KOI VARIETY GUIDE
Japanese Koi Varieties
Variety tells you which characteristics to study. It does not replace the universal order: body and movement, health, skin quality, provenance, then pattern.
Start with the major families
Use these short introductions to learn the vocabulary before asking a seller for recommendations.
Kohaku
Red pattern on a white ground. Simplicity puts body and skin quality in full view.
Read or explore →VARIETYTaisho Sanke
Red and black pattern on white, generally with a lighter impression than Showa.
Read or explore →VARIETYShowa Sanshoku
Black, red and white with dramatic pattern development as the fish grows.
Read or explore →VARIETYShiro Utsuri
Black and white whose impact depends on clean contrast, balance and powerful body.
Read or explore →VARIETYGoshiki
A layered five-colour impression that can change substantially with age and environment.
Read or explore →VARIETYGin Rin
Reflective scales add brilliance but do not replace body, skin and health assessment.
Read or explore →BUYER'S ORDER
Pattern is not the first checkpoint.
- 01Body shape and swimming
- 02Health and fin condition
- 03Skin quality and colour
- 04Breeder, bloodline and history
- 05Pattern balance and future change