Skip to content

Koi varieties

By the koi.wiki editorial team · Updated

Key facts: Koi varieties are named groups of nishikigoi distinguished by skin color, pattern, and scale type, with authorities such as Zen Nippon Airinkai (ZNA) and the All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association (JNPA) organizing over a hundred recognized forms into classification systems used for appreciation and show judging.[1][2]
Nishikigoi (錦鯉) varieties are distinguished by coloration, patterning, and scalation.[5] According to Zen Nippon Airinkai, there are no less than a hundred different Nishikigoi varieties when pattern differences are included, and for show purposes ZNA divides them into 17 varieties plus extra male categories for larger koi.[1][6] The All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association (JNPA) and a related secondary source state that there are said to be more than 140 varieties, with those outside 20 regulated varieties collectively called Kawarigoi (変わり鯉).[2]Show organizations outside Japan, such as the American Koi Judges Association (AKJA) and regional clubs, adapt these groupings with variations for local shows.[7][8]

Gosanke (御三家): Kohaku, Sanke and Showa

Gosanke is the grouping of the three most prominent nishikigoi varieties: Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku (Sanke), and Showa Sanshoku. According to Wikipedia, Gosanke is the most notable koi category.[5] According to the US importer Kodama Koi Farm, Gosanke koi trace their origins to the Niigata region, where farmers began selectively breeding wild black carp (Magoi) for color patterns starting in the early 19th century, with Kohaku emerging first in the late 19th century, Taisho Sanke during the Taisho era (1912–1926), and Showa during the Showa period (1926–1989).[9]Kohaku is a white-skinned koi with large red (hi) markings and was among the first ornamental varieties established in Japan.[5] Taisho Sanshoku adds small black markings (sumi) to a Kohaku-like pattern and was first exhibited in 1914 by breeder Gonzo Hiroi.[5] Showa Sanshoku is a black-skinned koi with red and white markings, first exhibited in 1927; the amount of white skin (shiroji) has increased in modern Showa, making it sometimes difficult to distinguish from Taisho Sanke.[5]According to Kodama Koi Farm, Gosanke koi often dominate competitions due to their aesthetic appeal and adherence to breed standards, though the company notes this is only one dealer's characterization.[9] A secondary dealer source similarly notes that Gosanke such as Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa are regular winners of grand champion awards at koi shows, though other varieties can win other prizes.[10]

How varieties are grouped for shows

Different organizations classify nishikigoi somewhat differently. ZNA's system for its International Koi Show groups koi into 17 numbered varieties (plus male and extra categories), including Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, Showa Sanshoku, Utsurimono, Kinginrin, Bekko, Asagi, Shusui, Koromo, Kawarimono, Goshiki, Hikari Moyomono, Hikari Utsurimono, Mujimono, Hikari Mujimono, and Tancho.[3][6] The JNPA and its US affiliate Shinkokai USA list variety names including Kohaku, Taisho-sanshoku, Showa-sanshoku, Shiroutsuri, Goshiki, A-ginrin, B-ginrin, Kawarigoi, Kujaku, Kumonryu, Doitsugoi, Hikari-moyo, Koromo, Tancho, Hikari-utsuri, Hikari-muji, Shusui, Asagi, Bekko, Hiutsuri and Kiutsuri, and Muji.[11][12]The American Koi Judges Association recognizes a related but distinct list, including Kohaku, Sanke, Showa, Utsurimono, GinRin, Doitsu, Tancho, Asagi/Shusui, Koromo/Goshiki, Bekko, Hikari Moyomono, Hikari Mujimono, Hikari Utsuri, Mujimono, Kawarigoi, and Longfin, while noting show organizers may adapt the structure locally.[7] Regional clubs such as ZNA SoCal and the dealer Kodama Koi Farm publish their own show classification groupings that combine or split these categories for local events.[8][10] Koi shows also size-class entries, for example by "Bu" measurements used at ZNA shows.[6][10]

Utsurimono and Bekko

Utsurimono (写りもの) are black-skinned koi with contrasting white, red, or yellow markings, comprising Shiro Utsuri, Hi Utsuri, and Ki Utsuri.[5][3] The JAS standard defines Shiroutsuri as having a black base with white markings, noting it can be distinguished from Bekko because Bekko is not black-based.[4]Bekko (鼈甲, meaning 'tortoise shell') is a white-, red-, or yellow-skinned koi with simple black markings, divided into Shiro Bekko, Aka Bekko, and Ki Bekko according to base color.[5][4] Kodama Koi Farm describes Bekko as subtle and appreciated for clean, uncluttered designs.[9]

Asagi, Shusui, Koromo and Goshiki

Asagi has a net-like pattern of light blue scales on the back with red accents on the belly, fins and sometimes cheeks, and the JAS standard defines it by an asagi-colored base with hi typically on the abdomen.[4][9] Shusui is the scaleless (doitsu) counterpart of Asagi, with a row of dark scales along the dorsal line and red side patterns.[9][4]Koromo (衣, 'robed') describes koi whose hi pattern scales have a darker, often semi-circular border, including Ai Goromo.[13][4] Goshiki has an asagi-like netted background over the back with hi markings, and the JAS standard notes it resembles Koromo but is distinguished by its asagi base.[4]

Kinginrin and Tancho

Kinginrin (金銀鱗, often abbreviated Ginrin) refers to koi with metallic, glittering scales, and versions occur across most other varieties.[5] The JAS standard splits glittering-scale koi into A-ginrin and B-ginrin depending on whether the koi otherwise matches Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku or Showa Sanshoku appearance.[4] ZNA's show classification separates Kinginrin into two groups by which base varieties they resemble.[3]Tancho describes any koi with a single red patch confined to the head, and may occur on a Showa, Sanke, or Goshiki base, among others; it is named for the Japanese red-crowned crane, which bears a similar red spot.[5][4]

Hikarimono: metallic koi

Hikarimono ('shining ones') is an umbrella term for metallic koi, divided by ZNA and the JAS standard into subgroups. Hikari-mujimono (光り無地) are single-colored metallic koi with no pattern, with conventional names including orange, platinum, and pine-needle (matsuba) golden types.[4] Hikari-moyomono (光模樣もの) describes koi with colored markings over a metallic base or in two metallic colors, such as Hariwake and Kujaku; the JAS standard defines Kujaku specifically as having an asagi base with dorsal hi markings and an all-over metallic shine.[5][4]Hikari-utsurimono (光写りもの) is described by Wikipedia as a cross between the utsurimono series and Ogon, and the JAS standard defines it as a black-based metallic koi with pattern and utsuri-zumi (reflection ink).[5][4] Kikokuryu, a metallic cross of Kumonryu and Kikusui, has historically been placed in the Kawarimono class by AKJA, though the group notes this classification may change.[13]

Kawarimono and Mujimono

Kawarimono (変わり鯉) is a catch-all classification for non-metallic koi not included in any other named group.[13] According to Zen Nippon Airinkai, most minority varieties by pattern and color are grouped here at koi shows, including the Karasu-goi family (Karasu-goi, Hajiro, Hage Shiro, Yotsu Jiro, Matsukawa-bake, Kumonryu, Sumi Nagashi), the Matsuba family, the Kage Utsuri family, Kanoko types, mono-colored koi such as Ki-goi, Aka-muji, Karashi-goi, Cha-goi, and Sora-goi, the Ochiba family, and others such as Beni Kumonryu and Ki Kokuryu.[14] JNPA similarly describes Kawarigoi as koi not belonging to its 20 regulated named varieties, including stably bred cultivars such as Ochiba Shigure and Beni-kikokuryu as well as Kanoko types.[2]Mujimono (無地) are koi without pattern, as defined in the JAS standard, and the ZNA show classification lists examples such as Chagoi, Soragoi, Karashi, Matsuba, and Karasugoi within this group.[4][3]

Doitsugoi and novel varieties

Doitsugoi (ドイツ鯉, scaleless or partially-scaled koi) is defined by the JAS standard as koi with almost no scales, exposing the skin; it notes that German food-carp varieties imported to Japan were crossed with nishikigoi, and because the trait is genetically dominant, many Doitsu versions of standard varieties now exist.[4] Variants exist across most other varieties and are named by ZNA, AKJA and others by prefixing Doitsu to the base variety (e.g. Doitsu Kohaku, Doitsu Showa).[3][7]Wikipedia states that new koi varieties are still being actively developed, citing ghost koi, a 1980s hybrid of wild carp and Ogon distinguished by metallic scales, and butterfly koi (also called longfin or dragon carp), also developed in the 1980s from hybrids with Asian carp species and notable for long flowing fins; both are considered by some not to be true nishikigoi.[5] AKJA's show classification list separately includes a Longfin category.[7]

Entries in this section

Common questions

How many koi varieties are there?
Zen Nippon Airinkai states there are no less than a hundred varieties when patterns are considered in detail, though it formally groups them into 17 categories for show judging.[1][6] A secondary source citing JNPA figures states there are said to be more than 140 varieties, with those outside 20 regulated types collectively called Kawarigoi.[2]
What is Gosanke?
Gosanke is the grouping of Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku (Sanke), and Showa Sanshoku, considered the most prestigious and widely kept koi varieties.[5][9]
Do all koi organizations classify varieties the same way?
No. ZNA uses a 17-variety show system, JNPA lists its own variety set, and the American Koi Judges Association uses a related but distinct list, with show organizers permitted to adapt structures locally.[3][11][7]
What is Kinginrin?
Kinginrin, often shortened to Ginrin, refers to koi with metallic, glittering scales and occurs across versions of nearly every other named variety.[5]
Are ghost koi and butterfly koi true nishikigoi varieties?
According to Wikipedia, both ghost koi and butterfly koi were developed in the 1980s through hybridization and are considered by some not to be true nishikigoi.[5]

References

  1. ^ Varieties of Nishikigoi | Zen Nippon Airinkai. Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/en/keep-nishikigoi/varieties-of-nishikigoi/. Retrieved November 2026.
  2. ^ Kawarigoi - Variety - All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. jnpa.info/en/nishikigoi/varieties/type/kawarigoi/. 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. ^ 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.
  5. ^ Koi (Wikipedia). Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koi. Retrieved November 2026.
  6. ^ 59th ZNA International Koi Show entry rules (ZNA). Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/59th-zna-koishow.pdf. Retrieved November 2026.
  7. ^ AKJA Classifications – American Koi Judges Association (AKJA). American Koi Judges Association. akjajudges.com/akja_classifications/. Retrieved November 2026.
  8. ^ ZNA SoCal 50th Annual Koi Show exhibitor registration packet (2026). znasocal.org. znasocal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-entrant-registration-1…. Retrieved November 2026.
  9. ^ All About Gosanke Koi Fish Varieties "The Big Three!". Kodama Koi Farm (koi dealer). kodamakoifarm.com/gosanke-koi-fish/. Retrieved November 2026.
  10. ^ Preparing for Koi Competition and Tips for Winning Koi Shows. Kodama Koi Farm (koi dealer). kodamakoifarm.com/koi-show-competition-tips-preparation/. Retrieved November 2026.
  11. ^ Variety - All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association. jnpa.info/en/nishikigoi/varieties/. Retrieved November 2026.
  12. ^ Variety - Shinkokai USA Official Website. Shinkokai USA (JNPA). shinkokaiusa.com/variety. Retrieved November 2026.
  13. ^ Glossary – American Koi Judges Association (AKJA). American Koi Judges Association. akjajudges.com/glossary/. Retrieved November 2026.
  14. ^ KAWARIMONO | Zen Nippon Airinkai. Zen Nippon Airinkai. zna.jp/en/keep-nishikigoi/varieties-of-nishikigoi/kawarimono/. Retrieved November 2026.