Varieties of Kois

All Koi are developed from the common carp however after years of breeding, the Japanese now recognize twelve basic classes or Koi types, (Kohaku, Sanke, Showa, Utsuri Mono, Bekko, Asagi-Shusui, Koromo, Kawarimono, Hikari Muji-mono, Hikari Moyo-mono, Hikari Utsuri, and Tancho) and these are now accepted throughout the world. These classes are based upon the Koi's markings, colors and/or scale type. Within each of these classes there are a number of sub categories. Koi do not breed true having a pair of expensive show champion's means that out of 20,000 eggs only 10 will grow in to that perfect fish. So With so many Koi being bred today, quite often a totally new combination is found, which may not fit in any of the thirteen categories. As they become more popular, some of these unique Koi will eventually become consistent enough for their features to form a new category. Below are the basic 12 classes to help you recognize some of your own Koi. The 13th and last class is any of the over classes with shiny or sparkling scales these are known as kin (on yellow) gin (on white) rin (shiny Scale) so a Kohaku with sparkling scales would be a gin-rin Kohaku and so on