Koi - The Jewels Of The Pond

With their striking colors, beautiful shape, and graceful movements, Koi are considered the jewels of the pond. From humble beginnings as wild carp, these fish have been domesticated and bred in the famous beauties they are today. Once owned by the rich, are now Koi loved and kept in garden ponds across the world. As the owner of a pond or future Koi enthusiast, you want May to learn to say the fundamental differences between the thirteen types of Koi and distinguish a fish of high quality from a regular, colorful one.

Koi, or Nishikigoi as the Japanese call them, are more than 100 different varieties, but were reduced to thirteen major groups, as indicated above. They are as follows: Kohaku, Sanke-Taisho, Showa-Sanshoku, Bekko, Utsurimono, Asagi Shusui, ogon, Koromo, Hikari-Moyomono, Hikari-Utsurimono, Kawarimono, Kinginrin and Tancho. It is difficult to connect all types of Koi at the beginning, but with practice and determination it will become easier.

Before you can begin to classify Koi you must first know the basic body shape and anatomy of fish. A Koi is usually bilateral symmetrical. What does this mean? If you were to draw a line along the dorsal (upper) end of the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail, the shape of two pieces are the same. Although this is a good character, it is a must in any event Koi.

Like most carp, Koi have barbells, a dorsal fin, pectoral fins, pelvic fins, an anal fin and a tail (tail) end. If a Koi is missing either of these it is considered abnormal and of poor quality.

The head of the fish should be the normal proportion of the body. It should not be very long or short. The mouth should be lower, which means it opens from the bottom, like most fish scavenger.

Now that you know a Koi basic body shape and requirements, you can learn about color variations.

The best known is the Koi Kohaku. Kohaku has light skin (Koi have two basic colors skin, white and blue) with red marks. This is the simple variety to the place and without doubt the most beautiful. A good quality milk white skin and deep red ground. The most admired model is the springboard modes-3-5 red mark resembling a rock track.

Then there's the Taisho Sanke-or short Sanke. It has the same color variation Kohaku (white with red markings) with a third black, a color less obvious. A high quality Snake will be red (with any other color) on his head and an interesting pattern of red and black.

The third is the Showa-Sanshoku, Showa short. It's the same three colors that distinguish Sanke. However, black is the background color and there are red and white it. Showa an ideal has deep black marks and an interesting pattern of red and white.

The Bekko is two color with small black on top of another white, yellow and red are the most common. There are many kinds of Bekko's. The standard is the Bekko-Shiro (white to black.)

Two other colored Koi is the Utsurimono. Like the Bekko, it is black and another color. But black is the main color and there are spots or marks another white, red and yellow.

The Asagi Shusui skin is a blue Koi with white edges and red on the gills, stomach and pectoral fins. They look neat and Germany (Doitsu) scales. The German scales are generally more or imitation leather (not at all scales.)

Koromo are blue with fish scales. There are different types of Koromos such as Aigoromo and Sumigoromo. Koromo The word comes from the word garment. This fish looks like she wears a blue veil wide net or on top of its colors.

A ogon is a Koi with a metallic luster. They are generally white or gold. They must have only one color and have the Doitsu scales. A good ogon is robust with a beautiful muscular structure.

Another is the metallic Koi Hikari-Moyomono. They are a race of the Ogoni and have more than one color.

The Hikari-Utsurimono Koi is a metal which is a cross between the Ogoni and the Showa. They have the color of a Showa-black as the main color, with red and white, but the marks are as bright ogon.

Kinginrin are a shining bright Koi. Do not confuse with ogon which are metallic. Kinginrin have a sparkle in each scale, but not all. They may be with the flash of gold or silver. Koi for an award, it must be at least 20 shiny scales. These are very low Koi Dark ponds because of their exceptional visibility.

Koi are the Tancho with Hi (red) patch on their head. The patch can not be connected to other brands and should be contrasted with a white skin. It can not cover the eyes and is only recognized on the Kohaku, Sanke and Showa variations.

The last variation of Koi is the Kawarimono. In simple terms, they are Koi that do not correspond to any other category. This category was invented in order to sell and shows. Although they are not worth as twelve other varieties, these Koi are very beautiful and an addition to any collection.

These are changes recognized Koi. There is also the butterfly or a fine of Koi. They have abnormally, yet beautiful long fins. This category is not recognized by the Japanese in Koi shows. In the United States, this type is high and sold in large quantities. They are a gracious and welcomed family member Koi.

If you are interested, including those in single fish pond in your garden or willing to learn and keep them as a hobby, it is always good to be able to identify each type of Koi. This will not only help you make an informed decision when purchasing your new friends, but it will also help you appreciate the diversity of Koi even more. Some say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I say beauty is in the eye of the holder Koi!