Koi fish are one of the world's most beautiful sights.
Their vividly coloured thin body has made it Japan's most popular fish, so much so that it is now deemed the national fish of the country.
Their intense coloring makes it very attractive in ponds, rivers and even restaurant aquariums.
Koi fish, scientifically known as Cyprinus Carpio, have diverse varieties and are sorted according to their color and body markings.
In the beginning, koi fish only came in the three primary colours, but now because of increased cross breeding and genetic experiments, they come in many bright patterns and colours making them a charming sight to behold.
Well-known varieties of koi include Utsurimono, Koromo, Shusui, Hikarimoyo, Kawarimono, Hikarimuji, Hikari Utsuri, Asagi, Tancho, Doitsu, Gosanke, Bekko, Kin Gin Rin and many others.
Gosanke is probably the most famed species of koi.
Sanke, Showa and Kohaku are the species that are collectively known as Gosanke.
These are essentially white and red - some even have black markings.
The skin is luminously white, with a red coloured extension to the head and dark spots on the body.
These black markings, or shimis, are usually found on older species.
The Sanke variety has further black spots than Kohaki while Showa have black skin with coloured dots.
Bekko are homogeneously white, red or yellow.
The categories of this class are according to this colour.
Yellow kois are called Ki Bekko, bright red koi are referred to as Aka Bekko and the white koi are called Shiro Bekko.
The Utsurimono are considered some of the most attractive varieties of koi due to their decorative bodies.
They have three varieties; Shiro, Hi and Ki Utsuri.
Black markings usually extend from a red, yellow or white foundation.
The deep black pattern is usually on the mouth, fins and tail.
Asagi koi are blueish gray on the outside with a prominent red color on their sides.
The gorgeous blue area also has a pattern on it, adding to the overall magnificence of the koi.
Graceful Tango are attractive in their simplicity.
Tango is basically just white or a mix of black and white, but its distinguishing attribute is the patch of red on its head, making it one of the most well-known types of koi.
Hikarimono koi have glossy metallic bodies, and the golden, silver and shining orange luminous bodies are referred to as Gold, Platinum and Orenji.
However, as sparkling as their bodies are, their fins and heads are often faded.
Hikarimoyo also have glowing bodies, but their bodies are dual colored.
This species of Koi has the Platinum Kohaku (luminous white Kohaku with wavy bright red lines on its sides), Yamabuki HariTwake (luminous koi with pale yellow patterns), Orenji Hariwake (platinum koi covered with orange markings), the Gin Bekko (simply just metallic Bekko) and the Yamato Nishiki (metallic Sanke).
Koi have a myriad of varieties and each fish is distinguished from the next.
This fish has a long life and will add grandeur to your home.
Just remember that because of their frailty, koi fish need adequate attention to retain their splendor.
Their vividly coloured thin body has made it Japan's most popular fish, so much so that it is now deemed the national fish of the country.
Their intense coloring makes it very attractive in ponds, rivers and even restaurant aquariums.
Koi fish, scientifically known as Cyprinus Carpio, have diverse varieties and are sorted according to their color and body markings.
In the beginning, koi fish only came in the three primary colours, but now because of increased cross breeding and genetic experiments, they come in many bright patterns and colours making them a charming sight to behold.
Well-known varieties of koi include Utsurimono, Koromo, Shusui, Hikarimoyo, Kawarimono, Hikarimuji, Hikari Utsuri, Asagi, Tancho, Doitsu, Gosanke, Bekko, Kin Gin Rin and many others.
Gosanke is probably the most famed species of koi.
Sanke, Showa and Kohaku are the species that are collectively known as Gosanke.
These are essentially white and red - some even have black markings.
The skin is luminously white, with a red coloured extension to the head and dark spots on the body.
These black markings, or shimis, are usually found on older species.
The Sanke variety has further black spots than Kohaki while Showa have black skin with coloured dots.
Bekko are homogeneously white, red or yellow.
The categories of this class are according to this colour.
Yellow kois are called Ki Bekko, bright red koi are referred to as Aka Bekko and the white koi are called Shiro Bekko.
The Utsurimono are considered some of the most attractive varieties of koi due to their decorative bodies.
They have three varieties; Shiro, Hi and Ki Utsuri.
Black markings usually extend from a red, yellow or white foundation.
The deep black pattern is usually on the mouth, fins and tail.
Asagi koi are blueish gray on the outside with a prominent red color on their sides.
The gorgeous blue area also has a pattern on it, adding to the overall magnificence of the koi.
Graceful Tango are attractive in their simplicity.
Tango is basically just white or a mix of black and white, but its distinguishing attribute is the patch of red on its head, making it one of the most well-known types of koi.
Hikarimono koi have glossy metallic bodies, and the golden, silver and shining orange luminous bodies are referred to as Gold, Platinum and Orenji.
However, as sparkling as their bodies are, their fins and heads are often faded.
Hikarimoyo also have glowing bodies, but their bodies are dual colored.
This species of Koi has the Platinum Kohaku (luminous white Kohaku with wavy bright red lines on its sides), Yamabuki HariTwake (luminous koi with pale yellow patterns), Orenji Hariwake (platinum koi covered with orange markings), the Gin Bekko (simply just metallic Bekko) and the Yamato Nishiki (metallic Sanke).
Koi have a myriad of varieties and each fish is distinguished from the next.
This fish has a long life and will add grandeur to your home.
Just remember that because of their frailty, koi fish need adequate attention to retain their splendor.
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