subject: The Stunning Varieties Of Koi [print this page] If you're a fan of beauty, you'll want to take a look at koi fish, one of God's most stunning creations. Popularly known as Japan's national fish, its bright and paper thin body is very striking to the eye, hard to miss in ponds, rivers and even aquariums.
Cyprinus Carpio, the scientific name of koi fish, have many types and are categorized into various classes according to their color and body patterns. At first, koi Fish were only three colors - red, blue and yellow but now, due to modern science and experiments of cross breeding, they come in all colors and patterns, making them a delightful sight.
Famous types of koi include Gosanke, Utsurimono, Bekko, Asagi, Shusui, Kawarimono, Koromo, Hikarimuji, Hikari Utsuri, Hikarimoyo, Tancho, Doitsu, and Kin Gin Rin etc
Gosanke is the most famous type of koi. Gosanke koi include Kohaku, Sanke and Showa, Gosanke being the collective name given to these koi.These are basically white and red and some types even have black spots on them. The skin is dazzlingly white with the red color reaching the head and a few dark spots on them. The dark spots, or shimis, make for an older species.
Sanke fish are known for having a bigger amount of black spots than the Kohaku whereas Showa have black skin and colored dots.
Bekko have one uniform color with spots on it. They can be yellow, white or red. The varieties of this class are based upon this color. Yellow kois are known as Ki Bekko, red koi are known as Aka Bekko and white koi are called Shiro Bekko.
Utsurimono are considered one of the most beautiful species of koi because of their patterned bodies. It has three varieties; Hi, Shiro and Ki Utsuri. A black pattern is found rising from a yellow, red or white base. The black pattern is found on the mouth or nose, and fins or tail.
Asagi koi are blueish gray on their upper surface with a striking red color on the side. The blue part of the body also has a checkerboard pattern, adding to its beauty.
Stunning and simple, Tango is considered the elegant koi. Tango is usually just white or white and black. However, its head bears a characteristic red patch, making it the most famous type of koi.
Hikarimono have shiny metallic looking bodies. Gold, Platinum and Orenji are what the gleaming golden, silver and shimmery orange bodies of Hikarimono koi are known as. However radiant their bodies, their heads and fins are often dull in comparison.
Hikarimoyo also have radiant bodies, but they are of two colors rather than just one. This variety has the Platinum Kohaku (platinum Kohaku with wavy red lines on both sides), the Yamabuki HariTwake (platinum koi with light yellow patterns) the Orenji Hariwake (platinum koi overlaid by orange markings), the Gin Bekko (metallic Bekko), and the Yamato Nishiki (metallic Sanke).
Koi has countless types and each specimen is special in its own right. This long living fish will add splendor to your aquarium and home. However, as they are delicate, koi fish need good and suitable care.
