Koi are members of the Carp family and belong to the same species, Cyprinius Carpio, but out of that single genus over 100 different color varieties have been developed and more are still evolving. While each specific koi is unique, they are classified mainly on color, pattern, lustre or the arrangement of scales on the body. Given the many alternative types of koi that exist, categorizing these fish into formal classes is a complicated process and there is frequently some overlap between groups.
This is further complicated by language. The terminology for most pets is in English, but koi were principally developed in Japan, so the names for all of the classifications is in Japanese which can be baffeling for many amateur hobbyists who are unfamiliar with the language. Adding to the confusion is the fact that some of the words used to classifiy koi in Japan do not interpret easily to English.
Most importantly, koi are classified by colour and patterns. The Japanese language on occasion has 2 words for similar colors with variations in details such as hi, meaning red marks while aka means red body or sumi which means black marks and karasu is an all black koi. Here are examples of the major classifications of koi:
- Kohaku are classic white koi with a red pattern. They're further classified by the location and number of their marks. Kohaku are considered the "father" of all Koi and it is said that "appreciation of Koi begins and ends with the Kohaku."
- Bekko, which literally interprets to tortoise shell, are koi with a black mottled pattern on a solid colour body. For example, Shiro (white) Bekko are white koi with black markings, and Aka Bekko are red with black marks.
- Utsuri are frequently confused with Bekko. The biggest difference is that Bekko are koi with a white, yellow or red body and black markings while Utsuri are black koi with white, yellow or red markings. This leads to Utsuri having a darker appearance than Bekko.
- Sanke, which translates as tri-color, are white koi with red and black marks.
- Showa may appear like Sanke, but are black koi with a red and white pattern.
- Asagi are blue koi with hi (red) along the sides, bottom, fins and cheeks. They've got a reticulated or pine cone pattern of scaling along the dorsal fin and down the sides.
- Ogon is a single colour koi that are often a gold or silver colour.
- A Tancho Kohaku has single red spot positioned on their head and no marks on their body and is the classic "Tancho" class of koi. If a Sanke has a red spot on the head it's a Tancho Sanke and this is applicable to the other varieties too.
The 3 preferred classes, Kohaku, Sanke and Showa, are a good starting point for any novice hobbyist. In a well cared for pond these koi will reproduce primarily in early summer annually.
The genetic make-up of koi is complicated. Overall shape, colour, markings and type are all inherited independent of each other. The nature of this process enables the genesis of new varieties of koi, but unless care is taken to cull unsuitable offspring, koi will revert to the less distinguished natural colorof standard carp within a few generations.
This is further complicated by language. The terminology for most pets is in English, but koi were principally developed in Japan, so the names for all of the classifications is in Japanese which can be baffeling for many amateur hobbyists who are unfamiliar with the language. Adding to the confusion is the fact that some of the words used to classifiy koi in Japan do not interpret easily to English.
Most importantly, koi are classified by colour and patterns. The Japanese language on occasion has 2 words for similar colors with variations in details such as hi, meaning red marks while aka means red body or sumi which means black marks and karasu is an all black koi. Here are examples of the major classifications of koi:
- Kohaku are classic white koi with a red pattern. They're further classified by the location and number of their marks. Kohaku are considered the "father" of all Koi and it is said that "appreciation of Koi begins and ends with the Kohaku."
- Bekko, which literally interprets to tortoise shell, are koi with a black mottled pattern on a solid colour body. For example, Shiro (white) Bekko are white koi with black markings, and Aka Bekko are red with black marks.
- Utsuri are frequently confused with Bekko. The biggest difference is that Bekko are koi with a white, yellow or red body and black markings while Utsuri are black koi with white, yellow or red markings. This leads to Utsuri having a darker appearance than Bekko.
- Sanke, which translates as tri-color, are white koi with red and black marks.
- Showa may appear like Sanke, but are black koi with a red and white pattern.
- Asagi are blue koi with hi (red) along the sides, bottom, fins and cheeks. They've got a reticulated or pine cone pattern of scaling along the dorsal fin and down the sides.
- Ogon is a single colour koi that are often a gold or silver colour.
- A Tancho Kohaku has single red spot positioned on their head and no marks on their body and is the classic "Tancho" class of koi. If a Sanke has a red spot on the head it's a Tancho Sanke and this is applicable to the other varieties too.
The 3 preferred classes, Kohaku, Sanke and Showa, are a good starting point for any novice hobbyist. In a well cared for pond these koi will reproduce primarily in early summer annually.
The genetic make-up of koi is complicated. Overall shape, colour, markings and type are all inherited independent of each other. The nature of this process enables the genesis of new varieties of koi, but unless care is taken to cull unsuitable offspring, koi will revert to the less distinguished natural colorof standard carp within a few generations.
About the Author:
Bob Long is a systems engineer who likes fishing, sports and water gardening. He maintains internet sites on a range of topics.Click on the following links if you're interested in learning about building a koi pond or seeing pictures of the types of koi referenced in this artcile
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