Page 353 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

KOI 351

Cyprinus carpio
Hikarimoyo
The Hikarimoyo grouping encompasses all Doitsu Kujaku In this Kujaku
metallic koi of more than one color that are not koi, red markings cover much of
categorized as Hikari Utsuri (see p.352). This the body, while dark “Doitsu”
includes metallic forms of Kohaku and Sanke scales are evident on the back.
and the popular Hariwake, which are metallic
silver koi with orange (“orenji”) or yellow Metallic luster
(“yamabuki”) markings. The metallic to body and fins
appearance of these attractive koi, which “Doitsu” or
first came to prominence in the 1960s, “mirror” scale
means they are highly visible in the pattern extends
water. The reflective scalation, down the flanks Black centers of
however, dilutes the depth of their the scales give
a pine-cone effect
base coloration so that red areas
tend to appear more orange,
and black coloration
appears grayish.

Head should
be unmarked

Doitsu Hariwake This yellow- Red (“hi”) markings Yamatonishiki In this variety,
and-silver koi has symmetrical extend onto head also known as Metallic Sanke,
mirror or “Doitsu” scaling on either individuals with the richest red
side of the dorsal fin. and black markings are favored.

Cyprinus carpio
Goshiki

The name Goshiki literally means “five-colored,” Classic Goshiki This koi has
referring to the white, red, light blue, dark blue, larger areas of red and dark
and black coloration of these koi. There may even reticulated patterning, with little
be a sixth color evident, when a blue area is white coloration on the body.
overlaid by black, creating a purple shade. Bold red (“hi”)
There is considerable variability between coloration
the koi of this group. The traditional form
is relatively dark in color, but over
recent years, some strains have been
developed on much more colorful
lines. Goshiki are now generally
classified with Koromo but were Snow-
traditionally included in the white skin
Kawarimono category (see p.356).

Characteristic
reticulated blue
scale pattern
on the back

Vibrant red
Goshiki This koi is from an Polo Nippress Goshiki (“hi”) coloration
Asagi lineage (see p.352) and Reticulations on areas of the on the head
has bluish coloration with a snow-white skin characterize
reticulated pattern on the back. this notable Goshiki.
ORIGINS Developed in Japan SIZE Slight varietal differences; DIET Specialized commercial WATER Temperature 37–77°F TEMPERAMENT Relatively
from carp brought from China. typically up to 36 in (90 cm). koi foods of various types. (3–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0). social but do not shoal.

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