16 Types of Koi Fish: Colors, Varieties, and Classifications

Because of its stunning color schemes and patterns, the koi fish is beautiful. It’s no wonder that it is so popular.

Nishikigoi is also a Japanese name for Koi fish. This refers to brocaded carp. Their scientific name is Cyprinus Rubrofuscus. Although the Japanese were the first to breed these fish for their beauty around the mid-1800s it is believed that the koi fish originated in China.

Their beauty is not the only reason they are so popular. You can teach them to eat out of your hand or mouth! Koi fish can be trusted as companions for life, with a lifespan of up to 50 years.

It is difficult to choose from the many varieties of koi fish available. This article will help you make an informed choice by highlighting 16 popular koi fish varieties.

1. Kohaku Koi

The Kohaku is the most well-known type of koi. It is considered one of the original Kois. This breed was first established in 1890.

This fish has a white body with red patches. These patches vary in intensity from dark red to light orange-red. These markings can be used to differentiate between types of Kohaku.

2. Sanke Koi

The Taisho Sanke, also known as the Taisho Sanshoku or Taisho Sanke, is a white Sanke with red and black markings. The Sanke could be described as a Kohaku with black spots. These black marks do not appear on the Sanke’s heads or below their lateral lines.

The Sanke was introduced to the public for the first time in 1914, during the Taisho era.

3. Showa Koi

This variety of koi is also known as Showa Sanshoku or Showa Sanke. It comes in a black body and red and white spots. The Showa first appeared in Japan during the Showa era. The Showa koi of the early Showa had a lot more black than they do today.

Modern Showa koi can sometimes be hard to distinguish between Sanke koi or Sanke koi. The Showa, however, has black spots below the lateral line and on the head of the Sanke.

4. Utsuri Koi

This koi fish is also known as Utsurimono. Its name literally means “reflective ones” or “reflections”. There are three types of Utsuri, each with black as its primary color. Each variant has either yellow, white, or red spots.

In 1925, Utsuri Kois made their debut.

5. Bekko Koi

Bekko is a name that means “tortoiseshell”. Bekko koi can be described as Utsuri-style Utsuri koi. However, they are reversed and come with a colored base and black patterns. It is difficult for most people to tell the difference between the Utsuri and the Bekko. Enthusiasts will know that the Bekko has a clean head and the Utsuri has dark marks.

6. Asagi Koi

Asagi koi, a blue-grey fish, has dark blue lines that run along its scales. This creates a stunning net-like pattern. It also has a red hue on its belly and below its lateral lines.

The Asagi is one of the original koi. Its origins can be traced back to 1850. Modern koi are actually variations of the Asagi.

7. Shusui

Shusui was the first koi to be bred from Asagi. It was created by crossbreeding of an Asagi with a mirror carp. Shusui is a reference to the color of its leaves.

8. Koromo Koi

Koromo means “robed” and this koi fish has a white body with red markings. Koromo kois result from crossing the Asagi and a Kohaku in the 1950s. Koromo koi can also be seen with a distinct net-like coloration around the edges of their scales.

There are three main subtypes of the Koromo: the Aigoromo with blue edges, the Sumigoromo with black edges, and the Budogoromo which has red and blue at the edges of its scales.

9. Goshiki

The Goshiki koi, which means “five colors”, is a crossbreed between the Asagi and Sanke. The five colors are a combination of Sanke’s white, red, and black colors and Asagi’s blue and gray.

The Goshiki, true to its Asagi heritage has a distinctive coloration at its edges.

10. Hikari Muji

Muji is a translation of “single color,” while Hikari refers to “metallic or shiny.” This koi fish can be found in one color and a metallic or shiny finish. There are many types of Hikari Muji Koi.

• Aka (red) Matsuba
• Orenji (deep orange) Ogon
• Gin (Silver) Matsuba
• Matsuba Kin (yellow/gold metallic).
• Yamabuki (yellow metal) Ogon

11. Hikari Utsuri

These are metallic/shiny versions of the Utsuri Koi. They can be either silver or gold depending on the sheen.

12. Kinginrin

Kinginrin is a term that means “gold and silver scales.” This koi fish has scales that sparkle like finely cracked glass. You can identify a Kinginrin Koi by its silver and gold sparkles. Because any type of koi can be bred with such sparkling scales, you can find Kinginrin specimens within any koi breed.

13. Tancho

The Tancho crane is Japan’s national bird. The Tancho crane’s prestigious title is derived from the Tancho crane’s single red spot on the head. This resembles the Japanese flag. A red spot is also found on the Tancho koi’s head.

Tancho koi are a result of luck since the red spot on the forehead cannot be bred. To be considered true Tancho koi, a red spot should appear between the eyes. It should not reach its nose and shoulders. It should also be free from any other red pigmentation.

14. Ginrin

Ginrin refers to kois with diamond scales covering their entire bodies. They can have shiny metallic or platinum scales, making them a stunning sight.

Ginrin koi can be traced back to the early 1900s. These koi fish come in four types:

• Beta Gin – Their entire bodies shine
• Kado Gin – Only the edges of the scale shine
• Diamond Ginrin
• Pearl Ginrin

To be considered Ginrin, a koi must-have sparkling scales all over its body.

15. Hirenaga

The Hirenaga, also known as the “butterflies” of the water, is one of the most beloved koi fish. Their graceful tails and long fins make them popular. To be considered a Hirenaga koi, it must have long tails and fins that are free of tears.

16. Kikokuryu

Kikokuryu has a dark black color and shiny platinum skin. This makes it one of the most striking-looking koi. It can change its colors throughout the year by alternating between black and blue, while still maintaining its glossy silver finish. Temperature and lighting are two of the main factors that can cause it to change color.

There are many other things to do

You should now be familiar with the main types and characteristics of koi fish. You will likely find more varieties than there are breeders. We cannot possibly list all of the varieties you’ll encounter. However, all breeders recognize the types that we have listed.