Koi Type Classification Part IV

This article is fourth part of four series article about koi type for newbie Koi Keeper who want to start keep koi. About this series koi types and koi classification designed in 4 part. Part I talk about Gosanke and Bekko . Part II about Utsurimono, Asagi and Tancho. Part III about about Hikarimono,Goromo And Hikarimoyo. The last part talk about type of koi in classification Matsuba and Kawarimono.



Matsuba
Aka Matsuba is a red koi with black centres to its scales, creating a pine cone effect.Ki Matsuba as above but yellow. Kin matsuba is a metallic gold or orange koi whose scales have black centres, causing a pine cone effect. Gin matsuba is the Silver version.

These Koi have a grey shading pattern on their scales.

1.Shiro Matsuba

Shiro Matsuba are a white Koi with a black net pattern. When buying a Shiro Matsuba,
make sure that the net pattern is equal all over the Koi. Watch out for any discolored scales or old scars.

Matsubas have been around almost as long as the Asagis. They are closly related,
sharing the same net pattern.

2. Aka Matsuba

Aka Matsuba are a red Koi with a black net pattern. When buying a Aka Matsuba,
make sure that the net pattern is equal all over the Koi. Watch out for any discolored scales or old scars. The Hi should be very deep too.


Matsubas have been around almost as long as the Asagis. They are closly related,
sharing the same net pattern.

Kawarimono

These Koi don't fit into any other classification.

1.Ochiba Shigure

Ochiba Shigures are made by breeding a Chagoi with a Soragoi. Look for a nice Kohaku-like
brown pattern. This is a very nice fish and this type really stands out in any collection. The Japanese breeders often name the Koi after things that they like. Ochiba Shigure, for example, means "leaves fallen on the water.

2.Kumonryu

Kumonryu are one of the strangest Koi fish. They are scaless and their pattern actually changes throughout the year. No one is absolutely sure what causes the color change, but the two best theories are a change in temperature or a change in pH. Kumonryu are usually black in the winter and the white usually appears in the spring and summer.
Kumonryu aren't usually judged by their pattern. Look for good symmetry between the black and white. When the color of a Kumonryu is changing, the area turns a blue/grayish color.

3. Beni Kumonryu

Beni Kumonryu are a rare form of Kumonryu, they have red along with the black and white. They are
scaless and their pattern actually changes throughout the year. No one is absolutely sure what causes the color change, but the two best theories are a change in temperature or a change in pH. Beni Kumonryu are usually black in the winter. The white and red usually appears in the spring and summer.

Beni Kumonryu aren't usually judged by their pattern. Look for good symmetry between the red, black and white. When the color of a Beni Kumonryu is changing, the area turns a blue/greyish color.

4.Benigoi

Benigoi or Higoi are Koi that are solid red. When buying a Benigoi, look for solid Hi. Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away from the look of the Koi. Benigoi and Higoi are the same fish. The name, Benigoi, is given to the Higoi with exeptionally deep red.

5. Karasugoi

Karasugoi are Koi that are solid black. When buying a Karasugoi, look for one with deep color.
Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away from the look of the Koi.The Japanese breeders often name the Koi after things that they like. Karasugoi, for example, means "Black Crow."

6.Haijiro

Haijiro are Koi that are solid black with white tipped fins. When buying a Haijiro, look at the white on the fin edges and make sure it is even with the other side. Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away from the look of the Koi.Haijiro

Haijiro are Karasugoi with white tipped fins. These are a nice addition to the Koi varieties and allow for a larger collection.

7.Aka Haijiro

Aka Haijiro are Koi that are solid red with white tipped fins. When buying an Aka Haijiro, look at the white on the fin edges and make sure it is even with the other side. Check the fish over for any old cars or bad scales, for these will take away from the look of the Koi.Aka Haijiro are Higoi with white tipped fins. These are a nice addition to the Koi varieties and allow for a larger collection.

8.Chagoi

Chagoi are a non-metallic brown colored Koi. When buying a Chagoi, look for one with even color.
Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away from the look of the Koi. Old scars will appear as dark areas. Chagoi have the terrible habit of growing very large. It is not uncommon to see one that is 36 inches swimming around a pond in Japan.

9. Kigoi

Kigoi are Koi that are solid yellow. When buying a Kigoi, look for one with deep color. Check the fish over for any old scars or bad scales, for these will take away from the look of the Koi. The most prized Kigoi have red eyes. This gives them an eerie look. Some people call the Kigoi, Lemon Koi.

10.Midorigoi

Midorigoi are Koi that are solid green. When buying a Midorigoi, look for one with a nice green color. Many Midorigois have red spots on them or patches of darker coloration.

The Japanese have a habit of naming things for what they are. Midorigoi, for example, means "Green Carp."

11. Soragoi
Soragoi are a solid grey Koi. They make a great addition to any Koi collection. When buying a Soragoi, look for any old scars or any bad scales. The Soragoi in the picture below is actually a Gin Rin Soragoi. It's scales look strong enough to turn any blade.

Soragoi, along with Chagoi, are used to create Ochiba Shigure. Bycom bining these two single colored Koi, the Japanese breeders have made a two colored Koi with a pattern.

REFERENCE
1.Koi Oase
2. Nishikigoi Info