Varieties of Nishikigoi
Monday, April 23, 2007
The 16 categories according to the ZNA are as follows:
(hover on images to view description)
KOHAKU 
Kohaku is koi with red pattern on a snow white ground. Kohaku, Taisho-Sanshoku and Showa-Sanshoku together are called "Big Three" in Koi's family.
Ohmoyo: with single unbroken pattern extending from head to tail.
Nidan: with two-step pattern.
Sandan: with three-step pattern.
Yondan: with four-step pattern.
Godan: with five-step pattern.
TAISHO-SANSHOKU
Taisho Sanshoku is koi with relatively spotted black markings on Kohaku pattern but there should be no black markings on the head. The variety was created in the era of Taisho (early 1900's) in Japan, it is called "Taisho Sanshoku". In short, it is also called "Taisho Sanke" or "Sanke".
SHOWA-SANSHOKU 
Showa Sanshoku is koi with white and red markings against a strong black base. It is called Showa because the variety developed them in the era of Showa (1930's) in Japan. In difference with Taisho Sanke, Showa has black pattern running down the face as well as at the base of both pectoral fins and tail.
Kindai-showa: Kindai means "modern". Kindai-showa has more white than black colours in comparison with original Showa.
TANCHO
Tancho has a single red crown-like marking in the center of the head.
Depending on the pattern of the other colours on the body, they are categorized as Tancho Kohaku, Doitsu Tancho Kohaku, Tancho Showa, Tancho Taisho Sanke, Tancho Goshiki, etc.
UTSURI MONO
Utsuri mono indicates varieties with black calligraphic pattern on one solid white, yellow or red ground such as Shiro Utsuri, Hi Utsuri, and Ki Utsuri
Like Showa, it should have black patterns at the mouth or nose, at the base of both pectoral fins, and at the base of the tail.
ASAGI
Asagi is the origin of Nishikigoi. It provided the basis for many subsequent varieties. Its back is covered in a net-like reticulated scale pattern of indigo, navy blue or pale blue, and pectoral fins, tail fin, belly, gill plates are in orange or red.
SHUSUI
Shusui was created by crossbreeding of Asagi & Doitsugoi (German scaleless carp). It was one of the first Doitsu varieties of Koi.
Shusui has a bold line of blue scales on the back. And pectoral fins, tail fin, belly, gill plates are in orange or red like Asagi. Shusui that has red colour up to the dorsal line is called Hi-shusui.
BEKKO
Bekko has small black pattern running down its back set against a white, yellow or red background, just like a Taisho Sanshoku with red patterns removed. There are three types of Bekko: Shiro Bekko (white background), Ki Bekko (yellow background) and the Aka Bekko (red background).
GOSHIKI
Goshiki means "5 colours". The original Goshiki was developed with colours of Taisho Sanke (red, white, black) and Asagi (navy and blue)
Lately, the name "Goshiki" refers to any koi with a grey Asagi-like net scale pattern overlaid with a Kohaku-like pattern. And "Goshiki Sanke" refers to koi that has black markings of Sanke in addition to Goshiki.
KOROMO
Koromo means "clothed". It was developed by interbreeding of Kohaku and Asagi. The difference between Goshiki and Asagi is that Koromo has a pure white ground with Asagi-like net scale appeared in red patterned area.
Ai-goromo: It has blue net-like reticulation scales and red pattern area.
Budogormo: Is has blue or purple clusters of markings on the red pattern.
HIKARI MUJI
Hikari Muji also refers to the name "Ogon". It has a solid metallic shining colour.
Matsuba which has a pinecone-like pattern is also included in this category. It was created by crossbreeding the Hikari Muji with other existing varieties.
HIKARI UTSURI
Hikari Utsuri was developed by crossbreeding of Showa or Utsuri Mono with Hikari Muji that produce pattern koi with metallic sheen. Showa becomes Kin Showa, Shiro Utsuri becomes Gin Shiro, and Hi Utsuri or Ki Utsuri becomes Kinki Utsuri.
HIKARI MOYO
Hikari Moyo is a metallic shiny koi with colour pattern(s) excluding Hikari Muji and Hikari Utsuri.
Hariwake: Gold pattern on platinum ground
Yamato Nishiki: Metallic Taisho Sanshoku
Kikusui: Doitsu Hariwake that has stronger red.
Kujaku: Metallic Goshiki.
KINGINRIN (CLASS A)
Kinginrin has metallic flake effect on its scales which reflecs light like tiny silver and gold mirrors. It is simply referred as "Ginrin". This type of scale occurs in nearly every variety of Koi.
Class A includes:
Ginrin Kohaku, Ginrin SHowa, Ginrin Taisho Sanke
KINGINRIN (CLASS B)
All other Kinginrin koi except in Kinginrin (Class A).
KAWARI MONO
This category contains virtually all of koi that do not fit into any of other categories mentioned above.
When new breed is created, it usually start out in this category. When the new breed becomes stabilized, it sometimes awards a new category of its own.
(Credits for above information to www.koiart.biz)
PH Ong / KK House
8:45 PM |
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