How To Spot That Perfect Koi

It is easy to explain the varieties, patterns and classifications of koi, but very difficult to discuss and understand “koi appreciation.”

The best ways to do so is observe more koi, visit koi shows, and learn to appreciate high grade koi of many varieties by studying body shape, volume, skin quality, and textures as well as overall patterns and pigmentation.

Since beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, individual preferences for koi vary from person to person. This is especially true when amateur hobbyists select koi.

To appreciate koi better, serious hobbyists should have understanding the following three main factors–pattern, body shape and volume, color and skin quality, and last but least, overall balance.

How To Spot That Perfect Koi

Pattern: No two koi are identical. Though some may have similar pattern types, they will never be exactly identical in body shape, skin quality, and color.

Though pattern preferences are very personal, there are guideline laid down by Zen Nippon Airinkai (ZNA) Japan for the purpose of defining them.

The most common are three-step and four-step patterns on a Kohaku. The preference is for the hi (red) not to reach beyond the eyes or nose area in order to maintain the “dignity” of the koi.

My personal opinion is that koi should be viewed and appreciated based on their overall beauty, taking into account also their body shape, skin quality, and pigmentation.

As there are no strict rules on what makes a better pattern, it is therefore not necessarily true that a three-step is preferable to a four-, two- or even one-step Kohaku.

Body Shape and Volume: In my view body shape is the most important factor as it determines the final size of a mature koi—six to eight years old.

A good body shape with proper volume gives a majestic impression and enhances the koi’s overall beauty, and that attracts the attention of judges. Good body shape and volume depends greatly on bloodlines, rearing techniques, well-sized ponds (about 80 – 100 tons of water) and good water management.

A basic requirement is not to overcrowd koi in a small pond. This results in poor water management. Even if your koi is “jumbo quality,” it will not grow to its jumbe size (32 – 36 inches).

Certain bloodline grow slower and take longer to reach the full potential in body shape and color, as in the case of the Matsumosuke Sanke, which takes seven to nine years.

The understanding of different bloodlines is therefore essential to buying koi. You also require patience while waiting for your koi to develop fully.

Color and Skin Quality: Color is a very important and attractive factor for koi. In fact, due to their majestic colors, Nishikigoi are known as “the living jewels of Japan.”

Certain hobbyists prefer the Kohaku (red and white), while others prefer the Shiroutsuri (black and white). Yet others prefer their koi to be entirely golden orange, such as the Yamabuki Ogon.

Depending on the age, quality and bloodline of the koi colors vary in thickness. Most hobbyists go fro striking colors rather than high quality color thickness. A high-grade white skin is a delicate creamy white in texture with a certain depth in it, while a high-grade red is preferred as a thick orange-red rather than a dark purple-red.

However, recent trends and breeding in Japan seem to promote an in-between orange-red and purple-red (Dainichi Red). As for sumi (black), this depends on age and bloodlines. Sumi should be as thick as possible for mature koi. However, for young koi with good potential, it may be brownish black (as in showa) or grayish black (for sanke).

Overall Balance: Always look at koi in totality, combining all the factors above. Try and look for good points rather than pick all faults.

Very few koi, if any, are considered perfect. However, there are many high-grade superior koi with slight imperfections which are accepted by judges duet to their size and age.

Finally, the criteria for judging should be done by comparing koi. Therefore, it is always best to put a few koi of the same variety and size together in one tank for judging.

Though koi are considered pieces of art, what matters most is your love for them. Koi keeping is a growing hobby, and your active interest and participation in the love of koi will help bring about a better international understanding and goodwill among the koi fraternity around the world.

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