Top 15 Koi Varieties

Koi come in hundreds of varieties, but a select few have captured the hearts of pond enthusiasts worldwide. Here are the top 15 koi varieties every hobbyist should know.

1. Kohaku

The most iconic of all koi, Kohaku features a pure white body with bold red (hi) markings. It is the benchmark variety by which all others are judged, and a staple of any serious collection.

2. Taisho Sanke (Sanke)

A white-bodied koi with red and black markings, Sanke is one of the "Big Three" varieties in koi keeping. The black (sumi) should appear as stepping-stone patterns across the body.

3. Showa Sanshoku (Showa)

Similar to Sanke but with a black base overlaid with red and white, Showa is bold and dramatic. The sumi wraps around the body and head, giving it a striking, powerful appearance.

4. Yamabuki Ogon

A single-colored, metallic golden-yellow koi, Yamabuki Ogon is prized for its brilliant, mirror-like shine. It adds a luminous glow to any pond and is highly visible even in deep water.

5. Platinum Ogon

A solid, metallic white koi with a dazzling sheen. Platinum Ogon is elegant and eye-catching, often used as a contrast fish alongside more colorful varieties.

6. Asagi

One of the oldest koi varieties, Asagi has a blue-grey scaled back with red or orange on the belly, fins, and cheeks. Its net-like scale pattern (fukurin) is a defining characteristic.

7. Utsuri

A black-based koi with white (Shiro Utsuri), red (Hi Utsuri), or yellow (Ki Utsuri) markings. The contrast between the deep black and the secondary color creates a bold, graphic look.

8. Bekko

A white, red, or yellow koi with black sumi markings. Bekko is essentially a Utsuri without the black base — clean, simple, and elegant in appearance.

9. Goshiki

Meaning "five colors," Goshiki combines white, red, black, blue, and dark blue in a complex, layered pattern. It has a reticulated scale pattern that gives it a rich, textured look.

10. Shusui

The doitsu (scaleless) version of Asagi, Shusui has a sky-blue back with a single row of large mirror scales along the dorsal line and red or orange on the belly and sides.

11. Tancho

Named after the Japanese red-crowned crane, Tancho is defined by a single, perfectly round red spot on the head against an otherwise white body. It is considered a symbol of good luck.

12. Butterfly Koi (Longfin)

Known for their long, flowing fins that trail gracefully through the water, Butterfly Koi come in many color patterns. They are especially popular for ornamental ponds due to their elegant movement.

13. Kikokuryu

A metallic doitsu koi with a black and white pattern that can shift and change with water temperature and season. Kikokuryu is prized for its dynamic, ever-changing appearance.

14. Kujaku

A metallic koi with a white base, red markings, and a reticulated black net pattern on the scales. Kujaku (meaning "peacock") is one of the most ornate and visually complex varieties.

15. Chagoi

Often called the "friendliest" koi, Chagoi is a large, tea-colored (brown to olive green) fish known for its docile temperament and rapid growth. It is said to calm other koi in the pond and is often the first to hand-feed.