Japanese Koi Varieties

Japanese Koi Varieties - Over 100 beautiful distinct Koi.

Koi come in a diverse array of colors, patterns, and shapes. Below is a detailed overview of the most recognized varieties:

Kohaku

Kohaku is characterized by its white body adorned with deep red patterns. It is a foundational type in koi breeding and serves as the basis for many other varieties. The quality of the red (known as "hi") and the clarity of the white base (called "shiro") are crucial factors in assessing a Kohaku's value.

Taisho Sanke

Also known as simply Sanke, this variety incorporates three colors: white, red, and black. The patterns typically include red markings on a white base, with black spots (known as "sumi") appearing in distinct areas. Sanke is appreciated for its striking contrast and balance of colors.

Showa Koi

The Showa Koi variety features a black body with red and white markings. Unlike Sanke, where white predominates, Showa showcases black as the primary color, making the red and white patterns appear vivid and dynamic. The presence of a well-defined, bright red and white pattern on a deep black base is highly sought after.

Shiro Utsuri

Shiro Utsuri is a stunning black koi adorned with striking white markings that enhance its visual appeal. Its mesmerizing contrast between the deep black (sumi) and the pure, brilliant white (shiro) beautifully highlights the graceful patterns that emerge across its body. This extraordinary variety is widely recognized for its elegance and the remarkable depth of its rich black coloration, making it a favorite among koi enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Tancho

The Tancho Kohaku, Tancho Showa, Tancho Sanke are a stunning specimen known for its simple elegance and striking appearance. With a bold red circle on a pristine white body, it embodies beauty and grace in Japanese tradition. This coloration represents good fortune and prosperity, making it a valued pond addition. The Tancho's unique head pattern and flowing fins enhance any aquatic environment, showcasing nature's artistry and the care behind its lineage. As a favored choice among enthusiasts, it symbolizes harmony and balance in Japanese gardens. Any Koi that has a round circle without any color other than black is considered a Tancho.

Kujaku

Kujaku, or "Peacock Koi," is a prized variety known for its beauty and intricate patterns. Originating from Japan, it features unique metallic and non-metallic colorations resembling peacock feathers. Typically, its body has a white or cream base adorned with vibrant orange, red, and black. Its shimmering scales and striking "net-like" pattern, which develops as it matures, make Kujaku a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.

Asagi

Asagi koi are characterized by their pale blue to grayish bodies and are adorned with red markings along their sides. They also often display a net-like pattern of scales on their back and are known for their elegance. This variety is often prized for its intricate coloration and patterns.

Shusui

Shusui is a scaled variety derived from the Asagi. It generally features a blue body and striking red markings, but with a more pronounced scalation pattern. The Shusui koi typically exhibits a distinct linear pattern of colors along its spine and sides, contributing to its unique aesthetic.

Hi Utsuri

Hi Utsuri focuses on a captivating black body adorned with rich, vibrant red markings. This exquisite variety is celebrated for its striking, vivid red hues that stand out beautifully against the dark canvas of its body. The stunning contrast not only creates an eye-catching visual appeal but also captures the admiration and attention of koi enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Ki Utsuri

Ki Utsuri meaning "yellow underlying," is a captivating variety of Japanese Koi known for its rich yellow base adorned with intricate black markings. This striking contrast resembles a watercolor painting and appeals to Koi enthusiasts. Patterns vary from bold to subtle, providing unique aesthetics for every pond. As they mature, Ki Utsuri exhibit deepening colors that enhance their beauty in water gardens. Proper care and optimal conditions are essential to showcasing their characteristics. Owning a Ki Utsuri adds elegance to any aquatic display and connects one to the art of Japanese Koi breeding.

Bekko

Bekko koi are known for their simple yet striking color scheme, which typically consists of black, white, or red, complemented by distinctive black markings. The patterns on these beautiful fish vary widely, showcasing an array of unique designs that create different visual appearances. This captivating variety not only highlights the individual beauty of each koi but also emphasizes the elegance and sophistication of minimalism in koi design.

Goshiki

Goshiki translates to "five colors," and it is a remarkable variety that showcases a stunning blend of blue, red, white, black, and yellow. This complex and captivating coloration creates a vibrant, multidimensional look, ensuring that every individual Goshiki koi is a truly unique masterpiece that stands out beautifully in any pond setting.

Ai Goromo

The Ai Goromo koi group is famous for its intricate indigo pattern over the red portion of the pattern. A brilliant white canvass is one of the highlights. Characterized by deep blue-indigo hues, these koi resemble elegant traditional Japanese art. As they mature, they develop a net-like pattern, increasing their appeal among enthusiasts. Budo Goromo is a more rare version of Ai Goromo with the blue-indego taking over the entire red portion of the pattern. To take the variety even further, a Sumi Goromo is one that has such deep indigo it overtakes the red portion and becomes deep purple, almost black.

Hikari Moyo

Hikari Moyo is notably lighter and more metallic in appearance, showcasing a remarkable shimmering quality that captures the eye. This exquisite variety features an array of stunning color combinations, prominently including the lavish hues of gold and silver. With glistening scales that reflect light beautifully and elegant patterns that add depth and intrigue, Hikari Moyo stands out as a truly distinct and captivating addition to any pond.

Hikarimono

Hikarimono koi, known for their lustrous sheen, showcase captivating traits in koi breeding. Their metallic luster and unique skin texture create a radiant appearance that shimmers in water. Varieties like Hikari Muji and Hikari Utsuri boast vibrant colors that contrast beautifully with their metallic skin. This stunning effect enhances any pond, making Hikarimono a favorite for enthusiasts looking to elevate their koi collection. With proper care, these koi thrive and add elegance to your pond.

Mujimono

Mujimono koi stand out with their solid colors and lack of patterns, highlighting their elegance and simplicity. This design showcases their natural beauty in hues like white, red, blue, brown, yellow and black. Their captivating appearance makes them a favorite among collectors, embodying tranquility and grace in any pond setting. Best examples of these koi are Chagoi, Soragoi and Karashigoi

Gin Rin

Gin Rin Koi, known for their gemstone-like sparkling scales, are highly regarded in Nishikigoi. Originating in Japan, they display beauty and grace, with a genetic trait that enhances scale luster, making them popular among enthusiasts. Available in various colors and patterns, they captivate at any angle. The Gin Rin variant reflects breeders' dedication.

Doitsu Koi

Doitsu Showa and any other scaleless koi, widely admired for their distinct scaleless beauty, enchant enthusiasts and collectors alike with their strikingly vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Hailing from the rich traditions of Japan, their smooth skin enhances their natural elegance, creating a mesmerizing sight in tranquil garden ponds. Deeply rooted in Japanese culture and heritage, these exquisite fish symbolize not only prosperity but also the promise of good fortune and luck, making them a cherished addition to any aquatic landscape.

Kawarimono

Kawarimono, or "variegated" Koi, exemplifies the diversity and artistry of these exquisite creatures. Their unique, unpredictable patterns reflect nature's colors and textures, making each fish a living work of art. Kawarimono goes beyond aesthetic appeal; it embodies the rich heritage of Koi cultivation. Embracing Kawarimono enhances your pond with sophistication and individuality. These are considered - one of a kind, rare koi.

Koi varieties are distinct not only for their colors and patterns, but also for their appeal and charm in a pond setting. Each type contributes to the art of koi keeping, making it a fascinating pursuit for enthusiasts around the world. Understanding these varieties allows collectors to choose the perfect koi that will thrive and beautify their aquatic environments.