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Koi Classification
The word, "Koi" Comes from Japan, and it means, simply "Carp". The true word for the beautiful fish we raise is "Nishikigoi", meaning, "Brocaded Carp". Here in America, we refer to them as koi, quite simply because it's easier. Most of us also identify our koi by saying, "that pretty red and white one" or, "the big one with spots on it", mostly because learning the names for these fish is like learning a second language. A language with no practical value other than to talk with other koi owners about your fish.But there are names given by the Japanese to describe varieties, as well as adjectives to explain different patterns and such within them. The value in learning these names is evident. Show quality koi that fall under the following categories can be worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars, so knowing what to look for can even be profitable!
Then again, even if you have just a few garden variety, domestic koi you bought from Walmart, at least you'll be able to recognize what your koi may be a cross between, for instance, "That one that would be a Kohaku if it wasn't for that black spot." And who knows, you may have a show fish in your pond and you don't even know it!
Visit www.pondutah.com for an easy lesson on Koi Identification. Or, read here for more in-depth information:
| Kohaku A white fish with red markings.  Kohaku koi are probably the most revered of all koi by the Japanese. In young Kohaku, the red coloring usually starts out yellow, turning orange then deep red with age. What to look for: Crisp, clean outline of the red markings over pure white. Good body shape. A nice pattern, or uniform color on each side. What to avoid: Any black spots. Small splotches of red are less desirable than larger, well outlined spots. | Taisho Sanke A white fish with red and black markings. Very common, but one with show quality markings can be hard to come by.  What to look for: The same characteristics you look for in a Kohaku, but with added, smaller black spots. More red than black is favorable. Crisp outlines. As always, good body shape. What to avoid: Too much black. Speckled or splotchy spots. No black on the face or head, period. |
| Showa A black fish with red and white markings.  Here it gets a bit tricky. A good rule is, if it has black on it's head, it's a showa, if not, it's Taisho Sanke. The thing to appreciate in Showa is the black base. What to look for: Showa will have black on it's head and an interesting pattern that takes up half the face is desirable. All three colors, even better. Nice black outline with red and white overlay is appreciated, thoug  h Kindai Showa will show less black. All Showa have black at the base of the pectoral fins. What to avoid: Speckles. Uneven pattern or too much of one color on one side only. | Bekko A white fish with black markings.  Simple as that, yet it's still pretty hard to find a good, quality fish. Bekko is not highly prized, but a nice addition to a school of more colorful fish. You can also have the more rare Ki bekko, which is a yellow fish with black markings, or Hi Bekko, black on red. What to look for: Crisp black spots against a pure white base. Balance of pattern on each side. Interesting shapes would add value to this fish. What to avoid: Dullness of black or white. Speckles or too many tiny spots. Odd body shape. |
| Utsuri A black fish with only one color of markings.  This can be a black fish with white (shiro), red (Hi), or yellow (Ki) markings, but only one. If any other colors are present, it is then a Showa. Utsuri often has a stripped appearance which is very attractive. What to look for: Uniformity of pattern. Only one color over deep black. What to avoid: Dull color, especially in the black area. Speckles. | Hakarimuji Metallic koi of a single color.  Also known as Ogon, and within this type is the Matsuba, a metallic fish with a net-like pattern. This fish can come in almost any koi color. What to look for: Uniform, unblemished, and shiny color. What to avoid: Any other color or blemish on the head. Poor body shape. |
| Asagi A Bluish, net-like pattern with red under the lateral line.  This fish is pretty specialized, and a very old class which many others stem from.What to look for: The scale pattern is very important and should be uniform. the blue can be a variety of shades. Even redness on both sides, which can also show on the Dorsal and Pectoral fins. What to avoid: Blemishes on the head. Poor body shape. | Doitsu An adjective describing a scaleless koi, or one that has scales only along the dorsal fin area and or lateral line.  These fish have smooth skin and can be very bright in color.What to look for: Whatever turns you on! Doitsu refers to the type of scales, so a nice fish would be governed by uniformity of pattern or nice color. What to avoid: You'd probably avoid Doitsu fish altogether if you want to win prizes, but not if you love beautiful fish. |
| Shusui A doitsu koi with bluish scales along the dorsal line and red below the lateral line.  the best way to describe a Shusui is to show it . When small, the Shusui is more blue on top, but this often goes away with age, Leaving only the heavy scales on it's back blue. What to look for: Evenness of red color on each side. Uninterrupted scale pattern along dorsal line from back of head to tail. What to avoid: Blemishes or spots on the head. | Koromo A white and red koi having a robed or net-like pattern in the red area only.  Koromos vary a good deal, so look for it's strengths rather than focusing on flaws.What to look for: Brightness and clarity. Netting only in the red area. Nice Shape. What to avoid: Color on the head is ok, but shouldn't be speckled or blemished. |
| Kujaku Koi with a net-like, robed pattern covering the back over a two colored pattern.  Basically, a cross between an Asagi and a Kohaku.What to look for: Uniformity of pattern, evenly robed on back only. What to avoid: Poorly marked face. Spotty fins. | Ginrin An adjective used to describe shiny, diamond-like scales. If the shiny scales are gold, it is referred to as Kinrin. Ginrin can occur in any variety.  What to look for: Uniformity of shiny scale distribution. What to avoid: Too few shiny scales. (One or two is not enough). |
Tancho Adjective referring to a round, Red spot on the head. This can be on Kohaku, Sanke, or Showa. Japanese prize this fish, as it emulates their national flag. What to look for: Perfect roundness centered on the head. What to avoid: Any flaws pertaining to it's variety. No other red. Spot too small, or too large. | Kawarigoi Any koi worthy of mention, but not falling under another notable class.  A Utah favorite! There are many koi that do not have a certain class, but can be none the less strikingly beautiful. These are the fish you get by luck, that you buy because they're pretty or that grow from an ugly duckling into a swan! |
| More to look for: Not too many of us look at the body or fins of the fish we buy, yet in judging koi, it is half the criteria. Good koi should be fattest in the middle, and tapering toward both ends. Males are naturally thinner, but no koi should be too thin. It's head should not be too big or small it's body size. The same goes for the fins. Any deformities or abrasions occurring at birth or from past disease or injury detracts. Judging colors or body shape in small koi takes an expertly trained eye and years of practice. 90% of the time, what you buy at 4 inches will be totally different at 12. An ugly, blackish baby can grow into a handsome Showa! | More info I know. We don't have a lot of koi shows here in Utah. It's very hard to find show quality koi in Utah, as the Japanese keep the very best for themselves or sell them at remarkably high prices. But do use this information to judge your own fish, and take it with you when you go shopping--you just might find a jewel! Visit our friends for more info: Wasatch Koi Koi.com Koi and Ponds |
Latest page update: made by mr.pond
, Apr 4 2007, 10:46 PM EDT
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