The Hikarimuji class of koi fish is from the Japanese hikari (“shining”) and muji (plain). As the name suggests, it is single-colored, metallic koi. The “shiny” skin comes in bright, single hues without markings. The Hikarimuji is split into two basic categories, Ogon and Matsuba.
HIKARIMUJI OGON
Ogon are a solid-colored, patternless metallic koi variety. As they are only one color, the quality of the Ogon is determined by body shape, the vibrancy and luster of the skin color (as well as if the luster is even throughout the body) and if the body and head are blemish free. Any scar or marking is immediately apparent against the uniform coloring.
Their monochrome coloration provides a nice contrast to other multi-colored koi fish in any pond, and their vibrant skin makes them immediately noticeable. Their variations in skin color also determine how they are sub-classified:
Platinum Ogon
Referred to as Purachina Ogon in Japan, they are a brilliant white color.
Nezu Ogon
A grey colored koi, this is an “older” variety of Ogon. It has a non-uniform darker spot on the head and is referred to as “Helmet Head” by some breeders and enthusiasts.
Yamabuki Ogon
This is a yellow colored Ogon, with the colors ranging from light (almost white) all the way to a deep gold. Solid white fins are preferable but pectoral fins with patches of yellow radiating out from the base across the fins are not uncommon.
Orenji Ogon
This is a solid orange koi.
In some larger Ogon, the skin will grow between sales to give the scales a depressed look. Known as fukurin, it is prized amongst owners.
If you like fish with big appetites, the Ogon are sure to delight. They are also one of the first fish to take food directly out of your hand when you begin hand-feed training and generally grow to be fairly large in a short amount of time.
HIKARIMUJI MATSUBA
The Matsuba variety, although it displays the characteristic black netting (or “pine cone”) marking, is still considered a single-colored koi for judging purposes. With the Matsuba, the body scales have black centers with the single body color visible on the outside of each scale, giving the illusion that the scales are raised.
Similar to the Ogon, Matsuba are named according to the body (or base) coloration. A key component of this koi’s quality is pattern uniformity as it spreads back towards the tail. Additionally, as the head is the only part of the fish without the netting—much like the Ogon koi—being blemish free is a desirable trait, as any imperfection will be noticeable. It should also be the same hue as the outer parts of the colored body scales.
There is a variety of Matsuba Koi:
Aka Matsuba
they are red with the black pine cone pattern
Orenji Matsuba
These are bright orange koi with the black netting
Gin Matsuba
Meaning “glittering silver pine needles,” it has the platinum body color that offsets the black pine cone markings.
Kin Matsuba
Japanese for “glittering golden pine needles”, it is a bright yellow coloration that contrasts the black netting.
Next Day Koi has an impressive selection of both traditional and butterfly koi in the hikarimuji class. We source our koi from some of the best farms around the world, and offer some of the most competitive Next Day Air shipping rates in the industry, meaning that when you are looking to stock your pond, your quality koi will be in your pond or tank in no time at all.
Contact us to find out how we can help get your pond stocked.
I have got well over $1000.00 worth of Koi from them my friends now have Koi ponds and its one stop shopping for the Holidays or b-days and they all get names thank you.