Bluff koi keeper regales about his passion
Local koi keeper set to show off his prized fish in competition.
A BAZAAR of colour and patterns is set to amaze this weekend as the annual Invermooi Farming KZN Koi Show delights.
The show, which will be held on Saturday, and Sunday, 23 and 24 July at Shongweni Club, will play host to many koi enthusiasts, including the Bluff’s Dirk Benade.
Dirk has been keeping koi for about 20 years. “It is a lot of work, but once you have everything set up, it is really easy. If you have the water quality and food sorted out, it should be okay,” he said.
He currently has about 60 koi, ranging in length up to nearly a metre.
“I have been involved in the Koi Society and the competition since the beginning probably. There are about 30 varieties of koi and judging is done on colour and shape.
I have won a few prizes over the years and this year I am taking about 14 koi with me. They are kept in vats and judges mark them in their size categories, which ranges from one to nine.”
What Dirk enjoys most about his koi is relaxing in the morning above his pond, drinking coffee and watching them swim. He also enjoys the camaraderie from other koi keepers.
“We meet up every few months and discuss stories and give tips. It is a great community.”
The show begins at 8am. Judging is on the Saturday, followed by prize-giving on Sunday. Entrance is R20 per adult and R10 per child.
For those wanting to get involved in keeping koi, Dirk suggests heading to the show. He also has some advice about getting started.
“People think the bigger the fish, the more it costs but this is not necessarily true. The colour and pattern are usually what impact the cost. If you want to get started, I suggest you speak to some experts about building a pond. It is not as simple as building a pond – a lot goes into it. I made that mistake too and it is better to get it right from the start.”
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