Koi come in a vast array of varieties. Based on their coloration, patterns, and scale characteristics, they can be primarily categorized into the following 13 classic types, each with multiple sub - varieties:
I. Kohaku (Orthodox Representative)
Characteristics: Pure white base color with bright red patterns. The red patterns are mostly distributed on the body and the edges of the anal fins. The red patterns on the head may show a "splashed color" phenomenon, and the red pattern on the tail is about 2 centimeters away from the base of the caudal fin.
Sub - varieties:
Two - step Kohaku: The red pattern is divided into two sections, presenting a simple and magnificent appearance.
Three - step Kohaku: The red pattern is divided into three sections, with distinct layers.
Lightning Kohaku: The red pattern is in the shape of lightning, full of dynamic sense.
Full - face Kohaku: The red pattern covers the face, and careful selection is needed (due to low ornamental value).
Appreciation Points: The white base should be pure without variegated colors, and the red pattern should have a purple base with clear edges.
II. Taisho Sanshoku (White Base with Red and Black)
Characteristics: White base color with red and black patterns. There are only red patterns (no black patterns) on the head, and there are black stripes on the pectoral fins.
Sub - varieties:
Lipstick Sanshoku: There is a small red pattern on the snout, adding a playful touch.
Fuji Sanshoku: There are silvery white particles on the head, as sacred as Mount Fuji.
German Sanshoku: A variety of the German system, with more closely arranged scales.
Appreciation Points: The black patterns should be small and dotted, presenting an overall elegant and delicate look.
III. Showa Sanshoku (Black Base with Red and White)
Characteristics: Black base color with red and white patterns. There are black patterns at the base of the pectoral fins, giving a powerful and thick appearance.
Sub - varieties:
Light Black Showa: The black patterns are light black, and the scales have a blue tint.
Crimson Showa: Large continuous red patterns cover the whole body, showing a warm and bold style.
Modern Showa: There is a large area of white patterns, similar to Taisho Sanshoku.
Appreciation Points: The black color should be thick and shiny, the red patterns bright, and the black patterns look like painted with ink.
IV. Ogon (Single Golden Color)
Characteristics: The whole body is golden, with a metallic texture.
Sub - varieties:
Yamabuki Ogon: Pure golden color, with neatly arranged scales.
Platinum Ogon: Silver - white base color, and the scales on the back shine with golden light.
Kinmatsuba: The scales on the back show bright patterns, as delicate as pine needles.
Appreciation Points: The head should be bright and clean, the outer edges of the scales bright golden, and the pectoral fins bright.
V. Utsurimono (Black Base with White/Yellow/Red Patterns)
Characteristics: Black base color with triangular white, yellow, or red patterns.
Sub - varieties:
Shiro Utsuri: Black base with white patterns, and the white color is pure.
Ki Utsuri: Black base with yellow patterns, and the yellow color is dark, close to orange - red.
Hi Utsuri: Black base with red patterns, with intense colors.
Appreciation Points: There should be no small or sesame - like black spots, and the striped patterns on the pectoral fins should be beautiful.
VI. Bekko (Base Color with Black Patterns)
Characteristics: The patterns are black, and the base colors are different.
Sub - varieties:
Shiro Bekko: White base with black patterns, showing a clear black - and - white contrast.
Ki Bekko: Yellow base with black patterns, with a strong color contrast.
Aka Bekko: Red base with black patterns, showing a warm and bold style.
Appreciation Points: The black patterns should be pure black and intense, and the base color should be clean without variegation.
VII. Shusui (Cross between Asagi and German Carp)
Characteristics: A cross between Asagi and German Mirror Carp. The head is light blue, the back is dark blue, and there are red patterns on the tip of the nose, face, abdomen, and the base of the fins.
Sub - varieties:
Hana Shusui: The red patterns are distributed like blooming flowers.
Herring Shusui: The red patterns are orange - red, showing a warm and soft style.
Appreciation Points: The back should be as blue as the clear sky, and the red patterns should be dotted appropriately.
VIII. Koromo (Improved by Crossing)
Characteristics: Produced by crossing Kohaku/Taisho Sanshoku with Asagi, with blue patterns appearing on the red patterns.
Sub - varieties:
Aoromo: There are blue reticular patterns on the trailing edge of the scales with red patterns.
Sumigoromo: The red patterns are like painted with ink, and there are black spots on the red patterns of the head.
Appreciation Points: The color layers should be rich, like wearing a colorful skirt.
IX. Hikari Utsurimono (Cross between Utsurimono and Ogon)
Characteristics: A cross between Utsurimono and Ogon, with a metallic luster.
Sub - varieties:
Kin Showa: Black base with red and white patterns, and the red patterns are golden.
Gin Showa: Black base with red and white patterns, and the red patterns are silvery.
Appreciation Points: The metallic luster and patterns should be perfectly integrated.
X. Kinginrin (Shiny Scales)
Characteristics: The whole body is covered with golden or silver scales, with multi - faceted reflective surfaces.
Sub - varieties:
Kinginrin Kohaku: The golden scales on the red patterns glitter.
Kinginrin Sanshoku: Red, white, and black colors match with golden and silver scales, looking extremely gorgeous.
Appreciation Points: The ornamental value is determined by the density and neatness of the scale distribution.
XI. Tancho (Red Pattern on the Top of the Head)
Characteristics: The whole body is snow - white, with a bright red circular pattern on the top of the head.
Sub - varieties:
Tancho Kohaku: Red pattern on the top of the head with a pure white body.
Tancho Sanshoku: Red pattern on the top of the head with a white - base body with black patterns.
Appreciation Points: The red pattern should be round in shape and located in the center of the head.
XII. Chagoi (Brown and Friendly)
Characteristics: Brown or olive green color. They are friendly and will take the initiative to swim over for interaction.
Appreciation Points: The color should be natural, and the temperament should be gentle.
XIII. (Kisuge) (Charcoal - like Effect)
Characteristics: Yellow base color with black patterns, showing a strong sense of hierarchy.
Appreciation Points: The contrast between the black patterns and the yellow base is distinct, with a unique charcoal - like appearance.