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Koi Carp Varieties

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There are many varieties of Koi - too many to mention in this advice section, so here are a few descriptions to get you started. We would recommend that you research further into this highly interesting subject, therefore a good Koi book would be a worthwhile investment and will provide hours of enjoyment.

Kohaku

Lets start with the noblest of all Koi the Kohaku.

The Kohaku is a white Koi with red markings. To the beginner this may seem fairly bland as the Kohaku only has two colours it is this simplicity that gives them their elegance. There are quite a few variations of red pattern form on these Koi. Kohaku that display straight hi (single red pattern) generally have a red unbroken marking from nose to tail.

Kuchbeni (lipstick pattern) have what looks like a lipstick mark on the mouth then a broken pattern of red rounded spots through the body.

Maruten (crown on the head) have a rounded crown spot on the head and then more patterns through the body.

Menkaburi (hood pattern) these Koi have a red hood like pattern over the head then more markings through the body. Inazuma (lightning strike) this is a pattern along the body that resembles a lightning strike.

The next Kohaku we describe have stepped patterns like stepping stones of colour along the body. Nidan has two steps, Sadan has three steps and Yondan has a four-step pattern.

A Tancho Kohaku has a single red crown like the Maruten but in this case there is no further red pattern on the body just pure white.

When choosing Kohaku try to give pointers like the above mentioned descriptions, as sometimes just merely to point out a Koi in a vat full of similar fish can be rather confusing for the retailer. Do not feel like this will make you look like a "smarty pants"; on the contrary it will be a breath of fresh air for the retailer to know that you share the same enthusiasm for the hobby. Also it will be apparent you have done your research, and this will make the retailer happy in the thought that the Koi he is selling you will go to a good home and will be well cared for.

Signs of good quality in Kohaku are a good edge (kiwa) between the red pattern and the white although this only applies to mature Koi. Young Koi can change in growth, patterns can split and move, juveniles can display blurring or discolouration which will not improve until there is a pause in growth. Avoid Kohaku with windows in the red pattern or red on the fins. Traditionally the red pattern should not encompass the eye or gill cover. The head should be rounded and blunt.

These are only guidelines for quality; We believe each Koi should be perused and considered for its own merits as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is important to take your time when choosing Koi, observe their behaviour as well as their overall appearance. It is also a good idea to ask your retailer if the chosen Koi can be inspected closer in an inspection vat, as this makes it far easier to get a good closer look.

Sanke

A three coloured fish, white with red and black. Sanke should have red colour distribution similar to that of the Kohaku, it should not extend below the lateral line or into the pectoral fins.

Red should start at the head as a hood or a "Y" shape and flow evenly through the body.

The black pattern should be smallest percentage of colour mainly over the white base with small amounts overlapping into the red.

Sanke are a very interesting variety as there pattern changes can be so surprising as the Koi develops from year to year. An annual photo of this variety as it grows can highlight this and be a very valuable personal record. Try to avoid heavy black pattern in younger sanke as these will increase with age.

Classifications are similar to Kohaku and they relate to the red pattern:

  • Kuchibeni (lipstick Pattern)
  • Mauruten (crown on the head)
  • Nidan (two step pattern)
  • Menkaburi (hood pattern)
  • Subo Sumi (black pattern Only falls on the white parts)
  • Tancho (single crown on the head)

There is only black markings on the white body and for classification purposes Tancho generally fall in to a category of their own. Aka Sanke has a heavy red pattern from head to tail.

Check back for information about other Koi Varieties include: Becko, Showa, Utsuri, Koromo, Asagi, Shusui.

To speak to an expert about Koi, please call 0161 304 704

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