Koi enthusiasts from across the country will gather in Durban North to showcase some of South Africa’s finest ornamental fish.
Koi enthusiasts from across South Africa will gather in Durban North for the annual SA National Koi Show, hosted by the Koi Society, at the Northwood Crusaders Sports Club from 1 to 2 August.
The event will showcase a colourful display of koi, giving collectors the opportunity to exhibit their prized fish while sharing their passion with fellow enthusiasts and the public.
Chairman Gerard Loumeau, who has been collecting koi for nearly 30 years, said the annual show celebrates both the beauty of the fish and the dedication required to care for them.
“The beauty of keeping koi is not only about the fish, but their environment. You can get local koi, but the high-quality koi come straight from Japan. I buy them when they are small and then grow them,” he said.
Loumeau, who owns more than 70 koi, said maintaining excellent water quality, adequate oxygen levels and an effective filtration system are essential to raising healthy fish. He added that a strong bloodline also plays an important role.
“One of the previous chairmen said I must enter a show and from then, I have entered every single show because it’s an exciting time of year. It revitalises your koi-keeping enthusiasts.
“By participating, you meet a lot of fellow enthusiasts and make many friends. When you judge a koi, they judge based on size categories. There are so many prizes for collectors, so they should not be too afraid to enter their fish,” he said.
