Koi carp are one of the most iconic ornamental fish in the world. Originally hailing from Japan, these beautiful fish have amazingly patterned bodies. There are many varieties–– and some of them are incredibly expensive. Different types of koi are classified by their unique colorations. In this guide, we’ll identify everything you need to know about the many kinds of koi fish.
1. Kohaku Are a Common Koi Type
The Kohaku belongs to a category known as the Gosanke, which also includes the Sanke and Showa (which we’ll discuss shortly). This koi is also one of the oldest, with breeders having created them in 1888. Kohaku koi have a distinct white base coloring with a red pattern running across their bodies. The pattern automatically brings the Japanese flag to mind. This is one of the most common and popular koi subspecies because of its classic appearance. Breeders typically sell them for between $40 and $70, depending on their length. However, one buyer spent $1.8 million on a koi in 2019!
Kohaku can grow up to 20 inches in length and are an omnivorous species. They require plenty of protein in their diets. There is a rarer version of the Kohaku called the Tancho. This fish has a single red spot on its head and is very expensive. It shares the same name as Japan’s legendary red-crowned crane.
2. Taisho Sanke: Better for Ponds Than Aquariums
Taisho Sanke koi fish are another popular variety. Breeders trace their heritage back to the early twentieth century. They’re a hardy subspecies with a stunning appearance. Like the Kohaku, white is also their base color. Meanwhile, gorgeous red and black patterns splash across their bodies. The Sanke became an official koi variety in 1950.
Sanke koi are typically more expensive than Kohaku with incredibly varying prices. They usually fetch anything from $80 to $40,000, depending on their physical characteristics. However, one bidder paid over $340,000 for a Sanke in Tokyo in 2015. Sanke are also larger than Kohaku with some growing up to 38 inches. That’s why most owners keep them in specialized ornamental ponds instead of indoor freshwater aquariums. You’ll need a massive 200-gallon tank if you plan to keep them indoors. This koi variety lives between 25 and 30 years if you care for them properly.
3. Showa Koi Have a Black Color Base
As noted, Showa koi also belong to the Gosanke category alongside Kohaku and Sanke. The most noticeable physical distinction between them is their base color. Show have a black base, which creates a striking aesthetic. There are also beautiful shades of white and red on their bodies. Many owners keep Sanke and Showa together because of their contrast. They’re two of the most colorful pet fish species. Their fins are another key differentiator. Showa always have black patches on their fins, but Sanke may not.
The black coloring (sumi) also develops on Showas’ faces, but this will not happen on a Sanke koi. Showa koi typically grow between 20 and 30 inches. They’re also omnivorous and have the same dietary requirements as other koi subvarieties. Breeders developed them in the late 1920s, and they became one of the most prized types of koi fish. They’re available for as low as $70, but the most valuable specimens fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
4. Doitsu: A Variety of Scaleless Koi
This is another distinct variety with a unique history and appearance. Unlike the previous varieties, Doitsu koi are a scaleless fish. This gives them an unusual aesthetic that many fish lovers adore. Newcomers should know that Doitsu is a category of koi, and that subspecies exist within it. The name comes from the Japanese pronunciation of “Deutsche”, meaning German.
There are Doitsu versions of Showa, Sanke, and Kohaku koi as well as many other varieties. Some Doitsu koi do have a few scales along their lateral and dorsal lines. However, there won’t be many, and they don’t always occur. Shusui Doitsu is the most famous variety of scaleless koi because they were the foundation of many koi varieties. This style has a grey-blue coloring with a red pattern down its body.
5. Platinum Ogon Is an Incredibly Desired Species
Most people imagine brightly colored koi fish with amazing patterns on their bodies. The Platinum Ogon is a striking exception. They don’t have any patterns and are a metallic-white color. Many koi owners appreciate harmony, and that’s why they add Platinum Ogon to their ornamental ponds. Certain aspects increase their value. Any blemishes or markings on the silver base may bring down a fish’s value. The bright metallic sheen is very desirable.
There is also a solid-white koi without the metallic shine called the Shiro Muji. There are platinum versions of many koi fish today, but the Ogon is the most distinctive. Platinum Ogon gleam, but they don’t have the same reflective quality as Ginrin koi.
6. Kumonryu May Gain or Lose Black Patterning
The Kumonryu koi emerged as a category in 1994. It is a variety of Doitsu koi, but it has an incredibly unusual trait. Unlike other koi, it has an unstable sumi or black coloration. The Kumonryu has a white base color with black patterns. However, the black may suddenly disappear or reappear without warning. This quirk is fascinating for many koi keepers because they never know what will happen. Keeping a Kumonryu koi is like having a living kaleidoscope in your pond. Experts remain uncertain what exactly causes their sumi to fluctuate.
7. Ginrin Koi Are Considered “Show Fish”
This is another category of koi similar to Doitsu. Ginrin koi fish have a sparkling diamond-like appearance. Their shimmering scales even reflect the sun and make it a dazzling addition to an outdoor pond. These days, there are Ginrin versions of most koi varieties, including Kohaku and Showa. It’s common for Ginrin koi to lose their sheen as they age. They even have a separate judging category in koi fish competitions. Breeders developed Ginrin koi in the early 1900s.
