Kohaku is an ornamental koi with red and white markings, it gets its name from its distinctive colors as ‘Ko’ translates to red & ‘haku’ translates to ‘white’ in Japanese. It is considered as one of the ‘Big Three’ varieties of Koi. The Kohaku has a grouping in itself based on the number of steps present on the fish. Steps are the red patches present on the fish, a Kohaku with 3 steps is designated as a 3 step Kohaku.
SHOWA SANSHOKU also known as Showa refers to the three (‘San’) colors (‘Shoku’) of the Koi. Showa has black(Sumi) skin with red(Hi)/red-orange and white markings. Its black(Sumi) base can also extend atop their head past the lateral line. They may also have black spots on their pectoral fins called ‘Motogoro’. With their tri colors Showa can bring a vibrant atmosphere.
Taisho Sanke also simply known as Sanke is one among the Big Three varieties of Koi. Their vibrant red and white coloration with black patterning (Sumi) makes them a visual treat with plenty of variation possibilities. In Sanke the females take longer to develop the black and red coloring and the last longer compared to the male which tend to develop coloring earlier than females.
“Tancho’ closely translates to red sun; the Tancho Koi have a red circle atop their head akin to the one in a Japanese flag. Due to their resemblance to the Japanese flag as well as the red-crowned cranes Tancho’s are held in high esteem. It has a single red spot atop its crown, if it has Hi(red color ) markings anywhere else it’s not a Tancho. As long as the entire marking on its crown is the same shade the exact shading doesn’t matter, the Tancho hue of Hi marking can range from Orange to cherry-red.
Translated as “White Reflection”, Shiro Utsuri belongs to the Utsurimono class which has a solid Sumi(black) as their base color. Shiro Utsuri have white accenting as their secondary color with Sumi(black) as their base color. As it ages the colors are formed as a wrapping pattern all the way around to its belly. The intertwining of the colors makes it a bold and interesting design.
Produced in three colors white, red, and yellow, Bekko is a non-metallic solid colored fish with black Sumi spots on the body. Bekko loosely translates as ‘Separate’ and closely translates as ‘Tortoise Shell’ in Japanese. The white variety is called ‘Shiro Bekko’, a clean white koi with black spots. The Koi with red or orange color with black spots is called ‘Aka Bekko’ & the Yellow Koi with black spots is called ‘Ki Bekko’ which is the rarest among the three varieties.
Asagi is among the oldest breeds of Koi and one of the most common varieties in Koi available in the market. They can be identified by the patterning which resembles a light colored net over the top of their scales. These patterns are usually light grey, light blue or white in color, they usually extend from the base of the head to the base of the tail while excluded on the head, fins and tail.
Known as the first Doitsu(scaleless) variety of Koi, Shusui are non-metallic light blue gray in
color. They possess only two to four rows of scales along their back, often the scales are some hue of blue in color. Its name translates to ‘Autumn Water’ in Japanese. It is one of the only two Koi varieties to possess blue coloration. It has a row of deep blue scales along the dorsal line.
Matsuba have a solid metallic base with a black reticulation (net) pattern and dark pigmentation on the center of the scales, known as the ‘Pinecone’ trait. The base color of Matsuba can vary from white, yellow and red while the pinecone trait is common among all the variations of Matsuba.
A single solid metallic white colored koi Platina Ogon, adds a vibrant and bright atmosphere to the pond contrasting other colored Kois. When well cared for Platina Ogon can live for more than 25 years.
Koromo translates to ‘clothed’ or ‘robed’ in Japanese, in reference to the way the blue tint present on the Koi ‘robes’ their ‘Hi'(red) markings over the Kois white base. This Koi is referred to as ‘Goromo’ in many English and American cultures. The Koromo is said to be produced by crossing Kohaku with Asagi. Interestingly though a Koromo can be a Doitsu, they cannot be KinGinRin (metallic) .
Also called the Peacock Koi, its name refers to the five colors present on its body. Goshiki has a solid white base, and fins are generally white without any pigmentation. The patterns present on this Koi are red or Hi, while the scales develop black outlining, reticulation(net patterns) or blue colors. The old style Goshiki has heavy and dark reticulation on its scales, while the new style Goshiki has a white base with light gray reticulation on its scales with a bright Hi pattern.
A metallic fish, fully scaled with more than one color, Kujaku Koi are the members of Hikari Moyo class. They have a platinum/solid white base color, the secondary color forms a pattern which can range from red, orange, to yellow. The black edging on each individual scale creates a reticulation (net) pattern with dark pigmentation on the centre of the scales, this trait is known as ‘Pinecone’. These fish are also available in variations of Doitsu, Maruten & Tancho.
Translated as “Red Reflection”, Hi Utsuri belong to the Utsurimono class which have a solid Sumi (black) as their base color. Hi Utsuri have red (Hi) accenting as their secondary color with Sumi (black) as their base color. As it ages the colors are formed as a wrapping pattern all the way around to its belly. The intertwining of the colors makes it a bold and interesting design.
An abbreviation for ‘Sora Ogon’, Soragoi belongs to the Ogon Koi group. Soragoi have a silver/solid gray color with subtle reticulation (net) patterns. Its scales are more pronounced and though not prominent there might be a shine on its head and fins. Being docile creatures, Soragoi can be easily domesticated to be playful like taking food from hand.
A Kikokuryu is shiny, metallic and a Doitsu. They were produced by crossing Komonry and Platinum Koi which creates the standard black/white metallic look. The Kin-Kikokuryu variety has areas of black along its scales with a white base. The name Kikoruyu translates to ‘Chrysanthemum Water’ in Japanese. Their color, skin and pectoral fins have a lustrous sheen which makes them an attractive ornamental Koi.
These two colored fish with a solid metallic/platinum white base, Hariwake belong to the Hikari Mayo category of Koi. Itwhite-coloreded base is complemented with bright & vibrant metallic color patterns of either Orange, Red or Yellow color. Variations of Hariwake include both with and without scales.
Oranje Karashigoi is a mono-colored (Orange) koi. Its peaceful, playful and docile nature makes it beginner-friendly and fun to play with.
Aka Matsuba have a solid metallic red base with black reticulation (net) pattern and dark pigmentation on the center of the scales, known as the ‘Pinecone’ trait.