This web page has been designed for beginners to learn to easily identify the many varieties of koi. Standards of color and pattern will be given of a mature koi.  In addition, buying suggestions will be given on the selection of young koi of each variety.  We have no crystal ball, nor do we always know the bloodlines of the fish. However, we can be armed with some knowledge so that we make wise and fun purchases with our heart but, also, with good sense!  “Good sense can save cents!”  Koi are works of art which give us pleasure daily.  The following will be guidelines with no guarantees!

It goes without saying, that the conformation of the koi is of foremost importance. The body must have a strong pleasing shape in proportion with a well-formed head and graceful fins. The colors, bright and clear, need to be thick, almost so that the individual scales are not noticed.  Each variety has its own requirements as to placement of color and will be discussed later. The elegance of a koi, also a factor, in selecting a koi for purchase, is not so discernible from a picture. It is the way the koi swims and carries his or her body.

There are four different types of scalation which need to be mentioned briefly before we begin. Later, we will discuss them more in depth. 

There will be many Japanese terms to learn.  In order to help you, use the click-on prompt to hear an authentic pronunciation.  Remember, learning these terms will initiate you as a true koi hobbyist! 

There will be many Japanese terms to learn.  In order to help you, use the click-on prompt to hear an authentic pronunciation.  Remember, learning these terms will initiate you as a true koi hobbyist! 

Kohaku – (ko-hah-koo)
It is said in the hobby one begins and ends with Kohaku. This is a non-metallic koi, although commonly a fully scaled koi it also can be a doitsu which is scaleless. In addition, as will be discussed later, the kohaku can be totally enveloped in gin rin scales, or metallic scales.

The Kohaku variety has a white body with one or more red patches on top of the body and possibly wrapping around above the lateral line. “Ko” means red in Japanese and “haku” means white. The fins and tail are white.  Just two colors but when in harmony create a koi of beauty and grace.  The preferred shade of red is persimmon, not deep crimson. The white has to be creamy to stark white with no shades of yellow nor grey. The balance of red to white depends on the pattern. Generally speaking, there should be 50% or more of red to the white body.  The colors are homogenous with no shadows or blemishes.  By the way, there are many words in Japanese which refer to the same color.  Often you will see the word “hi” (hee) referring to red and “shiro” (shee-ro) , referring to white.  Don’t become alarmed with all the new Japanese terms.  You didn’t realize that becoming a koi hobbyist also requires one to become a linguist.

A Kohaku pattern can have more than one red patch and the pattern is designated by the number of patches.  For example, a two-step Kohaku is known as a ni-dan  Kohaku (knee-dahn) . “ Ni” means “two” in Japanese. Three step is “ san dan” ( sahn-dahn) and four step is “yon dan” (yohn – dahn) .

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