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koi varieties - gosanke
What makes koi keeping so exciting is the fact the fish come in a great variety of colour's which provide endless combinations of colour arrangements There are 13 recognized classes, based on a set of different characteristics including colour, pattern and scale type. Unique koi with new colour and pattern combinations arise from time to time
Of course everyone has their favorite, but Go-Sanke are the most popular. Kohaku, Showa Sanke and Taisho Sanke are the 3 varieties that comprise this group and dominant most collectors ponds
The picture right illustrates Maruzome Kiwa. That is when the edge of the red [beni or hi] follows the scales and takes their circular shape. Sashi, the trailing edge, is a really good indicator if a koi is still developing or if the colour is finished
Of course everyone has their favorite, but Go-Sanke are the most popular. Kohaku, Showa Sanke and Taisho Sanke are the 3 varieties that comprise this group and dominant most collectors ponds
The picture right illustrates Maruzome Kiwa. That is when the edge of the red [beni or hi] follows the scales and takes their circular shape. Sashi, the trailing edge, is a really good indicator if a koi is still developing or if the colour is finished
Kohaku
Sandan Kohaku
This koi has 3 distinct patterns of red so it is a 3 step kohaku. Sandan means "3". This is a very nice fish. Classic type of pattern, with an incredible tail tube and conformationYondan Kohaku
This 4 step koi has a more interesting pattern, particularly the head. The white cloudiness that appealers on the head and shoulder looks like a costia infectionMaurten Kohaku
The maruten designation for this kohaku comes from the round beni located on the head. This is a very full pattern with a lot to look at, very nice tail stopTaisho Sanke
Taisho Sanke
Sanke have a beautiful elegance many people love. The sumi can be placed on the white skin [called Tsubo Sumi] or it can appear on the beni as "Kasane Sumi"Doitsu Sanke
The Doistu Sanke [bottom] is a scaleless fish. This makes for exceptionally sharp edging [kiwa] of the colours which is quite attractiveGin Rin Sanke
This is an exceptional fish that almost looks to perfect to be real. The sumi steps are placed like stepping stones in a amazing arrangementSanke should have good underlying kohaku patterns, with a nice accent of sumi on the shoulder. Black should not appear below the lateral line and of course, confirmation is everything
Showa Sanke
Showa Sanke
This is a very nice showa. Clean pattern without flecks of sumi scattered about with a nice underlying kohaku pattern. The sumi should join on the headTancho Showa
This pretty gin rinThese silver sparkly scales show up best in sunlight on white and red skin. The scales also occur in gold colour - called kin rin gin rin is a very pretty fish and one you don't see everyday. Tancho Showa feature beni only on the head and this beautiful fish also has Gin Rin scaling. The fish literally shines with the skin quality and great white baseKindai Showa
This newer style type of showa features less sumi [black] than the typical older style of showa. This is a full bodied fish making the fins look a little undersizedThis showa has very nice motoguro [black pec fin joints]. It also look interesting on the head with the sumi starting to come through to form a nice menware/hachiware pattern