Shusui is a unique and elegant variety of koi, developed by crossbreeding the Asagi with the German mirror carp. Its name translates to "autumn water" or "azure autumn," evoking the image of clear, blue water in autumn, which perfectly describes its distinctive bright blue back.
Key Characteristics & Appreciation Points
The most defining features of Shusui relate to its skin and scaling:
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German Scalation: The skin is generally smooth and scaleless, except for a single row of large, shiny mirror scales running along the dorsal line and often two symmetrical rows along the lateral lines.
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Color Distribution:
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Back: A vibrant, uniform navy or steel blue. This is the soul of the Shusui; the color should be even and unblemished.
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Abdomen & Sides: Bright red patches (hi)** on the lower sides and abdomen. Ideal patches are well-balanced on both sides with sharp edges.
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Head: The head should be a clean white or cream color, often with red cheeks (akame). The head must be free of black spots (sumi).
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Dorsal Scale Row: The neat, orderly line of large, reflective scales along the spine is a signature trait of the variety.
Major Varieties
Shusui are classified into several main types based on color and pattern variations:
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Standard Shusui (Han Shusui): The most common type, featuring the classic blue back and symmetrical red patches on the sides.
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Hi Shusui: The blue is confined to the upper back, while the red patches cover a larger portion of the sides and abdomen.
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Ki Shusui: The back has a lighter, greenish-blue hue, and the side patches are yellow instead of red.
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Pearl Shusui (Pearl Gin Rin Shusui): A rare and prized type where the large dorsal scales have a distinctive pearlescent or glittering (Gin Rin) quality.
Relationship and Difference with Asagi
While the Shusui descended from the Asagi, they are fundamentally different:
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Feature
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Shusui
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Asagi
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Scaling
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German scalation (mostly scaleless with large mirror scales)
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Fully scaled with a fine, network pattern
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Back Pattern
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A solid, uniform blue area
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A distinctive net-like pattern created by each scale's dark center and light edge
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Overall Appeal
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Modern, clean, bold color contrast
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Classical, refined, intricate texture
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In summary, the Shusui Koi, with its brilliant blue back, vibrant red sides, and unique mirror scales, combines a powerful presence with elegant beauty, making it a highly distinctive and sought-after variety among koi enthusiasts.
