Page 354 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

352 POND FISH DIRECTORY

Cyprinus carpio
Hikari Utsuri
This category features metallic koi with
Showa (see p.355) and Utsuri (see p.349)
patterning. Hikari Utsuri are often
strikingly colored but typically Kin Ki Utsuri An attractive Kikokuryu A fairly new variety,
display little refinement in their contrast of gold and black, this this metallic “Doitsu” koi is
patterning. Their metallic sheen can koi’s “sumi” markings extend sometimes classed as a
negate their depth of coloration; around the sides of the body. Hikarimoyo (see p.351).
black (or “sumi”) markings, for
example, are not as vivid in Hikari Parallel lines
Utsuri as in their nonmetallic Rich “sumi” of dark scales
counterparts. This variety was coloration on either side
developed when Ogons, which on body of dorsal fin
are single-colored metallic koi and head
(see below), were bred with Showa
and Utsurimono stock. Golden base
color
“Sumi” coloration
more vivid on the fins
than on the body
Helmet
pattern
Kin Showa This metallic variety
has highly variable patterning.
Both red (“hi”) and black
(“sumi”) areas are quite pale.

Cyprinus carpio Cyprinus carpio
Hikarimuji Asagi

Members of this group are single- Choguro Purachina This This unmistakable variety, whose ancestry dates
colored, metallic koi. They are all white koi with a lustrous back more than 160 years, is distinguished
descendants of a single wild, black appearance is also known predominantly by the bluish, scaled
carp (or Magoi) with a golden stripe as the Platinum Ogon. pattern over the back, with reddish
along its back that was discovered in areas on the fins and on the sides of
Yamakoshi prefecture in 1921. A the head. Symmetry in
selective breeding program from Sparkling (or “furakin”) appearance is highly valued
this fish, carried out by the Aoki effect created by in these koi. Asagi with
the metallic nature
family, produced the first pure- of skin and scales “Doitsu” scaling (see p.345)
colored metallic koi (or Ogon) are known as Shusui,
25 years later. Hikarimuji have while there is also a
become immensely popular colorful red (“hi”)
with koi enthusiasts, because form in which blue
they show well in ponds, are coloration is
easily tamed, and grow fast. overlaid with red.

Head must be
free from flecks
of orange
Pure white,
scaleless head
contrasts with
Yamabuki Ogon Top-quality dark body
Ogons, like this metallic gold koi,
must be well muscled, but not
fat, and have perfect scaling.
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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