Koi Grading - What does it all mean?
We often get asked a lot of the time - what does "AAA" mean? what's the difference between "AA" and "A" ?
Koi are bred all over the world, using different techniques to raise and "classify" Koi. Because of the many colors and patterns, some koi are more valued then others. Contests have standards that koi have to meet in order to win. Since koi patterns are mostly random, a Contest winning fish is very rare, thus highly valued.
Here at West Coast Koi, we grade our fish from the highest (AAA) to the lowest (pond grade). Here's a break down of our grading system:
AAA: 6+ inches long. Brightest colors, highest quality fins - show quality fish.
AA: 4 inches + Very bright colors, high quality fins - A mix between smaller "AAA" and larger "A" mostly show quality fish
A: 3 inches + lack a Quality that makes them a higher grade - (fins, color, size) a mix between smaller AA / AAA and Larger "pond grade fish".
Pond Grade:2 inches + these fish do not have the "Vividness" or uniqueness that makes them a "A" quality koi. or are still much small to even make it as a "A". these Koi are much cheaper then the higher graded koi, but still have the personality and make a great starter koi to see if your ready to take on the more expensive fish.
So which should you buy? its up to you. health wise there is no difference between any of them, and you will find fish of all colors in every category.
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