How to distinguish Maruten Kohaku from Tancho Kohaku

When we admire Kohaku, if we see that the head of the Kohaku shows a round red patch, then we call this kind of Kohaku "Maruten Kohaku." It should be stressed here that no matter how the red patches on the body of the Kohaku appear, as long as the head forms a "maruten" red patch, it is called Maruten Kohaku.

The maruten red patch on the head of Maruten Kohaku is fairly similar to that of Tancho, but the requirements for the red patch are lower than those for Tancho.

Apart from the maruten red patch on the head, the markings on the body can be two-step, three-step, four-step or multi-step. What is more, not only does the head show a maruten red patch, but even the red patches on the body also show a maruten pattern; such maruten markings over the whole body make the maruten more distinctive and also give it greater ornamental value.

The maruten red patch on the head of Maruten Kohaku must be concentrated in the center of the fish's head; it must not be scattered, and there must be no interruptions, that is, no white spots in the middle of the red patch and no discontinuity in the red patch. In addition, the red patch must not extend to the eyes, and even more so must not extend past the shoulders; it must form an independent shape. There must be red patches on the body, and all of them must be bright and clear.

The red patches on the body must also show a fairly good pattern. The red patches on the body must not connect with the maruten red patch on the head; there must be a separation in between. That is, white ground must be left at the shoulders, so that the red patch on the head can form independently and can be called a maruten.