An Introduction to the Characteristics and Keeping Methods of Tancho Showa Koi

Tancho Showa koi is a rather special variety among koi, produced by combining the characteristics of Tancho and Showa Sanshoku. Its name comes from the red-crowned crane, because it has a round red patch on top of its head, very similar to the red fleshy crest on the head of the red-crowned crane. As a type of Tancho koi, it retains only the red patch on the head on the basis of Showa Sanshoku, making it highly ornamental.

In appearance, the ideal Tancho Showa koi should have a red patch on top of the head that is round and centered, with vivid and even color and clear edges, not covering the eyes or mouth. The base color of the body is mainly white, distributed with the typical sumi (black) markings of Showa Sanshoku, and the sumi pattern emphasizes layering and balance. The red patch appears only on top of the head, with no extra red markings on the body, so as to highlight the Tancho on the head and give the whole fish a clean and neat look.

Because the shape and position of the Tancho are very difficult to control, and the sumi markings of Showa Sanshoku are themselves complex and variable, it is not easy to breed individuals with a perfectly round red patch and well-distributed sumi and white, so Tancho Showa koi of good quality are relatively rare on the market and are deeply loved by koi enthusiasts. When selecting, you can focus on observing whether the red patch is close to a perfect circle, whether the sumi quality is dense, and whether the white base is fine and clean.

The keeping method is basically the same as for other koi. The key is to keep the water quality stable, change the water regularly, and ensure that the filtration system operates normally. Feed at fixed times and in fixed amounts, and adjust the feeding amount according to water temperature and season. Usually pay attention to observing the state of the fish. Once abnormalities such as white spot, scratching against the tank, or gasping at the surface are found, isolate and treat them promptly to avoid the disease spreading in the pond. Only in this way can the fish be kept in good condition.