Butterfly Kikokuryu Koi Fish

From the Japanese for “Chrysanthemum water,” the Kikokuryu koi fish (KEE-koh-KOO-droo) is a metallic, doitsu (or scaleless) koi with a white body overlaid with black scales in various patterns. It owes its pattern and coloration to the crossbreeding of Platinum Ogon and Kumonryu. This relative newcomer to the koi world is found in the Hikarimoyo (hee-KAH-ree-MOH-yoh) class.

The Kikokuryu is often considered the metallic version of the Kumonryu category of koi fish. Its eye-catching, brilliant-metallic whites and high-sheen blacks contrast the Kumonryu’s more drab whites and deeper blacks.

The black scale pattern can appear at random along the single row of scales, in the fins, on the head and around the eyes. In some instances, the Kikokuryu will appear almost completely black, with white-tipped fins and white in the single row of scales along the top.

Changing Colors

Don’t get attached to your Kikokuryu’s color scheme, though. If you like change, then you will love these color shifters in your pond. In addition to the brilliant luster of the metallic sheen, perhaps the most intriguing part of the Kikokuryu koi fish is the morphing potential of the color pattern.

Like its progenitor, the Kumonryu, a Kikokuryu koi fish will change its patterns throughout the course of its life. What you see as a juvenile will not be the same when it is an adult. In some instances, it may even develop red, yellow or orange patterns and transform into a Kin Kikokuryu. Although there has not been a concrete reason for this phenomenon, water temperature and pH are believed to play a part.

As a result of this cyclical shift in hue, the colors’ brightness and luster categorizes its overall quality. The white should be a bright platinum with no blemishes. Additionally, body shape becomes a distinguishing characteristic. Thanks to other selective breeding efforts, enthusiasts can now choose from Longfin butterfly varieties, too.

Next Day Koi offers an impressive selection of high-quality koi fish for sale, for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike. If you are looking to add a Kikokuryu koi to your collection, contact us and take advantage of fish sourced from some of the biggest farms in the industry backed by some of the most competitive Next Day Air shipping rates in the industry.

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