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Glossary of koi terms

By the koi.wiki editorial team · Updated

This glossary explains Japanese and English terms used in koi keeping, breeding and judging. Headwords are given in romaji, with kanji or kana where a cited source gives them. Definitions are short summaries of the cited sources; follow the links for the full entries.

A B C D F G H I J K M N O P S T U Y

A

a-ra-goi
A doitsu koi with mirror scales scattered unevenly across the body.[1]
ago hi
Red (hi) markings located on the cheeks of Asagi or Shusui koi.[1]
ago sumi
Black coloration appearing on the gill plate of a koi.[1]
ai
A term meaning indigo blue, used to describe certain body or pattern colors.[1]
Ai-goromo
A Kohaku variety whose red scales are edged with blue semi-circular borders, creating a reticulated net-like pattern over the red.[1]
Ai-Showa
Another name for Koromo Showa, a Showa-patterned koi overlaid with the koromo reticulated pattern.[1]
aka
A term for red or orange, often used as a base body color or in variety names such as Aka Sanke.[1]
Aka Bekko
A red koi with black markings, following the Bekko pattern style.[1]
Aka Hajiro
A red koi with white tips on its pectoral and caudal fins.[1]
Aka Matsuba
A red koi displaying a black pinecone-like (matsuba) pattern within the scales along its back.[1]
Aka Sanke
A Sanke variety whose red marking extends along the entire length of the body.[1]
Aka-muji
A non-metallic koi that is solid red with no other pattern.[1]
akame
An eye with a red iris, most commonly observed in Ki-goi.[1]
akebi
A term describing a light blue color.[1]
Asagi 浅黄
A gray-blue net-patterned koi with red coloring along the sides, cheeks, and fins; in the JAS standard, a koi with a light-blue reticulated body (asagi-ji) typically showing red on the belly.[1][2][3]
Asagi Ma-goi
An early ancestral form of the modern Asagi variety.[1]
Asagi Sumi-nagashi
A koi whose black scales are outlined in white, more commonly referred to simply as Sumi-nagashi.[1]
Ato sumi
Black markings that develop later in a koi's life rather than being present from a young age.[1]

B

barbels
Two pairs of sensory whisker-like organs near a koi's mouth used to help locate food.[1]
Bekko べっ甲
A variety with a solid white, red, or yellow body bearing black markings; the JAS standard specifies the base skin color is white, yellow, or red with clustered dot-like black markings.[1][2]
beni
A term for red, commonly used to describe the base red color across a koi's body.[1]
Beni Haijiro
A red koi with white tips on its pectoral fins.[1]
Beni Kujaku
An orange-red Kujaku variety with red markings covering the entire body.[1]
Beni-goi
A non-metallic red koi resembling Aka-muji but with a deeper red coloration.[1]
beta-gin
A sparkling effect in which the entire surface of each scale shows a shiny quality.[1]
bito
A term translated as love.[1]
boke
A blurred or faded appearance affecting a koi's color or pattern.[1]
Boke Showa
A form of Showa displaying blurred, grayish sumi markings.[1]
bongiri
An area lacking pattern near the tail joint, generally considered a flaw.[1]
bozu
A condition in which little or no hi appears on the head, giving a bald appearance; also used to describe an unmarked head especially in Gosanke and Utsuri varieties.[1][4]
budo
A term literally meaning grape, used to describe a purplish, grape-like pattern overlaying red markings.[1]
Budo Goromo
A koi exhibiting a purplish, grape-cluster-like pattern over its red markings.[1]
Budo Sanke
A koi combining the Budo Goromo pattern with the solid black markings characteristic of Sanke.[1]
Bunka Sanke
A blue Sanke variety with shiny pectoral fins, seen only in young koi.[1]

C

cha
A term for the color brown.[1]
Cha-goi
A non-metallic koi with a light brown or tea-like body color.[1]

D

Dainichi
The name of a well-known koi breeding farm founded by Minoru Mano, recognized for producing notable Kohaku, Showa, and Sanke koi.[1]
dangara
A stepped pattern arrangement along a koi's body, also called danmoyo.[1]
danmoyo
A stepped pattern arrangement along a koi's body, also called dangara.[1]
dia
A term meaning diamond, used in describing certain sparkling scale types.[1]
Diamond Ginrin
A form of kinginrin in which the scales sparkle with a diamond-like brilliance.[1]
dohmaki
A pattern that extends below the lateral line of the body.[1]
Doitsu ドイツ鯉
A term for koi with large mirror scales confined to the dorsal and lateral lines, or with no scales at all, descended from German mirror and leather carp crossed with Japanese koi.[1][2]
Doitsu Kujaku
A platinum koi with red markings and black matsuba-patterned scales limited to the dorsal and lateral lines, in the doitsu scale style.[1]

F

fuji
A highly metallic luster visible on the head of a young koi, appearing as minute bubbles, most often seen in good young Sanke and occasionally Ogon and Kohaku.[1]
fukurin
The area of skin surrounding the smaller scales on good metallic koi; the smaller the scales, the greater the resulting luster.[1]

G

gin
Silver, typically describing a metallic sheen on scales or body color.[1]
Gin Bekko
Essentially a metallic version of Shiro Bekko, classified among Hikari Moyomono.[1]
Gin Kabuto
A black koi whose scales have silver edges.[1]
Gin Matsuba
A metallic silver koi with a black pinecone-like Matsuba pattern in its scales, classified among Hikari Utsurimono.[1]
Gin Shiro
A metallic Shiro Utsuri, classified among Hikari Utsurimono.[1]
Gin Showa
A metallic Showa with a silver luster, classified among Hikari Utsurimono.[1]
Ginbo
A black koi with a silver metallic sheen.[1]
ginrin
Scales with gold or silver mirror-like, sparkling deposits; also called Kinginrin.[1]
Ginsui
A metallic Shusui with a silver luster, classified among Hikari Moyomono.[1]
goi
Carp.[1]
gosai
A koi that is five years old.[1]
Goshiki 五色
A five-colored koi in which white, red, black, and light and dark blue combine to give a purplish overall appearance; defined in Japanese standards as having an asagi-like netted blue-gray back with red markings.[1][2]
Goshiki Shusui
A doitsu, non-metallic blue variant of Goshiki.[1]
goten-zakura Kohaku
A Kohaku with a cherry-blossom-like pattern.[1]

H

hachi
The upper head part above the eyes, or forehead; this term is often used to describe the position of the round hi marking in Tancho koi.[5]
hachi Hi
An early ancestor of the modern Kohaku.[1]
Hageshiro
A black, non-metallic koi with white stripes on its pectoral fins and a white head and nose.[1]
Hajiro
A black koi with white tips on its pectoral fins.[1]
Hana Shusui
A form of Shusui also known as a 'flowery' Shusui.[1]
hanatsuki
A hi pattern that extends up to reach the mouth.[1]
HANZOME (kiwa)
The back edge line of a hi marking (kiwa) that falls in the middle of the scales, rather than following scale edges.[4]
Hariwake
A koi with two colors, one of which is platinum and the other metallic orange, gold, or yellow; classified among Hikari Moyomono.[1]
Hariwake Matsuba
A silver and yellow metallic koi with a black pattern in the center of each scale.[1]
Hi
Red, referring to red markings on a koi.[1][4]
Hi Asagi
An Asagi whose red marking extends over the lateral line.[1]
Hi Ban
A plate of hi, a term used to describe the quality and thickness of red coloration.[4]
Hi Mura
Uneven coloration within the hi plate, considered a sign of poor-quality hi.[4]
Hi Showa
A predominantly red Showa.[1]
Hi Shusui
A Shusui whose red pattern spreads up from the belly and covers the back.[1]
Hi Utsuri
A black koi with red markings.[1]
Hi-botan
A koi resembling Bekko that is derived from Utsuri lineage.[1]
Higoi
A red koi considered an early ancestor of the modern Kohaku.[1]
hikari
Metallic, describing koi with a reflective, lustrous skin.[1]
Hikari Moyomono
A classification including all metallic koi with two or more colors, excluding metallic Utsuri and Showa.[1]
Hikari Mujimono
The classification for single-colored metallic koi.[1]
Hikari Utsurimono
The classification for metallic Utsuri and Showa varieties.[1]
hikari-kawarigoi 光り変わり鯉
A classification used in Japanese standards for koi whose whole body shines metallically but which do not fit other defined varieties.[2]
hikari-moyo 光り模様
A Japanese-standard classification for koi other than black-skinned ones that have a pattern and whose whole body shines metallically.[2]
hikari-muji 光り無地
A Japanese-standard classification for koi with no pattern whose whole body shines metallically.[2]
hikari-utsuri 光り写り
A Japanese-standard classification for black-skinned koi with a pattern whose whole body shines metallically.[2]
Hire
Fin or fins of a koi.[5]
hon sumi
Literally 'genuine sumi,' referring to true, high-quality black markings, such as those found on a Koromo Sanke; also described as lustrous, dark black sumi with good thickness.[1][6]
Hoo Aka
A koi with red gill plates, considered an early ancestor of the modern Kohaku.[1]
Hookazuki
A black carp with red cheeks, an early ancestor of the modern Kohaku.[1]

I

Ikeage
A ritual performed several times a year by koi breeders, meaning 'mud pond harvest,' celebrating the year's production and growout of koi.[1]
inazuma
A lightning-like zig-zag pattern on a koi's markings.[1]
ippon hi
A continuous hi pattern without variation along the body.[1]
iroage
The process of bringing out and intensifying a koi's color through good husbandry.[1]
Iromono
The collective name for all metallic koi varieties.[1]
Isumiya
A famous koi breeder.[1]

J

Jinbei
A Sanke bloodline.[1]

K

kabuto
A cap or helmet pattern, referring to koi with a head color different from the body color.[1]
kado
Edge.[1]
kado-gin
A form of kinginrin where only the edges of the scales are iridescent.[1]
kage
Literally 'shadow' or 'phantom,' referring to koi with a blurred, reticulated black pattern over white or red.[1]
Kage Hi Utsuri
A koi whose red and black Utsuri pattern is complemented by a kage pattern over the red.[1]
Kage Shiro Utsuri
A koi with the basic black and white Utsuri pattern and a kage pattern over the white.[1]
Kage Showa
A koi with the basic Showa pattern and a kage pattern over the white.[1]
Kamisori
A straight-line kiwa that cuts through individual scales, named for its razor-like edge.[1][4]
Kanoko
Literally 'fawn,' referring to a dappled red pattern found on some koi.[1]
Kanoko Kohaku
A Kohaku with dappled red markings.[1]
Kanoko Sanke
A Sanke with dappled red markings.[1]
Kanoko Showa
A Showa with dappled red markings.[1]
karasu
Literally 'crow'; an overall black color.[1]
Karasugoi
A black koi with white or orange bellies.[1]
kasane sumi
Sumi markings that appear over the hi plate, looking darker because of the red color underneath.[1][6]
KATA
The shoulder part of a koi, the region between the front row of scales and the origin of the dorsal fin.[5]
kata moyo
A pattern appearing on only one side of the body.[1]
kata zumi
Black markings on the shoulder.[1]
Kawarimono
A classification covering all non-metallic koi not included in any other established group.[1]
ki
Yellow.[1]
Ki Bekko
A yellow koi with black markings.[1]
Ki Matsuba
A yellow koi with black pinecone-like Matsuba markings in the center of the scales.[1]
Ki Shusui
A yellow Shusui with a greenish dorsal area; a very rare variety.[1]
Ki Utsuri
A black koi with yellow markings.[1]
Ki-goi
A non-metallic bright yellow koi.[1]
Kikisui
Literally 'water chrysanthemum'; essentially a doitsu platinum Kohaku.[1]
Kikokuryu
A metallic variety developed by crossing a Kumonryu with a Kikisui, producing a Kumonryu-like fish with metallic sheen.[1]
Kikusui
A variety listed within the Hikari Moyomono classification.[3]
kin
Gold.[1]
Kin Hi Utsuri
A metallic Hi Utsuri.[1]
Kin Katubo
A black koi whose scales have gold edges; now considered a low-value variant.[1]
Kin Ki Utsuri
A metallic Ki Utsuri.[1]
kin rin
Gold scale.[1]
Kin Showa
A metallic Showa with a gold luster.[1]
Kin-Fuji
Another name for Platinum Kohaku.[1]
Kinbo
A black koi with a gold metallic sheen.[1]
kindai
Modern.[1]
Kindai Showa
A Showa with a predominantly white pattern.[1]
kinginrin
A normally scaled koi with gold or silvery mirror-like deposits on each scale.[1]
Kinsui
A metallic Shusui with a gold luster.[1]
Kinzakura
A metallic Gotenzakura.[1]
kiwa
The border or edge between hi (or sumi) markings and the white ground; a sharp kiwa is preferable.[1][4]
Kobayashi
An early Showa breeder.[1]
Kohaku
A white koi with red markings, one of the most recognized varieties.[1][2]
koi
Carp; the name most often used generally for nishikigoi.[1]
Koinobori
Carp streamer flags.[1]
kokesuki
Gaps between scales showing through where color is thin, from 'koke' (scale) and 'suki' (gap).[1][4]
komoyo
Small hi markings.[1]
Konjo Asagi
A dark blue fish considered an early ancestor of the modern Asagi.[1]
Koromo
Literally 'robed'; refers to a group of koi whose hi pattern is outlined in a darker color, with scale tips crescent-shaded blue or black.[1][2]
Koromo Sanke
A koi with the koromo pattern reticulated over the hi marking combined with the sumi markings of a traditional Sanke.[1]
Koromo Showa
A koi with the markings of a Showa overlaid with the koromo pattern.[1]
Koshi-nishiki
The result of a cross between an Ogon and a Sanke, now known as Yamato-nishiki.[1]
kuchibeni
Red, lipstick-like markings on the mouth.[1]
Kujaku
A platinum koi with hi markings covering a large portion of the body and matsuba patterning in the scales.[1][2]
Kujaku Ogon
Another name for Kujaku.[1]
Kumonryu
Literally 'dragon fish'; a black doitsu koi with changing white markings on its head, fins, and body.[1][2]
Kuro-Ki-Han
The original name for Shiro Utsuri.[1]
Kuzugoi
Junk koi; a term for low-quality koi.[1]

M

ma
Wild.[1]
Ma-goi
Wild carp; the common black carp ancestor of modern nishikigoi.[1]
MADO AKI
A blank or opening in the pattern.[4]
madoaki
Scales showing 'shadows' under the skin; also described as a blank or opening in the pattern.[1][4]
makibara
A red pattern that wraps around the body.[1]
Manzo
A Kohaku bloodline.[1]
maruten
Literally 'crown'; refers to a koi with a separate red marking on the head apart from body markings.[1]
Maruten Kohaku
A Kohaku with a separate red marking on the head plus additional red on the body.[1]
Maruten Sanke
A Sanke with a separate red marking on the head plus additional red on the body.[1]
MARUZOME (KIWA)
The back edge of a hi marking, or kiwa, drawing arches along the shapes of the scales.[4]
Matsuba
Literally 'pinecone'; refers to koi with black markings in the center of the scales on the body.[1]
Matsuba Ogon
Another name for Kin Matsuba.[1]
Matsukawa-bake
A non-metallic black and white koi whose pattern changes with the season and water temperature.[1]
Matsunosuke
A Sanke bloodline.[1]
Meiji era
A period in Japanese history, 1868-1912.[1]
MEKAZURA
A hi marking touching or covering an eyeball, generally considered graceless.[4]
menkaburi
Literally 'hood'; refers to an early Kohaku with a red head.[1]
menware
The traditional Showa head pattern, where the black pattern divides the red marking on the head.[1]
mesu
Female.[1]
midori
Green.[1]
Midori-goi
A very rare koi, bright green in color, with black or silvery scales.[1]
mizu
Light blue.[1]
Mizu Asagi
A very light-colored Asagi.[1]
mono
Single.[1]
moto
Original sumi; black markings apparent in fry that remain visible on the adult koi.[1]
motoguro
Black coloring at the base of the pectoral fins, extending from the shoulder joint, seen in Showa Sanshoku and Utsurimono.[1][6]
muji
Self-colored, meaning without pattern.[1][2]

N

narumi
A mid-blue color seen in koi, particularly associated with certain Asagi patterns.[1]
Narumi Asagi
The typical light blue patterned Asagi variety, considered the standard form of Asagi.[1]
nezu
Gray coloration on a koi.[1]
Nezu Ogon
A silver-gray koi with a dull metallic luster, classified among single-colored metallic koi.[1]
nezumi
Gray coloration on a koi, synonymous with nezu.[1]
nibani
Secondary red (hi) coloration that may appear or fade depending on water conditions and temperature.[1]
nidan
A two-step pattern arrangement on a koi's body.[1]
nidan Kohaku
A Kohaku with two separate red (hi) markings along its body.[1]
Niigata
A region on the northwest coast of Japan's main island, regarded as the birthplace and center of the koi-breeding industry.[1]
nisai
A koi born in the previous year, used as an age designation.[1]
Nishikigoi
The general term for ornamental koi; carp bred and selected for their external characteristics such as coloration, pattern, and body shape.[1][2]

O

O (obire)
The tail or caudal fin of a koi.[5]
Ochiba-shigure
A non-metallic blue-gray koi with a brown pattern, resembling autumn leaves on water; its name is often shortened to Ochiba.[1][3]
ogon
A single-colored metallic koi, forming the Hikari Mujimono classification.[1][2][3]
ojime (odome)
The point where the pattern ends before the tail; also described as a small white area just before the tail that completes the back.[1][5]
omoyo
Large red (hi) markings on a koi's body.[1]
operculum
The hard plate covering the soft, fleshy gills of a koi.[1]
orenji
Orange coloration on a koi.[1]
Orenji Hariwake
A silver koi with metallic orange markings, part of the Hikari Moyomono classification.[1]
Orenji Ogon
A deep orange metallic koi, part of the Hikari Mujimono classification.[1]
osu
A male koi.[1]
oyagoi
An adult breeder koi used for producing offspring.[1]
OZUKE
The base of the tail fin where the body trunk attaches to the tail, including the hypural notch area.[5]
OZUTSU
The caudal peduncle; the rear part of the trunk between the end of the dorsal fin and the base of the tail fin. Its thickness is used as an indicator of future body conformation.[5]

P

parapara
A scattering of small red (hi) markings across the body.[1]
pearl ginrin
A ginrin scale type featuring a solid sparkling area on each scale, also known as tsuba-gin or tama-gin.[1]
Pearl Shusui
A Shusui variety with silver scales.[1]
Platinum Kohaku
A metallic white koi with an overlaying red (hi) pattern; also known as Kin-fuji.[1]
Platinum Ogon
A solid metallic white koi, also known as Purachina.[1]
pongoi
A term for good-grade koi.[1]
Purachina
A white metallic koi, also known as a Platinum Ogon.[1]

S

Sadazo
A Sanke lineage known for bright red markings with small black markings that do not overlap the red.[1]
Sakura Ogon
A metallic version of Kanoko Kohaku, displaying a dappled red pattern with metallic luster.[1]
sandan
A term meaning 'three step,' referring to a pattern broken into three distinct sections.[1]
Sandan Kohaku
A Kohaku with three separate red markings along its body.[1]
Sanke
A white koi with red and black markings, officially known as Taisho Sanshoku, developed in the Taisho era.[1][3]
Sanke Shusui
A doitsu Sanke variety whose red and black pattern is underlaid with the blue dorsal coloring typical of Shusui.[1]
sanshoku
A term meaning 'tri-colored,' used in names such as Showa Sanshoku to denote three-color patterning.[1]
sarasa
Red spots appearing on the back of a koi.[1]
sashi
The faint red or gray area at the front edge of a hi or sumi marking where white scales overlap onto colored scales; an even, scale-wide sashi is considered desirable.[1][4]
se-bire
The dorsal fin of a koi.[5]
Sensuke
A Kohaku bloodline recognized among traditional breeding lines.[1]
shimis
Small black specks that can sometimes mar the appearance of white or red markings on a koi.[1]
shiro
The Japanese word for white, used as a base color term in many variety names.[1]
Shiro Bekko
A white koi with black markings, also called tortoise shell pattern.[1]
Shiro Matsuba
A white koi with a black pinecone-style Matsuba pattern in the scales along the back.[1]
Shiro Muji
A plain white, non-metallic koi without pattern.[1]
Shiro Utsuri 白写り
A black koi with white markings; officially defined as having a black base skin with white imprints and continuous black areas (utsuri-zumi).[1][2]
Shirogane
An early historical name for what is now called Platinum Ogon.[1]
Shiroji
The white skin or white background area of a koi's body.[1]
Shiromuji
A non-metallic white koi without any pattern.[1]
Shochikubai
A metallic form of Ai-goromo, its name referencing pine, bamboo, and plum.[1]
Showa 昭和三色
Also called Showa Sanshoku, a black-skinned koi with red and white markings; the base skin is typically black, sometimes becoming black only with growth, and features continuous black areas called utsuri-zumi.[1][2][3]
Showa Shusui
A koi combining the strong black and pattern of a Showa with the underlying blue dorsal coloring of a Shusui.[1]
Shusui 秋翠
A doitsu form of Asagi, officially defined as an Asagi variety possessing the scaleless or partially scaled appearance of German carp; named for its autumn-water coloring.[1][2][3]
shusui bire
Red coloring at the base of the pectoral fins in Shusui, comparable to the motoguro marking seen in other varieties.[1]
soko-zumi
Shadowy or unclear black markings that sit still beneath the skin.[6]
Soragoi
A gray-blue, non-metallic koi without pattern.[1]
subo-sumi
Black markings that fall on white skin only.[1]
sui
A term meaning water or a rippling effect, used in variety names like Shusui.[1]
sumi
Black coloring or markings on a koi; its quality, thickness, and luster are important judging criteria.[1][6]
sumi shitsu
The essential or underlying quality of a koi's black coloring, assessed for depth and luster.[6]
Sumi-goromo
An Ai-goromo koi whose koromo pattern is overlaid with solid black markings.[1]
Sumi-nagashi
A koi whose black scales are outlined in white, creating a reticulated appearance.[1]

T

Taikei
Also called Karada; refers to the overall body conformation or shape of a koi.[5]
Taiko
A term describing the body depth of a koi.[5]
Taiku
Refers to the physical constitution or build of a koi, describing a firm, strong bone structure rather than a soft body.[5]
Taisho era
A period in Japanese history from 1912 to 1926 under Emperor Taisho.[1]
Taisho Sanke 大正三色
The full name for Sanke, white koi with red and black markings, first produced during the Taisho era.[1][2]
takai
A term meaning expensive.[1]
Taki Sanke
An Asagi-type koi whose blue body color is separated from the red side markings by a white line.[1]
tama-gin
Another name for Pearl Ginrin, a solid sparkling area on each scale.[1]
Tancho 丹頂
A koi with a single round red marking on the head and no other red on the body.[1][2]
Tancho Kohaku 丹頂紅白
A white koi with a red spot on the head only.[1]
Tancho Sanke
A Sanke whose only red marking is a head spot.[1]
Tancho Showa
A Showa whose only red marking is a head spot.[1]
tategoi
A koi kept by a breeder because it is expected to improve and increase in value as it ages.[1]
tateshita
The term applied to a koi once the breeder decides to sell it, as it is no longer considered tategoi.[1]
TE-BIRE
The pectoral fin(s) of a koi.[5]
tejima
Black stripes on the pectoral fins, seen in Sanke and Bekko varieties.[1][6]
teri
The luster of the skin; lustrous skin indicates a healthy, well-finished koi.[6]
tobi
Literally 'jump'; refers to koi that grow disproportionately large in a spawn by eating their siblings, and are typically removed during sorting.[1]
tobi-hi
Small red markings resembling splashes of paint, apart from the main pattern.[1][4]
Tora Ogon
An Ogon variety with black markings, the name meaning 'tiger' Ogon.[1]
Torazo
A Sanke bloodline.[1]
tosai
A term for a koi in its first year, born in the current year.[1]
tsuba-gin
Another name for Pearl Ginrin, describing a solid sparkling area on each scale.[1]
tsubo sumi
Black markings that appear on the white skin, as opposed to kasane sumi, which appears over red markings.[1]
TSUBO ZUMI
Sumi markings placed on the white skin, particularly a sumi spot fitting the pattern on the shoulder.[6]

U

urishi
A deep, dense black with a lacquered appearance and sharply defined edges.[1]
URUSHI ZUMI
Lustrous, purplish-black sumi of good quality, used to describe fine sumi in Taisho Sanshoku.[6]
utsuri
Means 'reflections'; refers to the base-colored koi with contrasting markings in the Utsurimono group.[1]
Utsurimono
A classification of black koi with white, red, or yellow markings.[1][3]

Y

Yagozen
A Kohaku bloodline developed in the 1950s.[1]
yamabuki
A term referring to a pale yellow color, named after the Japonica bush with pale yellow flowers.[1]
Yamabuki Hariwake
A platinum koi with metallic yellow markings.[1]
Yamabuki Ogon
A solid metallic yellow koi.[1]
yamato
The result of a cross between a Sanke and a Fuji Ogon, now grouped under Yamato-nishiki.[1]
Yamatonishiki
A metallic white koi with red and black markings, essentially a metallic Sanke.[1]
yondan
A term meaning four-step, referring to a pattern with four distinct sections.[1]
Yondan Kohaku
A Kohaku with four separate red body markings.[1]
yonsai
A term indicating a koi that is four years old.[1]
Yotsushiro
Literally 'five whites'; a black koi with a white head, pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ Glossary – American Koi Judges Association (AKJA). American Koi Judges Association. akjajudges.com/glossary/. Retrieved November 2026.
  2. ^ JAS 0020 Nishikigoi. Vocabulary (MAFF) — Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japan). maff.go.jp/j/jas/jas_standard/attach/pdf/index-536.pdf. Retrieved November 2026.
  3. ^ Koi classification (ZNA 2021), NMZNA 2026 show documents. nmzna.net. nmzna.net/2026%20Show%20Docs/NMZNA%202026%20Koi%20Classification%20…. Retrieved November 2026.
  4. ^ NISHIKIGOI TERMINOLOGY 2 HI and HI MARKINGS | Zen Nippon Airinkai. Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/en/keep-nishikigoi/nishikigoi-terminology/nishikigoi-termino…. Retrieved November 2026.
  5. ^ NISHIKIGOI TERMINOLOGY 1 BODY | Zen Nippon Airinkai. Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/en/keep-nishikigoi/nishikigoi-terminology/nishikigoi-termino…. Retrieved November 2026.
  6. ^ NISHIKIGOI TERMINOLOGY 3 SUMI | Zen Nippon Airinkai. Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/en/keep-nishikigoi/nishikigoi-terminology/nishikigoi-termino…. Retrieved November 2026.