Koi Colors, Patterns And Markings Everyone Should Know!

Koi fish are popular for their stunning colors and beautiful patterns throughout their bodies.

As a species of carp, Koi fish are also known as Nishikigoi, which means 'brocaded carp' in Japanese. While the Japanese began raising these fish for their beauty in the mid-1800s, Koi fish are thought to have originated in China.

Colors, patterns, and body confirmation can help you determine the correct Koi classification. Each Koi fish variety has its unique characteristics for identification, which can be defined using another Japanese Koi classification system.

Their intelligence, in addition to their beauty, is another reason for their enormous popularity. You can teach them to eat off of your hand or even from your mouth! Furthermore, because Koi fish may live up to 50 years, they make excellent lifelong companions.

When viewed from above, the majority of Koi were developed largely for the beauty of their colors and patterning. This sparked a surge in interest in Koi breeding and exhibitions.

These stocks are derived from beautiful Japanese Koi and typically have patterns of black, red, orange, gold, and white splotches, whereas wild common carp are green. In New Zealand, Koi carp can reach a weight of 26.4 lb (12 kg) and a length of 29.5 in (75 cm).

Barbels are two pairs of whisker-like feelers near the corner of a Koi's mouth.

About one percent of Waikato Koi are goldfish hybrids, which are distinguished by their huge size in comparison to goldfish. These Koi either don't have barbels or only have one pair.

A Koi fish can grow to a length of 6-8 in (15-20 cm) in the first year and 8-12 in (20-30 cm) in the second.

They will become adults between the ages of two and three years and may grow another four in (10 cm), but it may take another seven years to reach the average length of 28 in (71 cm).

Intrigued to know more? Have a look at these fun articles how long do Koi fish liveandwhat do Koi fish represent

What is the best color for Koi?

Have you ever seen a Kikokuryu? The Kikokuryu has a rich black hue and a gleaming platinum skin, making it one of the most eye-catching Kois available.

The crossbreeding of Platinum Ogon and Kumonryu gave it its pattern and coloring. This koi's lustrous sheen is more vibrant and captivating than the Kumonryu koi's.

Furthermore, it alternates between black and blue throughout the year while keeping its glossy silver metallic sheen intact. Temperature and lighting are two elements that cause it to change hues. Kikokuryu is a metallic Kumonryu, a Koi with gleaming platinum skin and deep black colors in its fins.

The Meaning Behind The Colors Of Koi Fish

The colors and patterns of each Koi are unique, as are the preferences of each keeper. Pattern and color combinations are nearly infinite.

Koi come in vibrant colors. To truly enjoy these gorgeous pond fish, they must be visible through the water; for a reason, Koi are frequently kept in a pond with well-filtered water and few or no plants.

The intensity of your Koi's color will shift as the light changes throughout the day. Their colors will be at their peak throughout the autumn season. A year-round diet of pellet meals containing modest levels of carotene and spirulina, mixed with natural foods, can assist to keep your Koi's colors as vibrant as possible.

In Koi nomenclature, Japanese color descriptions are crucial. Depending on the form in which that color appears, some have many names.

The Origins Of Koi

Modern Koi are descended from Magoi, or black carp, which were transported to Japan from China around 1000 AD.

By the 1600s, these simple fishes were prospering in the streams surrounding Niigata prefecture on Honshu Island's paddy fields, and local rice farmers were catching them for sustenance.

Originally, Japanese Koi were bred to provide a variety of colored fish for decorative ponds. Individual fish with patches of color and patterning on their bodies began to occur in the early 1800s, and some farmers began to selectively breed for these qualities. Nishikigoi or brocaded carp is the name given to this species.

Their ancestors can still be found in the area. Koi-keeping and breeding became immensely popular in Japan as a result, heralding the start of today's wealthy Japanese Koi business.

In the early '40s, Koi were first imported to the United States. It took them longer to establish popularity in Europe; Koi were not seen in the United Kingdom until the '60s. They've garnered a huge international following since then, and are now bred not only in Japan but also in several other nations.

In the '60s, the species is considered to have been introduced to New Zealand waters. They could have been accidentally freed from ponds during flooding. Some of them may have been released for fishing.

In 1983, feral breeding stocks were discovered in the Waikato River. They've expanded throughout the lower Waikato River basin, infiltrating streams, lakes, and wetlands. In the lower Waikato River districts, the sluggish, turbid water and shallow lakes and wetlands provide perfect habitat, they make up the majority of fish biomass (up to 80%).

Koi carp enjoy quiet waters and can be found in rivers, lakes, streams, and river backwaters. They are extremely tolerant of poor water quality, surviving and contributing to the fall in water quality. Although Koi have a small home range, they are strong swimmers and can travel long distances to spawning grounds to feed.

What is the rarest color of Koi?

Ki Utsuri is by far the rarest colored Koi fish in the world.

Utsuri was on the verge of extinction. They usually have a golden body with lacquer black markings. Crossbreeding of Magoi or black Koi with Ki Bekko Koi produces the Ki Utsuri Koi fish. In Japanese, the word 'Ki' indicates yellow, and 'Utsuri' means reflection.

It's fun to know about the two Utsuri variants. The Gin Rin Ki Utsuri has a more yellow color and looks more vivid. If the Utsuri is fed with color enhancers, these fishes develop orange spotting on the body. Kin Ki Utsuri: this Utsuri variant has more black with a yellow metallic effect, sometimes giving it a bumblebee look.

Types Of Koi Varieties Common In Koi Shows

There are almost over a hundred varieties of Koi in this world, this article will help you read about the popular varieties of Koi.

Though each Japanese Koi fish has the potential to win a competition, certain varieties of Koi fish are more popular for exhibits than others.

The Kohaku is where it all begins and finishes. Kohaku is distinguished by its bright red pattern on its white body, which makes it stand out in a sea of fish. The intensity however varies from dark red to orangish-red.

These markings are used to differentiate among different Kohakus. Any white red-colored Koi variation is now graded solely based on the Kohaku pattern.

When choosing a Kohaku Koi check if both the eyes of Kohaku are clear without any red markings. The red markings around the tail of Kohaku should be fewer. In general, the markings on Kohaku are variable on patterning.

Next up is the Showa Sanshoku or Showa Sanke.

The Showa Sanshoku, a black Koi with red and white patterns that was bred a few years after the Sanke. The Showa Sanke Koi is similar to the Showa Koi in that it is red, white, and black, but it is distinguished by the main colors sumi (black) and aka (red).

A huge red pattern is chosen for elegance, as is the case with the Kohaku, but this time with a large black pattern that may dip below the lateral line and also appear on the skull.

These three types of Koi fish are the most sighted fish in a show. Other than these you can read further to know about different types of Koi fishes:

Doitsu Koi are a relatively new breed of Koi. Doitsu Sanke is a Wagoi-European Caprinus carpio carpio crossbreed with little to no scales.

Doitsu Koi is a type of German variant that lacks scales. Scales may or may not be present along the lateral and dorsal lines of the Koi, depending on the type of Doitsu Koi.

When it comes to competition, Doitsu Koi aren't one of the most popular scale variations, frequently losing against scaled Koi of the same types. Doitsu Koi also have the drawback of being less disease resistant.

Doitsu has a shorter lifespan than other Koi. Except for the Doitsu (scaleless variety), which are the result of interbreeding leather and mirror carp, all kinds of Nishikigoi or Koi have been bred to be viewed from and are all members of the same species.

Tancho is a Koi variation with a bright red head. Tancho Koi have just a red marking on the head and belong to the Kohaku family, which has lone, circular red patterns on the head but no markings on the white, solid body.

For the perfect Tancho Koi, the red patch on the head should be circular and crimson red forming a beautiful white-red combination.

Unlike Kohaku Koi, Tancho Sanke is a type of Koi which is an accident of nature, as the red patch on the head of the Koi is not a breedable characteristic.

The red patch between the eyes of the Tancho Koi must occur between the eyes and not reach the nose or shoulders for a Koi to be called a true Tancho Showa. The Tancho patterns appear on Sanke varieties too.

The Hikari Muji type of Koi group includes Ogon, which means gold. An Ogon is a single-colored metallic Koi that gleams in a pond, ranging from metallic silver to gold. Hikari means metallic in Japanese.

This type of metallic Koi is quite popular, especially among Koi keepers who are new to the hobby. The single-colored metallic Koi comes in a range of colors. Cream specimens are uncommon, so bright metallic yellow (Yamabuki Ogon) and platinum (Purachina Ogon) are the most popular options.

The Asagi Koi is a blue-gray fish with a magnificent net-like lateral line pattern running along the margins of its scales. Asagi Koi also has a red hue below its lateral lines, as well as on its fins and belly on occasion.

The Asagi is one of the original Kois, with a history dating back to 1850. The most current Koi are the Asagi varieties.

Asagi is distinguished by a blue or indigo body and a crimson foundation to the pectoral fins. The red towards the base of the pectoral fins is Motoaka.

The Shusui was one of the earliest Asagi Koi to be bred. It was created by crossbreeding an Asagi and a mirror carp.

The Taisho Sanke, also known as the Taisho Sanshoku, is a Japanese white Koi with red and black patterns. Sanshoku means 'three colors' in Japanese and refers to the three hues of Sanke: white, black, and red.

Taisho Sanke Koi are healthier when their white coloring is clear. The shiroji (solid, creamy white) coloration of Taisho Sanke Koi fish starts at the nose and spreads to the tail and fins.

The Taisho Sanke could be compared to a Kohaku with black markings.

These black markings and patterns on Taisho Sanke a.k.a Taisho Sanshoku, on the other hand, do not occur on their heads or beneath their lateral lines. During the Taisho Sanshoku era, the Sanke was initially offered to the public in 1914.

What is the longest living Koi fish?

In comparison to other ornamental fish, Koi have a long life span and can survive for 15-50 years or even longer depending on their surroundings.

Because growth ring patterns can be visible if a scale is viewed under a microscope, the scales of a Koi will disclose its true age. However, according to records, a Koi can live for more than 200 years.

Hanako, a Japanese Koi, is thought to be the world's longest-living Koi fish. Before her death in 1977, she had lived for 226 years.

In Japan, the scarlet-colored female fish was born in 1751. Scarlet Koi carps live for about 40 years on average. Hanako, on the other hand, lived in the 1970s and died at the age of 226.

The rings on Hanako's scales were analyzed to determine her true age. The annual growth rings on the scales of Hanako were counted using a light microscope, similar to how dendrologists calculate the age of a tree by measuring the number of growth rings on the wood.

Hanako was taken from a Koi pond in Mino Province's deep highlands in order to determine her exact age. Tweezers were used to remove two scales from various regions of her body.

Professor Masayoshi Hiro meticulously examined the individual growth rings on the scales during two months.

The scales of the remaining five Koi carps in the same pond were also inspected after this revelation. The results of a year-long examination of the scales revealed that all of the other types of Koi fish in the pond were all over 100 years old.

Did You Know...

Koi fish are beautiful and colorful fish that are found in various places around the world.

In Japan, the black ones which are the Karasu are connected with successfully conquering a hurdle and represent fatherhood, and are also a symbol of strength. It frequently denotes a successful battle won despite adversity in one's life.

The black and white Koi, such as the Shiro Utsuri and Kumonryu, is a powerful symbol that represents major life changes and rebirth. A white Koi represents professional achievement. Blue Koi is rare to spot but the Asagi Koi is generally blue.

The blue Koi fish are commonly related to masculinity, peace, and potency. Additionally, the gold Koi fish, as indicated by their names symbolize wealth, riches, and prosperity.

Koi eat both plant and animal matter, and they automatically seek food towards the pond's bottom.

The two pairs of barbels on either side of the mouth act as sensory feelers, assisting them in locating food things hidden in the substrate, such as worms.

Koi can also dig effectively with their jaws, which is a characteristic that is likely to cause problems in a planted pond. The jaw mechanism of the Koi is surprisingly flexible, allowing them to suck pretty large edible things right into their mouths.

Toothlike structures at the back of the throat crush food before swallowing it, making it more accessible to digestion enzymes.

In Japan, Koi breeding is still predominantly carried out by a few well-known families with Koi breeding lineages dating back decades. There are approximately 100 different species of Koi in the Nishikigoi family, each capable of exciting your garden ponds with their rich, brilliant colors and unique body conformation.

The markings, pattern location, accent colors, and history of the Koi types are used to identify them.

The priorities of science are determined by the community and culture in which it is carried out. Scientists, for example, are concerned about the impact imported species have on our environment.

Kois has had a significant negative impact on the river and its watershed. As a result, ongoing scientific research is being conducted to try to mitigate these negative consequences.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Koi colors, then why not take a look at what do Koi fish eat, or Koi facts.