Koi Breeds
There are many Koi Breeds or Varieties. Each Koi is a unique fish in that no two are alike. Within this uniqueness there is an order of things, so that Koi can be divided into broad categories based on their markings and colors. In Japan there are 13 basic lineages recognized and these are accepted throughout the world. Within these groups there are numerous other divisions which relate to the way in which the colors, scales or combination of these are formed in the individual fish. All Koi terms are in Japanese. The Japanese relate a great deal to the natural world around them so it is not surprising that many of the terms applied to Koi breeds derive from the names of flowers, mountains, or plants. Unique Koi breeds can be described in many ways and each way is no less correct than any other, it being purely one’s opinion on the features of the Koi. In other cases a precise name can be applied without any problem. Where the Japanese do not have a single word to describe a combination of features, they simply add one term to another. When these terms are used in the West they may be reduced somewhat so that Utsurimono will normally be called Utsuri. It is not important for the average pond owner to know the differing terms used for Koi; it only matters that they find pleasure in their fish and in their colors and patterns.
Koi Fish Meaning
The Asagi is one of the oldest Koi Breeds of Nishikigoi and has provided the basis for many subsequent varieties. Asagi are blue-grey in color, some have a red belly which can sometimes come up to the lateral lines and cheeks of the Koi. The scales upon the back are edged in a darker grey giving a highlight to each individual scale. Its back is covered in a net-like reticulated scale pattern of indigo, navy blue or pale blue. The light blue head should be clear and unblemished. The base of the pectoral fins, tail fin, stomach, and gill plates is a deep orange or red color. Shusui is a doitsu (scaleless) version of Asagi, usually with large mirror scales along the lateral lines and/or to the right and left of the dorsal line. Koi with a red head patch are called "Tancho." Tancho do not form a single, independent kind of Nishikigoi; they all can be bred from Kohaku, Taisho Sankshoku or Showa Sanshoku. Their red patch happens to show up only in the head region. Tancho, therefore, can not be produced in bulk even if you so wish. Most common are "Tancho Kohaku (all-white Koi with Tancho)," "Tancho Sanshoku (white Koi with Sumi similar to Shiro Bekko, and with Tancho)," and "Tancho Showa (Showa Sanshoku without red markings except for Tancho)," etc. However, "Tancho Goshiki (Koi of five colors with Tancho)," and "Tancho Hariwake" are rare. The essential point for appreciation is the red patch in the head region, of course. The red head patch sitting right at the center of the head region is the best. The white skin is also important as it is the milky white color that sets the red head patch off to advantage. Doitsu lineage does not mean Nishikigoi bred in Germany, but rather those Crossbred with Japanese Koi and black carp imported originally for food from Germany. They differ from ordinary Nishikigoi (or "'Wagoi' meaning Japanese Koi) in scale arrangement. Doitsu Koi with lines of scales on the back and along the lateral lines are called "Kagami-goi (mirror carp)," and those without scales or with only one line of scales on each side along the base of the dorsal fin. Doitsu Koi are crossbred into almost all Koi breeds of Nishikigoi. Doitsu Koi are to be viewed for the orderliness of scale arrangement and the absence of unnecessary scales. Each Koi should have the features characteristic of its own original variety. Ochiba Shigures are made by breeding a Chagoi with a Soragoi. Look for a nice Kohaku-like brown pattern. This is a very nice fish and this type really stands out in any collection. The Japanese breeders often name the Koi after things that they like. Ochiba Shigure, for example, means "leaves fallen on the water."
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