Koi carp are among the most admired pond fish, celebrated for their vibrant colours, elegant patterns, and graceful swimming. With numerous varieties available, understanding their colours and patterns helps you choose the perfect koi for your pond.
Koi Colours
Koi come in red, white, black, yellow, blue, cream, and metallic shades. Healthy koi display vibrant, clear colours and well-defined patterns. When choosing, consider colour clarity, pattern placement, and scale quality.
Popular Koi Varieties
Kohaku – White body with red markings, prized for simplicity and elegance.
Taisho Sanke (Sanke) – Red and black on a white base, classic tri-colour koi.
Showa Sanshoku (Showa) – Black base with red and white markings, bolder than Sanke.
Utsurimono – Black base with white, red, or yellow patterns, also called “shadow koi.”
Asagi & Shusui – Blue-grey netted backs with red/orange belly and fins; Shusui is scaleless along the back.
Bekko – White, red, or yellow with black spots, no red on the body.
Ogon – Metallic koi in gold, platinum, or silver.
Hariwake & Kikusui – Bright metallic base; Kikusui is a Doitsu (scaleless) version.
Goshiki – White base with blue, red, and black patterns.
Goromo – Red scales edged in blue or black, available in various morphs.
Soragoi – Docile silver or grey koi, often hand-fed.
Hi Utsuri & Ki Utsuri – Black base with red or yellow patterns.
Tancho Kohaku – White base with a single red head marking.
Kujaku – White base with black net pattern, highlighted with red, yellow, and orange.
Shiro Utsuri – Black base with white patches.
Ochiba Shigure – Brown and silver patterns resembling autumn leaves.
Shusui – Scaleless Asagi variant with a row of blue dorsal scales and red body patterns.
Kikokuryu & Kin Kikokuryu – White base with black and metallic orange/yellow highlights.
Kumonryu & Beni Kumonryu – Colour-changing koi, shifting patterns throughout life.
Chagoi – Solid brown or bronze, calm and easy to hand-feed.
Matsuba – Metallic base with black net pattern; colours include white (Gin), red (Aka), and yellow (Ki).
Koi Terminology
Doitsu – Scaleless koi except along lateral and dorsal lines.
Gin Rin – Reflective scales that glimmer in light.
Tancho – Single red marking on the head.
Maruten – “Crown” pattern on the head, sometimes with additional body markings.
Tips for Selecting Koi
Pond size: Koi grow large; ensure your pond accommodates them.
Water quality: Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water for vibrant colours.
Variety mix: Combining different varieties creates a dynamic and beautiful pond display.
Identifying your koi helps track their growth, patterns, and care needs. With this guide, you can select and maintain koi that will thrive and impress in your pond.