-
Gosanke
-
The Gosanke koi varieties are revered in Japan. Gosanke koi are the most popular set in Japan. They consist of the Kohaku, the Sanke and the Showa. Kohaku koi have bright red patterns on a snow white background that show up in fry between six months and two years of age. The Sanke koi are tricolored -- red, white and black. The milky white body and red and black markings begin to show as early as four months in fry. The Showa variety is often confused with the Sanke variety. It is a black fish with white and red markings that show up at about six months of age.
Bekko
-
The Bekko koi are colored fish with black patterns that resemble stepping stones. This group consists of the Ki, the Shiro and the Aka. Ki koi are yellow, Shiro koi are white-skinned, and Aka koi have a red base. Keep in mind that fish with larger black patterns are not Bekko; they're most likely Utsuri, a less valuable koi variety. Bekko fry with smaller black dots mixed in with the stepping-stone pattern are less desirable, as their patterns tend to change and become bland as they age.
Utsurimono
-
Utsurimono are black-skinned fish with colored patterns. They come in Shiro, Hi and Ki varieties. The Shiro Utsuri can be confused with Shiro Bekko as both are black and white, but the Utsuri features an even mix of the two colors, unlike the Bekko's small patches. Hi Utsuri are red and black in a fifty-fifty split. Ki Utusuri has yellow coloration. As with Bekko, be on the lookout for koi fry with small black dots. Those blemishes will only become more prominent with age.
Asagi
-
Asagi koi are bluish gray fish with colored patterns. They are one of the original types of koi. When identifying them, look for a symmetrical red pattern on either side of the fish and scales with no blemishes. The Shusui are derivatives of Agasi koi bred with German mirrored carp. They have only one scale set on top and one along their lateral lines. They are a mostly scaleless fish.
Other Types
-
Other sought-after variations of koi include Tancho, which have coloration only on the top of their heads; Hikarimono, which are metallic fish with just one color pattern; Goromo, which sport black shading over the coloration patterns; Hikarimoyo, which are colored fish with metallic patterns; and Matsuba, which have a gray shading pattern on their scales.
-
Koi Fry Identification
Koi are known for their bright colors and are often featured in outdoor decorative freshwater pools and ponds. They're related to goldfish and are the fancy varieties of carp. Koi collectors often look for the most perfect patterns with clean edges and bright colors in their fish. Koi come in many distinct sets with different monetary value attached to how rare each specific kind is. Identifying your koi when they are young is paramount to successful collecting and breeding.