Koi Varieties & Information

There are many varieties of koi available to purchase. Some varieties have been established over 100 years, yet new varieties are being created now. 

The main varieties are Kohaku, Sanke and Showa. It is these koi vareities, collectively know as Go-Sanke, that compete for all major prizes at koi shows. They represent a group of koi which are very difficult to produce at large size with exceptional quality - the two variables required to secure awards. 

Kohaku

A white (Japanese - shiroji) based koi with a red (Japanese - beni, hi) pattern. Ideally the koi will look balanced, showing an even amount of pattern on the front and back of the koi. The pattern can take many styles. Kohaku were one of the earliest varieties established and stabilised. They are probably the most commonly bred and kept variety of koi, and are most likely to take the top award at a koi show. 

Sanke

Sanke are white based koi, with a red pattern similar to a Kohaku, though they also have black (Japanese - sumi) element to the pattern. The sumi appears in 'spots', and should be fairly evenly distributed along the length of the koi. The black will ideally fall on the white skin, and should appear in the pectoral fins in 2 to 5 stripes, however this is not essential.

More to follow.....