay and includes the hinterland. This chapter was started in 1996. It’s annual koi show includes various categories of fish that are judged in terms of growth, size, condition and appearance, by local and international judges.
If you are interested in learning more about the art and science of koi keeping, contact Durant or Visagie, using the contact details provided above.