Koi Varieties

 Asagi

Is the term applied to a fully reticulated koi that exhibits a blue color above its lateral line, and accented by red markings on its underside. Reticulation refers to scales that form a net-like appearance. Thus, an asagi exhibits a bluish net pattern all over the top portion of its body. This reticulation is created by the asagi's blue scales which are surrounded by white edges.

 Bekko

Is the term applied to a koi that has a single base color of white (shiro bekko), or red (aka bekko), or yellow (ki bekko). Over this base color are black markings in the form of spots generally confined to the body above the lateral line.

Bekko is to sanke as utsuri is to showa. Thus, all criteria that apply to sanke sumi quality and pattern are applicable to bekko sumi.

 Doitsu

Is the term applied to a koi that either: 1) has no scales at all; or 2) has scales only along the dorsal fin and maybe along the lateral line as well. Doitsu came about from the cross-breeding of Japanese koi with the German 'leather' carp, which doesn't have scales. As such, almost all koi breeds have their own 'doitsu' version.

 Gin Matsuba

See Hikari

 Ginrin Kohaku

A metalic Kohaku.

 Goromo

 Ai Goromos have a Hi pattern like a kohaku, but
there is a dark shading on the Hi.  A good Ai Goromo will have a red maruten spot on it's
head without any shading on it.  Goromos are the exact opposite of the Goshiki, they have a shaded
Hi pattern on a white background while Goshikis have a Hi pattern on a shaded white background.

 Goshiki

See Goromo

 Hikari

 Hikari Mujimono', or simply 'Hikarimuji', is the term applied to a metallic koi of single color. The term 'hikari' translates to 'metallic.' Examples of hikarimuji koi are the platinum ogon or purachina, the yamabuki ogon (light yellow), and the orenji ogon (orange).

 Kawarimono

'Kawarigoi' or 'Kawarimono' is the term applied to a koi that can not be classified into any of the standard koi types. Since this is a 'catch-all' category, a lot of established koi varieties fall under it.

Kohaku

Are white koi with red (hi) markings. Ideally, the hi should have a good depth of color but, more importantly, the color should be of a uniform shade and the edge of the hi pattern should be well defined. This definition between white and hi markings is known as "kiwa".

 Kujaku

Metallic koi that have more than one colour, but are not of Utsuri lineage, generally fall into this class. Hikarimoyo-mono derivation comes from two sources. One being Platnium Ogon crossed with many other varieties - except Utsuri, resulting in varieties such as Gin Bekko and Kujaku. The other group consisting of two colours - platnium, gold or orange - collectively known as Hariwake.. Examples are Orenji Hariwake and Hariwake Matsuba.

 Kumonryu

 "Kawarigoi' or 'Kawarimono' is the term applied to a koi that can not be classified into any of the standard koi types. Since this is a 'catch-all' category, a lot of established koi varieties fall under it.

 Ochiba

See Kumonryu

 Orenji Ogon

See Hikari

 Platinum Ogon

See Hikari

 Sanke

Taisho Sanshoku', or Sanke is the term applied to a koi that has a white body with red and black markings. The black markings are in the form of spots that are generally confined to the body above the lateral line. Sankeas a koi breed was established around 1917.

 Showa

Sanshoku', or Showa is the term applied to a koi that has a black body with red and white markings. This definition is confusing to beginners, since modern Showa clearly shows that it also has a white body with red and black markings, just like a sanke. This definition came from the early history of Showa. When this breed emerged and was established, it was predominantly black. At that time, most breeders keep this breed for its 'blackness.' Nowadays, hobbyists prefer a more balanced mix of red, white, and black.

 Shusui

The colour of the Shusui is basically the same as the Asagi. With the difference being the scalation is along the dorsal and lateral line.

 Tancho

Is the term applied to a Kohaku, Sanke, or Showa whose only red marking is a round patch of red on the head. Tancho koi are highly-prized among hobbyists, especially the Japanese, because they resemble Japan's flag and national bird. No other red marking must appear anywhere else. The red patch must be as round as possible, and should not reach the shoulder nor the nose of the fish.

 Tancho Sanke

'Tancho' is the term applied to a Kohaku, Sanke, or Showa whose only red marking is a round patch of red on the head. Tancho koi are highly-prized among hobbyists, especially the Japanese, because they resemble Japan's flag and national bird. No other red marking must appear anywhere else. The red patch must be as round as possible, and should not reach the shoulder nor the nose of the fish.

 Utsuri

Is the term applied to a koi that has a single base color of white (shiro utsuri), or red (hi utsuri), or yellow (ki utsuri). Over this base color are black markings that 'wrap' around the body (going below the lateral line) as well as extend into the head. Utsuri is to showa as bekko is to sanke. Thus, all criteria that apply to showa sumi quality and pattern are applicable to utsuri sumi. Utsuri was established around 1925.

 Yamabuki Ogon

See Hikari