Koi Varieties Introduction
After years of breeding, the Japanese now recognize thirteen basic lineages, and these are now accepted throughout the world. These categories are based upon the Koi's markings, colours and/or scale type. Within each of these categories there are a number of subcategories which relate to the way in which colours, scales or combinations of these are formed in the individual Koi. With so many Koi being bred today, quite often a totally unique combination is found, which usually contain features of two or more categories. Therefore, these Koi can not be placed into one of the thirteen lineages. As they have become popular, we may find that as time progresses, some of these unique Koi will eventually become consistent enough for their features to form a new category. To help you recognize the differences in your Koi, we have listed below the basic thirteen categories.
[Kohaku] [Taisho Sanke] [Showa Sanshoku] [Utsuri Mono] [Bekko]
[Asagi-Shusi] [Koromo] [Kawari Mono] [Hikarimono]
[Kikarimoyo-Mono] [Kikaru Utsuri] [Kinginrin] [Tancho]
KOHAKU
Description
The Kohaka is a white Koi on which red (hi) appears in varying patterns.
History
The Kohaku was the first variety of Koi to become established in the 19th century and has remained the favourite koi of the the Japanese ever since.
Patterns
Each of these patterns are has been given its own name. The markings of the Kohaku should bright and even all over the body they should not spread over the eyes or fins.The markings on the head should not spread past the nostrils or down past the laterial line and there must be markings on the head.
The Hi on head of the Kohaku should not spread below the nostrils, spread over the eyes nor should it been seen on the tail.
Variations
| Shiromuji | Plain white koi. |
| Akamuji | Plain red or Higoi Koi. |
| Akahjiro | Red Koi with white or predominately white fins. |
| Kuchibeni | The Koi has Hi (red) on the snout of the head and extends to the lips. |
| Menkaburi | The Hi of this Koi covers the whole of the head. |
| Hanatsuki | The Hi of this Koi extends down to the lips but isn't found on the jaws or the cheeks. |
| Nidan | This Koi has a two-step Hi pattern. |
| Sandan | This Koi has a three-step Hi pattern. |
| Yondan | This Koi has a four-step Hi pattern. |
| Inazuma | This Koi has a zig-zag Hi pattern down the lenght of the body. |
| Straight Hi | This Koi has a large unbroken pattern from the head. |
| Doitsu | |
| Napoleon | |
| Gotenzakura | |
| Kinzakura | |
| Fuji |
TAISHO SANKE
Description
A Taisho is basically a white Koi on which Hi (red) and Sumi (black) patches are
scattered about.
History
Patterns
Variations
Tsubo-suni Kasane-sumi Ato-sumi Kuchibeni Aka Sanke Tsubaki Sanke Doitsu Snake Doitsu Aka Sanke Fuji Sanke
A Taisho is basically a white Koi on which Hi (red) and Sumi (black) patches are scattered about.
History
Patterns
Variations
| Tsubo-suni | |
| Kasane-sumi | |
| Ato-sumi | |
| Kuchibeni | |
| Aka Sanke | |
| Tsubaki Sanke | |
| Doitsu Snake | |
| Doitsu Aka Sanke | |
| Fuji Sanke |
SHOWA SANSHOKU
Description
A Showa Sanshoku (also known as Showa Sanke) is essentialy a black koi on which white (??) and red (hi) are imposed.
History
The Showa was developed by Jukichi Hoshino who paired a Kohaku with a Ki-Utsuri and made its debut during 1927 ending the Taisho era.
Patterns
Variations
| Boke Showa | |
| Hi Showa | The Hi Showa has a large hi (red) patch that runs from the head to the tail. |
| Kindai Showa |
UTSURI MONO
Description
The Utsuri is basically a black Koi on which is carries a second colour either red (hi), white (shiro) and yellow (ki)
History
Patterns
Variations
| Kindai Showa | |
| Shiro Utsuri | |
| Ki Utsuri | |
| Hi Utusri | |
| Doitsu Utsuri |
BEKKO
Description
Unlike a Utsuri which is a colour on black, the Bekko is black on another colour.
History
Markings
Patterns
Variations
| Aka Bekko | A red (hi) Koi with Sumi patches . |
| Shito Bekki | A white Koi with black patches. |
| Ki Bekko | A yellow (ki) Koi with black patches |
| Doitsu Bekko | This is a Bekko Koi with mirror or leather scales. |
ASAGI-SHUSUI
Description
History
Patterns
Head
Tail
Variations
| Konjo Asagi | |
| Narumi Asagi | |
| Mizu Asagi | |
| Asagi Sanke | |
| Taki Asagi | |
| Hana Shusui | |
| Hi Shusui | |
| Ki Shusui | |
| Pearl Shusui |
KOROMO
Description
The Koromo is a hybrid between Asagi and the Kohaku, or Taisho, or Showa Sankes.
History
Patterns
Variations
| Aigoromo | This Koi is the Asagi crossed with the Kohaku resulting in a three coloured or Sanke Koi . |
| Sumigoromo | This Koi's blue scales become black and tend to grow together forming scattered patches on the Hi, rather then in neat rows. |
| Budo Sanke | |
| Koromo Sanke | This Koi is an Aigoromo crossed with a Taisho Sanke. |
| Koromo Showa | This Koi is an Aigoromo crossed with a Showa Sanke. |
KAWARI MONO
Description
History
Patterns
Variations
| Karasugoi | |
| Hajiro | |
| Hageshiro | |
| Yotsushiro | |
| Summinagashi | |
| Matsukawabake | |
| Kumonryo | |
| Kigoi | |
| Chagoi | |
| Midoridgoi | |
| Matsuba | |
| Goshiki | |
| Sanke Shusi | |
| Showa Shusui | |
| Goshiki Shusui | |
| Kanoku Kohaku | |
| Kanoku Sanke | |
| Kanoku Showa | |
| Kage Utsuri | |
| Kage Showa |
HIKARIMONO or OGON
Description
History
Patterns
Variations
Nezu and Shiro Platinum Yamabuki Orange Hi Ogon Kin Matsuba Doitsu Ogon Kin Kabuto Kinbo
| Nezu and Shiro | |
| Platinum | |
| Yamabuki | |
| Orange | |
| Hi Ogon | |
| Kin Matsuba | |
| Doitsu Ogon | |
| Kin Kabuto | |
| Kinbo |
HIKARI MOYO-MONO
Description
History
Patterns
Variations
| Hariwake | |
| Yamabuki | |
| Dotisu | |
| Platinum Kohaku | |
| Yamatonishiki | |
| Kinsui & Ginsui | |
| Shochikubai | |
| Kujaka | |
| Tora |
HIKARI UTSURI
Description
History
Patterns
Variations
Kin & Gin Shows Gin Shiro Kin Ki Utsuri
| Kin & Gin Shows | |
| Gin Shiro | |
| Kin Ki Utsuri |
GINRIN
Description
History
Patterns
Variations
Kado Tama Hiroshima Beta
| Kado | |
| Tama | |
| Hiroshima | |
| Beta |
TANCHO
Description
History
Patterns
Variations
Tancho Kohaku Tancho Sanke Tancho Showa
| Tancho Kohaku | |
| Tancho Sanke | |
| Tancho Showa |