Kohaku
White body with red markings and one of the most popular and classic koi varieties. The closer to snow white the better. The “Hi” (pronounced hee) refers to the orange or red colored pattern of the Kohaku. You want this color to be thick, and appear as if it was a sticker, stuck on top of the white base.
Ki Kikokuryu
A Kikokuryu (pronounced Key-Ko-Koo-Roo) is always metallic and always a doitsu (scaless or partially scaled).
Showa Sanshoku (Showa)
Black body with red and white markings. This fish has more black than Sanke, with sumi extending to the head.
Shiro Utsuri
Black and white koi with a distinctive pattern, and part of the Utsurimono group.
Hi Utsuri
Koi with red/orange markings and a striking contrast between colours
Asagi
Blue/gray net-like pattern on the back, with red or orange on the belly and fins
Shusui
A scaleless (Doitsu) version of the Asagi, that has a single row of large scales along the spine.
Goshiki
A mix of five colors (white, red, black, blue, and gray), which looks like a Kohaku with a net-like Asagi pattern overlay.
Goromo
A mix of five colors (white, red, black, blue, and gray), which looks like a Kohaku with a net-like Asagi pattern overlay.
Hikari Utsurimono
Metallic versions of Utsuri koi
Hikarimoyo
Metallic koi with multiple colours
Tancho
White koiwith a single red circle on the head, resembles the Japanese flag
Kumonryu
Black koi with changing white patterns, and the patterns can shift with the seasons
Beni Kumonryu
A Kumonryu variation with red, black, and white patterns
Doitsu Koi
Koi with little to no scales, often with a row of large scales along the spine. These are found in many varieties, including Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa