Is there anything more peaceful than watching magnificent, brightly colored fish gracefully gliding through a pond? For many people, koi fish are the ultimate addition to an outdoor area, as long as there’s a spacious pond to give them the right living environment. As well as providing beauty and interaction, some believe that koi bring good luck and, in feng shui, they can represent abundance and prosperity.
Whether you’re already a koi hobbyist or looking to start a pond for the first time, understanding the different types of koi fish is essential. There are so many different koi fish varieties, and remembering all those names, colors, and types can be challenging. That’s why we’ve brought together this guide that you can refer back to whenever you’re making a koi purchase. Read on to learn about different types of koi fish and how to choose koi fish for your pond.
What Makes Koi Fish Varieties Unique?
All koi fish are descended from the species Cyprinus carpio — the common carp. Over time, mutations led to carp being born with beautiful colors and scale patterns. Selective breeding over the last few centuries has allowed koi breeders to encourage specific coloration, leading to multiple categories and types of koi fish. So, even though there is only one koi species, you could be forgiven for thinking there must be thousands of koi fish breeds because of how strikingly different they can all look.
What colors do koi fish come in? Anything from bright reds and oranges to black and white, to creams, browns, and gold. There are large and small koi fish breeds, with some of the largest growing to 36 inches in length. Plus, there are notable scale and color patterns that determine what type of koi the fish is. A bold red color with crisp edges against bright, white scales may indicate a Kohaku koi. But if the red and white are contrasted with plenty of black, you could be looking at a Showa koi.
Each koi is unique, but learning these differences and the various koi names helps you choose the right fish for your pond. As well as differences in color and pattern, once you get to know your koi, you may discover they each have their own unique personalities, too. In 2021, researchers discovered that koi fish would willingly seek out interactions with their human owners, and all the fish behaved in slightly different ways. Knowing that your fish are as interested in you as you are in them makes owning koi an even more exciting prospect.
Butterfly vs. Standard Koi: What’s the Difference?
Butterfly koi are a little different from standard koi. While the standard koi species is the same as the common carp, butterfly koi are a crossbreed with a variant called the long-finned Indonesian carp. The result is a carp with beautiful, flowing fins and tails, much prized for its grace. They were developed in the early 1980s in Japan and, to this day, reside in ponds in the Japanese Imperial Palace.
Some people call butterfly koi “dragon koi” because of the long, ornate tails and fins. These attributes may be double the length of standard koi fins and tails. However, there are many types of butterfly koi, and they come in as many colors, patterns, and types as standard koi fish. They’re also just as sociable as other koi, and won’t mind sharing a pond with some of their standard cousins.
If you plan to enter koi competitions, you should know that despite their beauty, butterfly koi are not considered “true” koi. Some contests have extremely strict rules, so check all the competition guidelines before you decide to enter a butterfly koi fish, because it could be against the regulations.
Types of Koi Fish: Guide to Popular Varieties
How many types of koi fish are there? Over a hundred, but there are several varieties that are more popular than others. Each of these koi names is connected to a specific coloration or pattern, with some koi fish breeds varying in size as well. Let’s take a look.
Asagi
The word Asagi may mean "pale blue," "indigo," "the setting sun," or "mist" — either way, it evokes beauty and mystery, just like this iconic fish. As these meanings suggest, your Asagi koi should have a blue coloration, with blue-gray scales sometimes layered with lighter blue fading to white.
The reticulated scales are prominent, creating a noticeable net-like pattern in this blue koi fish. The fins, cheeks, and sometimes the very top of the head may be colored red or orange. Some Asagi have a metallic sheen to their scales. Others are very dark — these are often known as Konjo Asagi. Narumi Asagi koi have paler scales, while Hi Asagi koi have more red or orange coloration than other types.
Asagi koi may be some of the oldest types of ornamental koi. When you purchase an Asagi, you’re investing in a piece of koi history. In your pond, the striking blue scales are easy to spot, and the calm nature of these fish means you’ll easily spot your Asagi gliding serenely among your other koi.
Bekko
If you love variety in your pond, then investing in some Bekko koi could be the way forward. Bekko koi fish are always two-toned, with the second tone always being black blotches against a solid base color. However, that base color can vary dramatically.
Shiro Bekko koi are white with black adornments that may be anywhere except on the head. An Aka Bekko will have mostly orange or red coloration. Ki Bekko koi are rarer, with yellow coloration and black markings. Ginrin or Gin Shiro Bekko have metallic silver scales atop a white body, with the unmistakable Bekko black markings. You may also find Doitsu Bekko, where Doitsu means “scaleless.” Doitsu koi are smooth and may have no noticeable scale patterns, often creating a beautiful contrast with their scaly counterparts.
You could fill your pond with Bekko koi and still enjoy an incredible variety of color and patterns. If you include Ginrin Bekko as well, you’ll enjoy regular darts of silver when their shiny scales catch the sun.
Chagoi
If you prioritize interaction with your fish over attractive patterns, the Chagoi koi is the breed for you. Chagoi are gentle giants that you can genuinely bond with. They’ll come to greet you once they recognize you and may even eat from your hand.
Appearance-wise, Chagoi are usually one single color with no additional markings. They usually have very prominent, reticulated scales, resulting in that desirable yet subtle net pattern that stands out in any pond. You can also find butterfly Chagoi koi, combining the solid, scaly appearance with sweeping fins and tails. A beautiful addition to any pond that could even become your new best fish friend. And, with some koi fish living for over 40 years, that could be a very long-lasting friendship indeed.
Ginga
Another docile and friendly option for your pond is the striking Ginga koi. They’re easy to train to eat from your hand, but they’re also a feast for the eyes. The prominent, lustrous scales are one feature, while the variety of colors is another. Ginga koi range from silver and black to varieties with red and orange present.
Ginga translates to "Milky Way," referring to the metallic, reflective scales and the dazzling array of colors. Like many other koi, there are butterfly variants of the Ginga. This means you can combine the metallic sheen and color of your choice with those iconic, flowing fins and tail. A real statement fish for your pond, but one that won’t be a diva, despite its glamorous appearance.
Ginrin
Ginrin, sometimes written as Gin Rin, is a type of koi with silver or gold reflective, metallic scales. They’re incredibly flashy and highly visible in any pond, especially when grouped with other non-metallic koi. Ginrin koi are also sometimes called Kin Gin Rin, which translates roughly to “gold or silver scales.”
Metallic scales with this unique reflective sheen were first noticed on koi in the 1920s. Where the sheen overlays white coloration, a silver effect occurs (Gin). If the sheen is on red or orange (hi), you see metallic gold instead (Kin).
There are numerous types of Ginrin koi, with the only stipulation being that there should be at least three rows of the special scales to be classed as a Ginrin. You can find Ginrin butterfly koi, Ginrin Chagoi, and many more, making them as diverse as they are stunning.
Goromo
The Goromo koi is a relatively modern breed resulting from the crossbreeding of Asagi and Kohaku koi in the 1950s. The name of Goromo koi, also known as Koromo koi, means “robed” and refers to the way one color overlays another. The distinctive blue of the Asagi contrasts with the red and white of the Kohaku parentage, creating a diverse range of patterns and coloration.
Ai Goromo koi are some of the most common varieties. They’re characterized by blue shading on the red scales, particularly noticeable on the back of the fish. Ai means "blue," and you’ll usually notice the blue within individual scales rather than just along the edges of scale patterns.
Budo Goromo koi are technically a subtype of Ai Goromo. Budo means "grapes," and refers to how the blue forms clumps of color on the red, often creating a purplish shade.
Sumi Goromo koi have a more scattered scale reticulation pattern, and the blue is almost black. You may find Sumi Goromo koi with hi completely dominated by the black, but on some, a flash of red peeks through. These diverse fish also have Ginrin and butterfly varieties, making them striking and colorful additions to any pond.
Goshiki
Goshiki means “five colors,” so it should come as no surprise that Goshiki koi are some of the most colorful you can find. Breeders crossed Asagi and Sanke koi to create Goshiki koi. This is a white-based fish sporting black, dark blue, light blue, and red, often creating a purple appearance.
The Asagi parentage often results in a gray-blue net pattern that will stand out in your collection. Any red on a Goshiki koi is usually intense and bold, and it’s possible to find Ginrin and Doitsu variants.
Hariwake
If you love metallic, sparkling fish, then you should definitely take a look at Hariwake koi. This type of koi falls into the Hikarimoyo-mono category, which comprises shiny fish with two colors. Hariwake koi fulfill this characteristic because they’re always two-toned and always fully metallic.
Hariwake koi are a result of breeding Kohaku and Purachina koi. They’re usually white and orange (beni) or white and yellow (ki), with the white always classed as “platinum” or metallic. Hariwake koi have no black present.
You may find variants such as butterfly and Doitsu Hariwake. Although quite common, the simple coloration of Hariwake koi is bold and complements the shimmering nature of their metallic scales perfectly.
Heisei Nishiki
The Heisei Nishiki is a very specific type of fish, named for the era of the Japanese Emperor at the time. This time period was known as the Heisei Era and ended in 2019. During this era, a type of Yamato Nishiki with no visible scales was named in the emperor’s honor: the Heisei Nishiki. Prior to this, these koi would have simply been known as Doitsu Yamato Nishiki.
Heisei Nishiki may have various patterns of red, white, black, or orange, with no two fish appearing the same. There are butterfly variants and even Aragoke versions with a few visible scales. A diverse range of koi and a simple way to add royal heritage to your pond.
Kikokuryu
Metallic and scaleless, Kikokuryu koi make a sleek and colorful addition to any koi collection. These koi are metallic all over, without prominent, lustrous scales like Ginrin koi have.
Although primarily black and white, Beni Kikokuryu koi with orange coloration are now very popular. Some Kikokuryu koi even have a bluish tinge, but over time, this usually changes to black, so they’re not a truly blue breed. Look for excellent skin luster and shine when buying kikokuryu koi, with glossy colors that stand out.
Kikusui
Kikusui koi are smooth, scaleless, and almost always a bold orange or red and white. The patches of orange (beni) have crisp, clean edges, and may be small or cover most of the fish’s back.
The word Kikusoi roughly translates to “water chrysanthemum.” Adding Kikusui koi to your pond is, indeed, like investing in beautiful, precious flowers. Their standout coloration and smooth skin are sure to impress. Additionally, the bright, platinum white many of these fish carry means you can always spot them among your collection.
Kohaku
Kohaku translates to something approximating “amber,” a combination of red and white. Take one look at these beautiful fish to see why. Every Kohaku koi, without exception, is white with red or orange markings. They’re particularly adored in Japan because of the chance to see a red circle patch on white skin — echoing the Japanese flag.
Look for bright white (shiro) skin with distinct, well-defined red (hi) patches. While most koi can grow to great sizes, Kohaku are particularly known for growing up to and occasionally exceeding 36 inches.
Kujaku
For fish with distinct scale patterning and colorations, look no further than the Kujaku koi. Kujaku means “peacock” and refers to the highly delineated scale pattern that echoes the round spots on a peacock’s tail.
Kujaku are some of the most sought-after types of koi fish, particularly if they have a red head and no visible black markings. There are some Doitsu variants, which may have only a couple of rows of scales and otherwise entirely smooth skin. A Beni Kujaku may be almost entirely orange, making it easy to pick out in your pond.
Kumonryu
One of the most fascinating koi fish varieties, Kumonryu koi may change color throughout the year, with previous black areas fading to white. This is because the black (sumi) is a protective layer that adjusts depending on the quality of the water and other factors like light levels.
Kumonryu are usually scaleless, with striking black patterns atop platinum white skin. Occasionally, they may have a hint of yellow or orange around the face, but the striking monochrome quality of these fish is what makes them stand out in most ponds.
Matsuba
The word Matsuba means “pine tree,” and refers to the distinctive scale patterning that’s reminiscent of a pinecone. When shopping for Matsuba koi, look for clear, well-defined scales. Matsuba koi are also often metallic, and there are some Doitsu variants where the scales are limited to two or four rows.
Some types of Matsuba koi fall into the “jumbo” class, meaning they may grow larger than other inhabitants of your pond. Don’t forget that your pond size and water quality can also impact the growth of your fish. With butterfly variants available, Matsuba koi make an eye-catching investment.
Matsukawabake
Matsukawabake koi are a fantastic example of selective breeding to focus on a very specific characteristic — in this case, the black (sumi) patterns found in koi like Kumonryu. The aim was to create more variation in these black patterns, which is why no two Matsukawabake koi look the same.
Like with other black and white koi, you may notice the patterns changing with the seasons and the temperature. You can also find Beni Matukawabake, combining bright orange as a constant among the changeable black and white.
Ochiba Shigure
Sometimes called simply Ochiba for short, the name of these fish means “leaves of fall on the water.” This refers to the grayish-blue base of the first Ochiba Shigure koi, reminiscent of Asagi koi, with brown or orange coloration atop, just like that of fallen leaves.
Today, there’s an incredibly diverse range of colors in the Ochiba breed. Characteristics include distinct scale reticulation and bold contrasts between colors. Look out for butterfly variants of Ochiba koi as these will add fluidity and grace to the striking coloration.
Ogon
Ogon means “golden,” and all Ogon koi are metallic, although their coloration can vary. They belong to the Hikarimuji category, which denotes a metallic fish of a single color. With that in mind, Ogon can be yellow koi, also known as Yamabuki; white or platinum; or orange, also called Orenji.
Their bold, solid coloration and shimmering scales make them easy to spot in any pond. They shouldn’t have any noticeable markings, and you may find butterfly variants at top koi specialists.
Sanke
A descendant of the Kohaku, Sanke koi fish are prized for their combination of red, black, and white coloration. Sanke koi are always tri-colored, and you may see them referred to as Taisho Sanshoku. Taisho was the era of the Emperor at the time these fish were bred, and Sanshoku means “three colors.”
The patterns on Sanke koi vary, but the red should always be deep and even, and not overly dominated by the black. With Ginrin and butterfly variants available, Sanke koi offer a diverse way to add more color to your pond.
Showa
If you like the patches of black on the Sanke koi, you’ll adore Showa koi fish. Although similar to Sanke in many respects, the black is the star of the show here, often wrapping completely around the fish rather than solely appearing as patches on the top.
Showa is short for Showa Shanshoku and is another fish named for an Emperor. With the possibility for black markings on the face, fins, and top of the head, these fish are wonderfully diverse and full of personality.
Shusui
The Shusui, whose name means “autumn/fall water,” is unique in the fact that it was the first Doitsu — scaleless or partially scaleless — koi. Each Shusui koi has only two or four rows of scales on its back, with the rest of the fish being entirely smooth. The scales it does have are notable for being darker than the rest of the fish, often with a pleasing blue tinge.
Scaleless carp were originally bred so people could avoid the messy descaling process when cooking fish. In the early 1900s, Yoshigoro Akiyama bred one of these fish with an Asagi, resulting in today’s Shusui. Easily one of the most striking koi variants for any pond.
Soragoi
Anyone looking for a solid-colored carp that will grow to a large size fast should consider the Soragoi, named for the color of the sky. Soragoi koi are uniformly gray or silver and will usually grow to over 30 inches in the right environment.
They come in both standard and butterfly variants. Their pale, ghostlike appearance belies their amicable, calm nature. Ginrin variants are even more striking with truly reflective scales that you’ll be able to spot in any pond.
Tancho
Tancho means “red-crowned crane,” a bird with a red circle on the top of its head, representing good luck or fortune. Similarly, to be classed as a Tancho koi, these fish must have a single red patch on their head with no other red present anywhere else.
Some Tancho koi may have the addition of “Beni” to the name, with slight orange coloration somewhere on the body. The skin is always pure white, with occasional small black markings. A true Tancho with a symmetrical red marking is rare, and an incredibly prestigious addition to any koi collection.
Utsuri
Utsuri koi, also called Utsurimono, are named for a word meaning “reflection,” referring to the strong color contrasts on their bodies. Like Showa koi, Utsuri have more black than other koi fish breeds; however, the black is the base color. Atop this, they may have bands of yellow, red, or white.
The best Utsuri koi have clearly defined and boldly contrasting colors, sure to stand out in your pond. Like many other types of black koi fish, there are butterfly variants and even Ginrin varieties with extra dazzle.
Yamato Nishiki
We briefly met the Yamato Nishiki when discussing the Heisei Nishiki, which, before the Heisei era, was simply a Doitsu Yamato Nishiki. These koi are metallic and colored like Sanke koi because they are a crossbreed of Sanke and Ogon koi fish.
The name Yamato Nishiki roughly means “Japanese brocade.” It refers to the shimmering, ornate patterns possible on Yamato Nishiki koi. Like Sanke, they should have a bright, white base and an even red or orange coloration. There’s a huge variance in the types of black markings you can expect, meaning you can end up with a completely unique addition to your collection.
How to Choose the Right Koi Variety for Your Pond
As you can see, the variety of koi available can’t be overstated. However, when choosing different types of koi fish for your pond, you need to take several factors into consideration. If you have a relatively small pond, investing in fast-growing or jumbo breeds may not be the best option. While a pond’s size may limit the growth of your koi, you still shouldn’t overfill it with fish. If you want to achieve koi of the maximum size, your pond should hold at least 3,000 gallons of water, and you should allow 500 gallons per fish.
Aesthetics can also be important. Some people will invest in a range of solid-color koi fish like Ochiba and Chagoi for bold sweeps of gold or silver. Others revel in the variety offered by Goshiki or Sanke, adoring the rainbow of colors these fish bring to their ponds. If you already have many red or orange koi, you may want to think about balancing that out with some black and white or silver fish. A mix of patterned and single-color fish can create a compelling collection that you can’t get enough of.
You can also talk to a trusted koi supplier about which types of koi live harmoniously together. They might suggest that you pair friendly, easy-going Chagoi with equally gregarious Ogon. Or, they may talk you through some of the koi types that grow larger, so you can fill your pond with stunning jumbo koi.
Take your budget into consideration when purchasing koi fish. You can purchase a striking Goromo for as little as $40, but a sharply colored, metallic Kikokuryu could set you back $1,200. Research your preferred koi fish breeds and set a budget before you go shopping so you don’t overspend. You should also always choose a trusted koi fish supplier, ideally one that focuses entirely on fish and that provides guarantees around delivery, quality, and health.
Koi Fish — Diverse, Colorful, Beautiful
Understanding the koi fish breeds shown above will give you the knowledge you need to purchase the koi that are right for your pond — and help you gain even more experience with these fascinating fish.
Koi owners and breeders have known for hundreds of years that keeping koi is beneficial in all sorts of ways, from embracing tranquility to encouraging good fortune. Recent research now backs that up, with studies showing that keeping a koi fish pond has a positive impact on both mental and physical health. Find your perfect koi partners by browsing all the available varieties at Koi Fish USA and discover more fish colors, patterns, and sizes to add to your collection. With next-day delivery and our dedication to solely focusing on fish, you can purchase with the confidence that you’re investing in healthy, vibrant koi for your pond.
