10"-12" Gin Matsuba — Premium

🖐️ Crystal Creek koi are hand-trained. Our fish are conditioned to come to you at feeding time — and with patience, will eat right from your hand. Learn how →

⚠️ Only 1 available. Every Crystal Creek koi is individually photographed — what you see is the exact fish you receive. No stock photos, no surprises.

The Pine Cone Pattern in Silver

The Gin Matsuba is one of the most visually complex and captivating metallic koi varieties — and this 10"–12" Premium specimen is a showstopper. A brilliant silver-white metallic base is overlaid with a bold, reticulated black scale pattern that creates the signature “pine cone” (matsuba) effect across the entire body. Each scale is individually outlined in deep black, giving the fish a textured, almost three-dimensional appearance that shifts and shimmers with every movement. The warm golden head cap adds a final touch of contrast that makes this fish truly one-of-a-kind.

Selected at the Premium grade for its exceptional metallic luster, crisp and well-defined matsuba reticulation, strong body conformation, and the striking golden head that elevates this fish above the ordinary.

What Makes This Fish Special

• Brilliant silver-white metallic base with bold black reticulated scale pattern
• Classic matsuba “pine cone” effect — crisp, well-defined, and visually striking
• Warm golden head cap for added contrast and character
• Premium grade — selected for luster, pattern clarity, and body quality
• 10"–12" size — an established fish with fully developed pattern expression

Care Notes

Gin Matsuba are hardy, adaptable koi that do well in ponds with good filtration and water quality. Feed a high-quality diet like Blackwater Ultimate Combo Diet to support their metallic sheen and overall vitality. Minimum pond size of 1,000 gallons recommended.

Ships live via overnight delivery. See our How We Ship Live Koi guide for full details on our live arrival guarantee and acclimation instructions.

Hand-training your koi is a journey, not a switch you flip. Building that trust takes time — sometimes weeks, sometimes months — and it starts with showing up consistently at the water's edge. Every koi is different, and every pond relationship has its own pace. The reward is a fish that knows your footsteps and comes to meet you. How to Hand-Train Your Koi →