Due to their brilliant colors, koi fish are fascinating aquatic creatures. In fact, their value lies solely in the color combinations, the way these colors are situated on their bodies, and the overall effect the patterns create. Some enthusiasts even count the markings on a koi to gauge its value, while professional breeders take special care to enhance and protect the color of the koi for competitions and displays.
Koi are considered by many to be the most vibrantly colored ornamental fish, so it is sometimes hard to believe that they originated from the dull gray or brown common river carp. At first it was bred for consumption, then in Japan it was bred and cultivated until a new brand of Japanese carp, or koi, appeared, famous for its color combinations, patterns, and markings.
The most common koi colors are white, red, black, yellow, orange, and blue, and even cream. They can also come in a combination of some or all of those colors, or simple but shiny, like a plated precious metal. The Japanese gave koi names to correspond to specific color patterns, combinations, and markings, and they are now labeled as varieties. Today, there are about 15 varieties and sub-varieties of koi, the most popular of which is the Kohaku. Also known as the father of all koi from which all varieties of koi originated, the Kohaku koi color is white with flecks of orange or red. The Kohaku Tancho is the most famous type, as its only red spot is located on the top of its head. Other varieties are the Asagi, which has red at the base and blue on the back; Sanke, or Taishe Sanshoku, white koi with hints of black and red; Showa, who is the opposite of Sanke, having black as the predominant color with hints of red and white; Ogon, who has only one color that can be metallic; and Bekko, which can be white, yellow or red, stamped with black spots. There are also rare varieties such as the Ochiba, the colors of the koi are blue as a background with red or orange spots. Currently, breeders have continued their efforts to create new varieties, such as Butterfly koi and Ghost koi; however, they are not distinguished by their colors nor are they yet recognized as true koi by professional breeders.
Male koi have a slightly brighter sheen than females, although Spirulina algae have been known to help improve color quality in both sexes. Koi colors should always look “alive”: reds should look bright, blacks should look deep, whites should shine. With koi, color is an indicator of health: if the koi’s scales are dull, or if there are patches of dirty color in certain areas, there is probably something wrong with the fish. Sometimes this is due to poor water conditions, and simply cleaning the pond or tank can make a world of difference.
Even if your koi doesn’t have the perfect markings or patterns, or even if the koi isn’t your favorite color, its brightness will always compensate and bring a world of life to your garden.