Koi have become one of the world’s most popular freshwater fish. Far removed from their drab ancestors, selective breeding over centuries has led to dozens of beautiful patterns and colors with unique visual characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include Kohaku, Asagi, Showa, and Ogon. Many hobbyists show off their living jewels by entering them into Koi shows. Koi shows involve traveling to competition sites—usually in large exhibition halls or outdoor ponds.
If you are considering elevating your hobby, the competition circuit might be for you. Here are some basics of Koi show judging that you need to know.
What is a Koi Show?
A Koi show is a competition where owners bring their prized Koi to face off in different categories. Most shows in the United States follow the English competition format where each Koi swims in its own tank. Typically, Koi compete with others from the same size and variety classes. Judges select Koi for awards within each category and then declare an overall winner (Grand Champion).
Competition Categories
Though the exact criteria vary by show, judges typically evaluate Koi for conformation, color, pattern, quality, elegance, and imposing appearance.
Conformation
First impressions are everything, and Koi make an important first impression through volume, length, and shape, which judges consider under conformation. Though Koi will compete against similarly-sized fish, bigger is better if you hope to steal the show. Most Grand Champions are female; this sex grows larger than males and develops a more distinct body contour.
Judges will look for a torpedo-shaped body with symmetrical bilateral features free from deformities. From above, the widest part of the body should fall between the gill plate and the dorsal fin ray. The head should sit wide with a forehead that ascends gradually from nose to shoulder, forming a perfect triangle with the eyes. When viewed from the side, the head and tail should point straight out and not slant upward or downward. Pectoral fins should be large, sharp-edged, and in proportion. The dorsal and tail should show no signs of damage or scarring.
Color
Color needs to be deep, eye-catching, and uniform. Thickness is essential, as areas of windowing or speckling will detract from performance in this category. A lustrous glossiness should cover the entire Koi, apparent from nose to tail. All the whites, reds, blacks, yellows, and blues must look the same on all parts of the fish and distribute evenly. Coloring that is uniform with distinct edges is preferable to colors that overlap.
The Hi on Kohaku should have the same intensity and thickness throughout the body. An orange-red-based Hi is more desirable than a purple-maroon. The white should appear snowy and creamy. Any yellowing is undesirable.
An Asagi’s head can be pure white or exhibit a slight blue tint but should not contain yellowing or cloudiness. The sides of the head should display evenly-framed Hi. The red on the side should reach the lateral line and stop short of the netting pattern on top. The dorsal fin can be clear or red.
Showa are tri-colored Koi with distinct white, red, and black areas. The head, shoulders, and tail must contain all three. The sumi (black) should produce an illusory wrapping effect around the body. Pectoral fins should show sumi at the base that extends about a third of the way up. Some judges prefer the dorsal fin to be black, though white is often acceptable.
Among the Ogon variety, Yamabuki usually dominate at shows. These Koi are single-colored yellow and metallic with reflective skin. Because no pattern exists to detract from imperfections, skin quality is important.
Pattern
Pattern takes into account typical markings for a specific Koi variety. Judges look for balance and refinement. Patterns should not appear disproportionately on the front, tail, or side and should be free from blemishes, areas of hypercoloration, or fading. The edge where two colors meet should be crisp and distinct.
The judging criteria for pattern differs by variety. In Kohaku, it should group without creating single-scale areas. The largest part of the pattern should be located in the shoulder area. The white should cut into the Hi pattern in a way that creates the appearance of sharp edges. The Hi on the head should nearly reach the nose. It can extend to the eyes but should not touch or pass them.
On Asagi, the blue netting pattern on the back is very important. It should climb evenly to the shoulder crease. The coloration should be even throughout the net and background blue color. The areas between scales should contain luster. A Gin Rin pattern on an Asagi should be avoided in any competition, as it detracts from the netting effect.
An ideal Showa pattern will include diagonal markings on the head and a black ridge across its face. A high-quality Showa has well-balanced patterns and sharp edges between two color patterns (white and red/orange).
Quality And Elegance
Quality is evident in the appearance and texture of the skin. The white areas should be pure and free of yellowing. Colored areas must exhibit an even tone throughout the body. Forward pattern edges should avoid blurring, and trailing pattern edges (Kiwa) should look sharply cut. The scales should be slightly convex to reflect light outward toward the viewer.
Elegance refers to the Koi’s swimming style, which should appear smooth and effortless. Any sort of fin deformities may result in awkward or disjointed movements. Koi should appear relaxed with pectoral fins held out.
Imposing Appearance
Almost any enthusiast will tell you that you’ll know a top-of-the-line Koi when you see one. Two fish that may appear identical to an amateur will exhibit a world of difference to a judge. This category is, therefore, most difficult for novices because of the level of (trained) subjectivity an experienced eye possesses.
In a side-by-side comparison of two Koi with nearly identical confirmation, color, pattern, and elegance, one will often elicit more strength, power, and vitality. This category seeks to capture this phenomenon—the Koi’s “wow factor.”
Considering Competition?
If you are considering entering one or more of your Koi into a competition, attending a few shows is the best way to start. This helps give you a sense of what the hobby involves and an opportunity to interact with more experienced enthusiasts. It will also enable you to see what qualities and features judges prefer firsthand.
Many regional and national hobbyist groups run forums where members can discuss upcoming events and share knowledge about keeping Koi. These forums are a great place to learn more about local Koi shows, rules and regulations, and even judging criteria.
Are you looking for a high-quality Koi with Grand Champion potential? Browse our full selection of Koi and Goldfish today.