Body comes before pattern
Look for a balanced head, strong shoulders and a body line that narrows naturally toward the tail. A memorable pattern cannot compensate for weak structure or unhealthy movement.
White ground and red quality
The white should look clean and lustrous, while the red should appear even and appropriate for the koi's age. Video in neutral light helps reveal whether colour and skin quality are being flattered by a single photograph.
Pattern balance
Buyers consider the relationship between head marking, body steps and white space. There is no single perfect layout; balance should be assessed on the moving fish and in relation to its future body size.
Questions for the seller
Ask about breeder, bloodline, age, sex, current size, health history and how the seller expects the pattern and body to develop. Future potential is an informed opinion, not a guarantee.