Original Golden Corn Grow Out Announced as Rare Taniguchi Batch Goes on Offer

Ricky Stoddart Nishikigoi has announced the Taniguchi Original Golden Corn Grow Out, a new event built around a batch of Golden Corn that would normally never be released at this stage. It's also one of the business's first events in some time with an in-person selection day.

A Batch That Couldn't Be Passed Up

The story starts in December 2025, when Ricky was at Taniguchi in Japan hand-selecting Tosai. More Golden Corn hadn't been on the plan for the year. But for the first time since the variety became available, a full batch of the original type was on offer: the yellow base with red Kanoko and Ginrin that first made Golden Corn one of the most sought-after varieties in the hobby.

"These are the ones that set it all off," said Ricky. "The ones like the old winning examples in Japan that made this variety as popular as it is today. The opportunity couldn't be passed up, and there were some really cool red-base variants in there as well."

Fish That Would Normally Be Kept Back

Since arriving in the UK, the batch has grown exceptionally well. From just over 100 fish, only the very best 30 have been chosen for the event.

Ricky would usually keep fish like these and grow them on to Nisai himself. A previous original Golden Corn in his care reached 73 cm in just under three years, starting from the same size as this year's batch.

"The potential here is unbelievable," he said. "These are fish I would never normally release at this time."

Few people know how this line develops as well as Ricky does. He was the first to land Golden Corn as Tosai and has raised them since the very beginning. He says Kanoko development has become far more consistent over the years, and every fish in the final 30 has shown him that potential.

A Rare Grow On

After selection, all 30 fish will go into one of Ricky's 1,200 gallon ponds until the end of March 2027. Stocking one of these ponds so lightly is something he very rarely does.

"If you've followed my content, you'll know the results these ponds produce," he said. "I'm expecting big things from these."

Selection Day in Retford and Online

Selection takes place on Saturday 17th October at the Ricky Stoddart Nishikigoi unit in Retford, with Ricky and the team there on the day. Guests attending in person will get lunch, selection advice and a talk on the farm, and some of Ricky's own special Golden Corn will be on display. For those who can't travel, the whole day will be livestreamed.

Only 20 places are available, and all 30 fish can be viewed on the event page now.

View the Event and Secure Your Place