In their evolution as decorative pond fish, the koi fish has enjoyed numerous color, pattern, and scalation changes. It is these differences that make up the classifications of koi and help to distinguish one class or type from another.
In essence, koi fish are divided into 13 basic classes. From here they split into a myriad of different types. As a general rule, each variety usually has a Doitsu (or scale-less) version and a Gin Rin (or sparkly) scaled version.
We will split this classification of koi fish into two parts, as it can be somewhat complicated. To help in the classification process it is helpful to keep some of the Japanese descriptive terms used to identify koi in mind, especially when looking at the different varieties.
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| ai | blue/indigo |
| aka | red over entire body |
| bekko | white, red, yellow body, black markings |
| beni | dark or deep red |
| cha | brown |
| doitsu | scale-less, or German/mirror scaled |
| gin | metallic Silver |
| ginrin | shiny, silver, reflective scales |
| Gosanke | coll. term for Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa |
| hi | red patches |
| hikari | shiny/metallic |
| inazuma | lightning striped |
| karasu | completely black |
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| ki | yellow |
| kin | metallic gold |
| kuchibeni | red lipped/lipstick |
| matsuba | pine cone pattern |
| midori | green |
| mono | one, single |
| moyo | multi-colored |
| muji | single, solid color |
| nezu | grey |
| orenji | orange |
| rin | scales (descriptor used with other words) |
| shiro | white |
| sumi | black spot/marking(s) |
| utsuri | reflections/two-colored with black base |
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Kohaku (koh-hah-koo)
It is widely believed that these were the first ornamental nishikigoi. These koi are white-bodied with red patterns or hi (which are then further broken down into different steps, which can be seen here).
Taisho Sanke (tie-show san-kay)
These are ordinarily referred in abbreviated form as Sanke. Sanke are “white-based” koi, with areas of red and black pattern (or sumi) overlaying the white.
Showa (sho-wa) Sanshoku
Going by its shortened form, Showa are tri-colored koi with a black body base and overlayed by white and red patterns. It is similar in color to the Sanke, which can make it difficult to differentiate; but, Showa’s sumi (black markings) are in bands and it will have a black head pattern, which the Sanke will not.
Bekko (beh-koh)
As with all Bekko koi, the body base is a single color (red, white or yellow) with black markings overlayed. The black markings are mainly above the lateral line and the head is sumi (black marking) free.
Utsurimono (oot-soo-ree-moh-noh)
Meaning “reflections” or “reflecting ones” in Japanese, these are the opposite of the Bekko koi. This black-bodied koi has color (red/orange, yellow and white) then wrapping around the body (above and below the lateral line) in a checkerboard pattern.
Asagi (ah-sah-gee)
This koi is characterized by the reticulated blue scales (with white or lighter-edged scales creating a net-like effect) and red or orange patches onthe gill plates (cheeks), pectoral fins, belly, tail, and possibly around the dorsal fin.
Shusui (shoo-swee)
These are the German or Doitsu (scale-less) type of Asagi. It is distinguished from its scaled counterpart by the single row of scales on the dorsal line and the slightly different colored blue in the net pattern.
With new varieties continuing to appear this is a basic and broad overview of the classifications of Koi fish. This is by no means a definitive work. For an extensive explanation, hover over the “Koi” tab on the Next Day Koi website, choose your preferred type and click on the “show more information” option.
From here you can also click on your choice to purchase your living jewel. Sourced from some of the biggest and best koi farms in the world, we have also leveraged our high volume of shipping through UPS to bring you some of the most competitive Next Day Air shipping rates in the industry.
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