The classification system for koi is extensive, with over 100 recognized varieties developed through centuries of selective breeding. The categorization is logical and rigorous, based primarily on color pattern, scale type, and lineage. Below is an authoritative classification guide following international koi show standards.
I. Gosanke (The Big Three): The Foundational Varieties
These are the origin of all modern koi and the core standard for judgment.
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Variety
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Japanese Name
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Core Characteristics
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Top-Quality Requirements
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|---|---|---|---|
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Kohaku
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紅白
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White base + red patterns (hi)
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Snow-white base, thick and sharp-edged hi, balanced pattern, white space at head and tail
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Taisho Sanke
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大正三色
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Kohaku pattern + black patterns (sumi)
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No sumion head, black stripes on pectoral fins, sumishould not overpower the hi
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Showa Sanshoku
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昭和三色
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Black base + red and white patterns
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Large hipatch and lightning-like menware(face pattern) on head, moto-guro(black base) on pectoral fins, intense sumiquality
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Appreciation Key: Kohaku – look at the hiquality; Taisho Sanke – look at sumiplacement; Showa – look at sumiquality.
II. Utsurimono (Reflected Varieties): Contrast on Black
A black base combined with other colors for strong visual impact.
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Variety
|
Characteristics
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Aesthetic Core
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|---|---|---|
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Shiro Utsuri
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Black base + white patterns
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Stark black-and-white contrast, sumilike ink-wash painting
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Hi Utsuri
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Black base + orange-red patterns
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Interwoven red and black, passionate and solemn
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Ki Utsuri
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Black base + bright yellow patterns
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Classical and elegant, Zen-like
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III. Bekko (Tortoiseshell): Speckled Sumi on Solid Base
Opposite of Utsurimono. Small sumispots on a solid-colored base.
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Variety
|
Characteristics
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|---|---|
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Shiro Bekko
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White base + small sumispots
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Aka Bekko
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Red base + small sumispots
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Ki Bekko
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Yellow base + small sumispots
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IV. Asagi & Shusui: The Blue Knights
Asagi is one of the oldest varieties. Shusui is a cross between Asagi and German carp.
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Asagi: Net-like pale blue scaling on the back, red cheeks, bright orange-red belly.
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Shusui: A single row of large blue scales (daiyaor mirror scales) along the dorsal line, red below the lateral line, no net pattern.
V. Koromo (Robed): The Ornate Variation of Kohaku
The red patterns of a Kohaku are overlaid with a net-like pattern of black or blue, as if robed.
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Variety
|
Characteristics
|
|---|---|
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Ai Goromo
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Kohaku's hioverlaid with blue net pattern
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Sumi Goromo
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Kohaku's hioverlaid with dense black
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Budo Goromo
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Black forms grape-like clusters
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VI. Kawarimono (Miscellaneous): Unique Beauty Unclassifiable Elsewhere
A large "catch-all" category for distinctive varieties.
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Representative Varieties
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Core Characteristics
|
|---|---|
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Ogon (Single-colored Metallic)
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Solid metallic color (e.g., Yamabuki/Ogon=gold, Platinum/Ogon=white)
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Kujaku (Peacock)
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Interwoven blue, red, gold, etc., like a peacock's tail
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Kumonryu (Nine-Crested Dragon)
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Strong black-and-white contrast, sumichanges dramatically with season/water temp
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Chagoi (Tea)
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Solid brown, grows very large, docile temperament
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Matsuba (Pine Needle)
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Each scale has a dark edge, resembling pine needles
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Goshiki (Five Colors)
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Interwoven white, red, black, blue, and crimson; evolved from Asagi
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Tancho (Red-crowned)
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Pure white body with a single round red patch on the head, symbolizing "good luck"
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Ogon
Kujaku
Kumonryu
Chagoi
Matsuba
Goshiki
Tancho
VII. Doitsu (German): Modern Style, Scaleless or Partially Scaled
Crosses between Japanese koi and German mirror carp. Smooth skin, special scaling.
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Type
|
Characteristics
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|---|---|
|
Doitsu (German Scale)
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Few rows of large scales only on the back and lateral lines
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Kagami-goi (Leather Carp)
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Almost completely scaleless, leathery skin
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Shusui
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Classified as Doitsu, see Section IV
|
Kagami-goi
Shusui
VIII. Hikari-moyo & Hikari Utsuri: The Metallic Splendor
Gosanke or Utsurimono varieties with a strong metallic luster over the entire body.
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Variety
|
Characteristics
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|---|---|
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Kin Showa
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Showa pattern + metallic luster
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Platinum Ogon
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Solid metallic silver-white
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Sakura Ogon
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Metallic Kohaku pattern
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Kin Showa
Platinum Ogon
Sakura Ogon
IX. Gin Rin: Dazzling Jewel-like Luster
Scales have a diamond-like reflective effect. Can be combined with almost any variety.
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Pearl Gin Rin: Scales have a pearl-like, raised, sparkling center.
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Diamond Gin Rin: Entire scale sparkles like a cut diamond.
Quick Guide for Selection & Appreciation
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Your Need
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Recommended Varieties
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Reason
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|---|---|---|
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Beginner
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Kohaku, Ogon, Chagoi
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Hardy, easy to keep and appreciate
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Feng Shui/Symbolism
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Tancho, Ogon, Kohaku
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Symbolizes supreme luck, wealth, auspiciousness
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|
Modern Aesthetic
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Doitsu, Gin Rin, Kumonryu
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Unique appearance, strong visual impact
|
|
Advanced Collecting
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Taisho Sanke/Showa, Premium Kohaku
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Multiple dimensions for appreciation, good investment potential
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|
Large Pond (Distant Viewing)
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Chagoi, Shusui, Goshiki
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Striking from a distance, impressive in groups
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Final Advice: The highest principle in koi appreciation is Body Conformation > Skin Quality > Pattern. First, observe the swimming posture for elegance and power. Second, examine the skin and color for fineness and luster. Only then evaluate the pattern distribution. The most important thing is to choose a koi that resonates with your aesthetic sense and suits your keeping conditions.
