Koi names describe combinations of color, pattern, scale type and fin form. The categories below overlap: one fish can be described as Doitsu, Ginrin or long-finned as well as belonging to a particular color variety. These are ornamental varieties, not separate species.
Useful terms
Hi refers to red, sumi to black and shiro to white. Doitsu describes scaleless or sparsely scaled forms; Ginrin describes sparkling scales, rather than a raised-scale disease or one specific color pattern. Kohaku, Sanke and Showa form the Gosanke.
Show classes differ between organizations. Compare the Australian Koi Association classifications with the rules of the particular event rather than assuming every show uses identical categories.
1. Kohaku
White koi with red patterning. Look at the overall balance, skin quality and body condition. A preferred show pattern is an aesthetic standard, not a measure of the fish’s health.
2. Taisho Sanke
A white-based koi with red markings and additional black accents. The distribution of black helps distinguish Sanke from Showa, though young or developing fish can be difficult to classify.
3. Showa Sanshoku
Red, white and black patterning, with black commonly extending onto the head and around the body. Assess the whole pattern rather than identifying the fish from one isolated patch.
4. Koromo or Goromo
A white ground with red markings carrying darker reticulation or edging. Ai Goromo, Budo Goromo and Sumi Goromo describe different expressions within this group.
5. Tancho
A distinct red head marking with no other red body pattern. The term is not confined to Kohaku: Tancho Sanke and Tancho Showa also exist. Parent appearance does not guarantee identical head markings in the offspring.
6. Asagi
Blue-grey reticulated scaling across the back, often with red or orange lower on the body and fins. The orderly scale pattern is a major part of the variety’s appearance.
7. Shusui
A Doitsu variety associated with Asagi ancestry, often showing prominent dorsal scales and red accents along a pale blue body.
8. Hirenaga or butterfly koi
Long-finned koi can occur in many colors and patterns. Their fin form does not make them a separate species. Check the event’s rules if showing long-finned fish.
9. Utsurimono
Black-based patterning combined with white, red or yellow. Shiro Utsuri, Hi Utsuri and Ki Utsuri are familiar examples.
10. Bekko
A white, red or yellow ground with black markings. The effect differs from the wrapping black pattern associated with Utsuri.
11. Hikari groups
Hikari refers to metallic luster. Metallic single-color, patterned and Utsuri-related koi can be assigned different show groups; metallic sheen and Ginrin sparkle are not interchangeable descriptions.
12. Kumonryu
A black-and-white Doitsu variety whose pattern can change. Kikokuryu is a metallic related form; red is not required for every Kikokuryu.
13. Matsuba
Darker scale centers create a pinecone-like pattern. Matsuba forms include metallic and nonmetallic examples; the name should not be limited to scaleless fish.
14. Platinum and Yamabuki Ogon
Metallic single-color koi: platinum is white or silvery, while Yamabuki is yellow. Ogon is a broader category than just these two examples.
15. Kawarimono
A show grouping covering assorted nonmetallic varieties outside other specified classes. Consult the particular organization’s definitions. ZNA’s published show classifications illustrate how specific varieties and scale traits affect placement.
Choose a fish you can house long term
Koi can become large and live for decades. Growth and adult size depend on genetics, environment and care; neither a fixed monthly growth rate nor an exceptional lifespan story is a guarantee.
Plan a suitable adult pond, filtration, oxygenation and seasonal management before purchasing. See our koi pond guide for habitat planning. Check a seller’s current health and shipping terms rather than buying on color alone.
Appearance and personal meaning
A show-grade pattern is not necessary to enjoy keeping koi. If you are interested in the cultural associations of carp, read our fish symbolism guide, which separates documented motifs from predictions or omens.
