kaka,I agree on the top views...most may seem not qualified for show class...but the one I picked was the only one that qualified I think...squarish head,cylindrical body,tail that is even,is sakura tail,open and closes not too stiffly yet not too soft,quite thick peduncle,thick back,wide eye width,very powerful and graceful swimming style...plus it was the first choice...did you see it? It should be in the pond with the tosakins...it is the only fish that I would say is showclass based on all criteria...I would have bought more if there were others that really qualify...I think Jeff needs some more practice in the art of top view ranchu...
About the sideview...dude,I have bought Thai sideview last time at the same price this size and grade...and dude...the fish grew and evolved into a showclass...it beats any China ranchu I have encountered...but sadly it was recently eaten by an animal that attacked my pond...so now I am busy trying to catch the culprit...from what I see,actually colour at this size a bit cha is normal...after all they just changed colour from black baby if you notice,and Thai fish colour usually intensifies as they grow...