Koi Varieties - Identify your Varieties of Koi

White Kohaku are described as a white fish with red markings, it is also the most common color variety found in Japan.

Like the Japanese flag this fish has the red rising sun against a white background.  Any color variety of Koi can have a red Tancho mark on its head. The more perfect the circle, the more intense the color and the more contrasting with its background, determines the quality of the Tancho.

This is a three-colored fish. Red, white and black, the same three colors which are characteristic of the Taisho-sanke. But the dominant color is black and this variety is referred to as a black fish with red and white makings.

This is a two-colored fish, the same as the Bekko, but the amount of black is of major importance.  Generally speaking the black is about 25% of the body color.

Showa Sanshoku

Shiro Utsuri

The Asagi are characterized by scales, which have white edges around each one of them giving the fish a net-like appearance. An intense red covers the belly, the extended pectoral fins and the sides of the face (gill covers) and lips.

They have a distinct metallic shine to their scales.  The usual colors are platinum, white or gold. . The Ogon are a solid, single color.

Asagi

Original Photos supplied by Ogata Koi Farm Co., Ltd.