What koi varieties are there? An introduction to the classification of common varieties

The classification of koi can be divided into two major categories according to differences in scales, namely the common scaled type and the scaleless or sparsely scaled type. The scaleless grass carp and the sparsely scaled mirror carp were introduced from Germany, so they are often called German-system koi. According to the color of their markings, they can be divided into three major categories: single-color types such as light yellow, gold, and mutant koi; two-color types such as red and white, writing koi, and bekko; and three-color types such as Taisho sanshoku, Showa sanshoku, and Koromo.

At present, the All Japan "Airin-kai" adopts a classification of 13 types: Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, Showa Sanshoku, Utsurimono, Bekko, Asagi Shusui, Koromo, Kawarimono, Ogon, Hikarimoyo, Hikari Utsuri, Kinginrin, and Tancho.

Kohaku koi

The base color of Kohaku koi is white with red markings on top. It is the orthodox Japanese koi and has the laudatory saying, "It begins with Kohaku and ends with Kohaku." Among Kohaku koi, the most valuable variety is one in which the crimson red within the white must be above the eyes; next is the mouth area, and one with no crimson red there but only white is a high-grade fish. According to the number, shape, and location of the markings on its back, it can be divided into the following varieties:

1. Two-step Kohaku koi: On the pure white body, there are 2 sections of crimson markings, just like red evening clouds, bright and eye-catching. The red patches on the trunk must be left-right symmetrical to be considered excellent.

2. Three-step Kohaku koi: On the pure white back of the fish body there are 3 sections of red markings, very striking.

3. Four-step Kohaku koi: On the silvery white body are scattered 4 bright red patches.

4. One-line red koi: There is a red stripe from the head to the tail base.

5. Lightning-pattern Kohaku koi: There is a red marking on the fish body from head to tail. The shape of this marking resembles the crooked and curved lightning flash of a thunderstorm, hence the name.

6. Fuji Kohaku koi: On the head there are silvery white granular spots, just like the accumulated snow on the summit of Mount Fuji. However, these spots generally appear only on 1-year-old or 2-year-old fish.

7. Gotenzakura koi: Small red spots gather into grape-like patterns, evenly distributed on both sides of the fish's back.

8. Kinzakura koi: Gotenzakura koi whose bright red scale edges are inlaid with golden lines are called Kinzakura koi. This is a precious variety and very beautiful in appearance.

Taisho Sanshoku koi

Taisho Sanshoku koi originated in 1915 during Japan's Taisho era. Its main characteristic is red and black markings on the pure white base color of the fish body. In this fish, the best ones have black areas as black as ink, and large crimson markings and black markings on the back arranged harmoniously. All colors must appear on the upper part of the back to be considered genuine. Some Taisho Sanshoku koi win by the novel color of their markings; others attract attention by their elegant posture, plump body shape, and unique style. According to the distribution of red and black spots on the fish body, they can be divided into:

1. Lipstick Sanshoku koi: On the lips of the fish there are round, bright small red spots, extremely handsome.

2. Red Sanshoku koi: Refers to Taisho Sanshoku koi with continuous red markings from the head to the tail base.

3. Fuji Sanshoku koi: On the snow-white base color of the fish body, in addition to red and black markings, silvery white granular markings appear on the head.

4. German Sanshoku koi: With koi as the basic type, the fish body has no scales, and on the white skin, red and black markings stand out prominently. During the juvenile stage, the fish body is especially gorgeous.

Showa Sanshoku koi

Showa Sanshoku koi originated in 1927 during Japan's Showa era. Its main characteristic is red and white patterns embellishing a black base color on the fish body, with round black spots at the base of the pectoral fins, also called motoguro. Showa Sanshoku koi have high ornamental value, gorgeous and vigorous, and are the essence of koi. Its main varieties include:

1. Light Black Showa koi: On its black markings, all scales are light black, elegantly beautiful and uniquely stylish.

2. Hi Showa koi: From the head to the tail, there are large areas of red patterns, red and black alternating, gorgeous and solemn.

3. Kindai Showa koi: The fish body still consists of black, red, and white, but white markings are in the majority, and the black patterns are like black dots on white paper, possessing the vivid colors of Taisho Sanshoku koi.

4. German Showa koi: With the mirror carp as the basic type. The German carp body is draped in the colorful coat of Showa Sanshoku koi, with striking patterns.