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Koi Carp Fish Types and Interesting Facts

Discover fascinating facts about koi carp fish, including their origins, types, colours, and patterns that make them a favourite among fish enthusiasts.

Koi are far more fascinating than their reputation as "colourful pond fish" suggests. Beyond the beautiful colors that first catch your eye, each koi variety tells a unique story through distinct patterns, growth characteristics, and personalities. 

Did you know that the most expensive koi ever sold fetched over $1.8 million (approx. ₹15 crore) at auction?

But that's just one of the many interesting facts about koi carps. If you enjoy learning about aquatic life and have a special fondness for these magnificent fish which pushed you to learn more deeply about them, you are in the right place. 

Today, we will focus on thirty popular as well as lesser-known koi varieties. Learn about each variety's one-of-a-kind attributes as well as general koi carp facts every curious mind should be aware of.

What Are Koi Carp Fish and Where Do They Come From?

Koi carp are ornamental freshwater fish bred for their colours, scale patterns, and body shape. Scientifically known as Cyprinus rubrofuscus, they are a domesticated variety of the Amur carp, a species native to East Asia. 

Unlike their wild relatives, koi are selectively bred for appearance and temperament rather than survival traits.

They originated in China but were popularised in Japan, where koi keeping became an art form over the centuries. Today, Japan remains the global centre for high-quality koi breeding. 

While they were once limited to nobility and temple ponds, koi have now become a common feature in home gardens, hotels, and large public water features across the world, including in India, where interest is steadily growing.

30 Koi Carp Fish Types and Their Unique Characteristics

It’s easy to assume all koi are just red, white, or gold fish with different markings. But anyone who’s spent some time around a koi pond knows that’s far from true. There are hundreds of recognised varieties, each with its own history, colour rules, and behavioural quirks. 

Today, we will talk about the 30 major koi types and what sets them apart.

Let’s break them down one by one.

1. Kohaku 

 

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Kohaku represents the classic koi appearance with white base colour and red markings. This variety forms the foundation of koi appreciation and judging standards. Most serious koi aficionados start with Kohaku to learn proper fish evaluation. 

  • Pattern requirements: Clean white base with well-defined red patches.
  • Quality markers: Sharp colour boundaries without bleeding or fuzzy edges.
  • Growth characteristics: Moderate size with balanced body proportions.
  • Colour development: Red intensity improves with age and proper care.

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Taisho Sanke features a white base colour with red and black markings in specific arrangements. The black spots should appear only on the white areas, never on red patches. This variety requires more technical knowledge to evaluate properly. 

  • Pattern rules: Black markings only on white background, never crossing red areas.
  • Body requirements: Strong shoulder area with good head shape and size.
  • Colour expectations: Deep red, pure white, and solid black without grey tones.
  • Common issues: Black fading with age or poor water conditions.

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Showa Sanshoku differs from Sanke by having black as the base colour with red and white markings. Black extends into the head area and appears throughout the body pattern. 

This variety often gets confused with Sanke by beginners. The dramatic contrast makes high-quality Showa quite striking.

  • Base colour: Black foundation with red and white overlay patterns.
  • Head markings: Black extends across the head, unlike other varieties.
  • Pattern style: Bold, dramatic markings with strong colour contrast.
  • Identification tip: Look for black in the head area to distinguish from Sanke.

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Asagi features blue-grey scales arranged in neat rows across the back and sides. Shusui represents the scaleless version of Asagi with similar colour patterns. These types require specific water conditions to maintain proper colour development.

  • Scale pattern: Neat, orderly arrangement of blue-grey scales in Asagi.
  • Colour placement: Red appears on belly and fin areas, blue on back.
  • Water sensitivity: Requires excellent water quality to prevent colour fading.
  • Seasonal changes: Colours often intensify during cooler months.

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Ogon varieties display solid metallic colours ranging from gold to silver and platinum. The metallic sheen creates a mirror-like appearance that catches light beautifully. These koi often appear more active compared to other varieties. 

  • Metallic quality: Bright, reflective sheen across entire body surface.
  • Colour options: Gold, silver, platinum, and occasionally orange variations.
  • Hardiness factor: Generally more robust and disease-resistant than pattern varieties.
  • Pond impact: Metallic colours create stunning visual effects in sunlight.

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Chagoi stands out more for behaviour than appearance, earning a reputation as the most approachable koi variety. These fish inherit strong feeding instincts from their wild carp ancestry, making them eager to interact with owners. 

Their friendly nature often encourages other pond fish to become more social. The brown colouration ranges from light golden tones to deep chocolate shades.

  • Personality trait: Extremely food-motivated and quick to approach humans.
  • Colour range: Various brown shades from golden to dark chocolate.
  • Pond benefit: Helps train other koi to hand-feed through example.
  • Heritage: Close genetic links to the original wild carp species.

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Bekko varieties feature solid base colours decorated with black markings across the back area. The black spots should appear above the lateral line in orderly patterns resembling stepping stones. White-based Bekko remains most common, though red and yellow variations exist. 

  • Pattern style: Black spots arranged like stepping stones above the lateral line.
  • Base options: White (most common), red, or yellow foundation colours.
  • Head requirement: Complete absence of black markings on the head area.
  • Fin quality: Pectoral fins should remain clear without black pigmentation.

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Kumonryu presents dramatic black and white patterns that shift with environmental conditions. The name translates to "nine-crested dragon," reflecting their powerful appearance. These scaleless koi develop tuxedo-like markings that wrap around their bodies in striking arrangements. 

  • Pattern characteristic: Black markings wrap around the body like formal wear.
  • Colour stability: Patterns change with temperature and water conditions.
  • Scale type: Scaleless variety with smooth skin texture.
  • Seasonal effect: Colours intensify or fade with environmental changes.

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Goshiki combines Kohaku patterns with Asagi-style netting, creating intricate five-colour combinations. The base white and red colours get overlaid with blue, black, and grey reticulation patterns. Their net-like scaling creates depth and complexity in the overall appearance.

  • Colour count: Five distinct colours working together in complex patterns.
  • Base pattern: Traditional red and white Kohaku foundation.
  • Overlay effect: Blue, black, and grey netting across the surface.
  • Visual appeal: Creates negative-space effects opposite to the Kohaku style.

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Shiro Utsuri displays alternating black and white markings reminiscent of chessboard squares. The black base colour gets interrupted by white patches in balanced arrangements. Quality specimens show clear definition between colours without muddy transitions. 

  • Pattern rule: Alternating black and white like chessboard squares.
  • Base colour: Black foundation with white overlay markings.
  • Quality marker: Sharp boundaries between black and white areas.
  • Body coverage: Pattern extends from head to tail in a balanced arrangement.

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Ghost Koi represent crosses between ornamental koi and wild carp, creating hardy fish with unique characteristics. Dark scaling along the back contrasts with lighter body colours and metallic sheens. These fish combine koi beauty with wild carp resilience and feeding behaviour. 

  • Hybrid nature: Cross between ornamental koi and wild carp species.
  • Hardiness factor: Exceptional disease resistance and environmental tolerance.
  • Colour pattern: Dark back scaling with lighter body and metallic highlights.
  • Feeding behaviour: Aggressive appetites are inherited from wild carp ancestry.

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Doitsu koi are instantly recognisable due to their smooth, scaleless bodies or distinct rows of large mirror-like scales along the dorsal line. 

Unlike traditional koi with fine overlapping scales, Doitsu varieties offer a cleaner visual impression. The sharp pattern edges and reflective skin give them a more striking appearance in the water.

  • Scale style: Either scaleless or with single-row mirror scales along the back.
  • Colour clarity: Patterns appear bolder due to the smooth skin surface.
  • Care tip: Prone to injury from sharp edges in ponds.
  • Visual effect: Clean, glassy look with sharper pattern definition.

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Gin Rin koi are known for their shimmering scales that reflect light in a way that resembles glitter or diamonds. This effect occurs in many koi varieties, adding sparkle to both solid-coloured and patterned types. The shine makes them especially noticeable in outdoor ponds with natural lighting.

  • Scale texture: Shiny, crystal-like scales reflect sunlight strongly.
  • Variety overlap: Found in Kohaku, Sanke, Showa, and more.
  • Evaluation: Evenness of sparkle across the body is important.
  • Pond effect: Highly visible even in murky water or low light.

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Kin Ki Utsuri combines the dramatic black base of Utsuri koi with bold yellow patterns and a metallic finish. It’s a flashy fish that stands out instantly, both for its colours and high shine. Compared to more common Utsuri types, this one has a distinctly warmer tone.

  • Colour base: Deep black with golden yellow overlay.
  • Sheen quality: Metallic reflection across both colours.
  • Pattern rule: Strong separation between colours increases quality.
  • Growth note: Requires warm temperatures for best colour.

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Hi Utsuri koi feature fiery red-orange patterns over a deep black base, creating a bold contrast. The colour distribution should be well-balanced across the body. This variety is part of the Utsurimono group and tends to develop richer tones as it matures.

  • Base tone: Jet black with red overlay markings.
  • Pattern placement: Alternates across the body in balanced segments.
  • Colour challenge: Red can darken or fade in poor water.
  • Fin marking: Ideally shows red and black streaks evenly.

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Ki Utsuri is one of the rarest Utsurimono koi, displaying yellow patterns on a black foundation. It’s not as commonly found in hobbyist ponds, but highly valued for its unique warmth and balance when properly bred. The difference between Kin Ki Utsuri and Ki Utsuri is that the former has a metallic sheen to it, which gives it a gold-like shine. Ki Utsuri has a bright yellow appearance. 

  • Pattern contrast: Bright yellow stands out sharply against black.
  • Availability: Rarer than Hi or Shiro Utsuri.
  • Colour note: Yellow can turn muddy if pond conditions vary.
  • Best viewed: In natural light for truest colour visibility.

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Benigoi are fully red or orange koi with no other markings. While simple in appearance, their strong body structure and confident swimming style make them highly desirable. These koi often grow to large sizes and become prominent figures in any pond.

  • Colour uniformity: The entire body shows one strong red tone.
  • Size potential: Known for growing large with thick bodies.
  • Behaviour trait: Generally friendly and confident swimmers.
  • Quality tip: Avoid patches, fading, or uneven shading.

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Platinum Ogon is the metallic white variation of the Ogon koi group. Its pure, glossy appearance and uniform shine make it a favourite among those who appreciate minimalistic beauty in koi. Even small flaws are easily noticed, making precision in breeding essential.

  • Colour type: Pure white with intense metallic gloss.
  • Fin matching: Fins should match the body colour perfectly.
  • Visibility: Extremely eye-catching in dark or deep ponds.
  • Cleanliness note: Dirt or algae can show clearly on white skin.

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Kikokuryu takes the shifting patterns of Kumonryu and adds a metallic layer. This variety often shows silver base tones with black patches and occasional red highlights. Their patterns tend to evolve with age and seasonal changes, making them an interesting variety to watch.

  • Base look: Black-and-white with silver metallic tones.
  • Pattern behaviour: Colours shift with seasonal changes.
  • Finishing touch: Shimmer adds depth to contrast patterns.
  • Pond tip: Better viewed from above than from the sides.

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Matsuba koi combine a single-colour body with a distinct net-like pattern formed by black centres in each scale. The effect is most visible on lighter base colours and gives a textured look without adding extra hues. Despite the simplicity, well-bred Matsuba can stand out dramatically in a group pond.

  • Base colours: Red (Aka), white (Gin), and yellow (Ki).
  • Pattern type: Black centre in each scale forms a net-like effect.
  • Skin quality: Often metallic, with consistent gloss.
  • Evaluation tip: Symmetry and clarity of reticulation are key.

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Butterfly koi are known for their long, flowing fins that resemble the wings of a butterfly. They’re not a colour variety but a fin type, developed by crossing traditional koi with wild Indonesian long-finned carp. Their graceful swimming style and trailing fins add movement and charm to any pond.

  • Fin style: Extended, ribbon-like fins and tails that grow longer with age.
  • Body shape: Typically more slender than standard koi varieties.
  • Compatibility: Peaceful and suitable for mixed ponds with other koi.
  • Maintenance note: Fins are delicate and prone to damage in rough environments.

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Shusui koi look similar to Asagi but are scaleless on the sides, with one line of mirror scales along the dorsal ridge. Their blue-grey backs contrast with red or orange markings along the belly and fins, making the pattern feel more fluid.

  • Scale layout: Only along the dorsal line, the rest of the body is smooth.
  • Colour placement: Red on fins and belly, blue-grey on back.
  • Clarity check: Sharp transitions between blue and red areas.
  • Growth advice: Needs clean water to avoid muddy colours.

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Midorigoi stands out as one of the few koi with solid green colouring. It’s created from breeding Ogon with Shusui lines. This variety is rarely seen and brings a subtle elegance to ponds where other koi varieties dominate with bright patterns.

  • Base colour: Muted to vibrant green, depending on light.
  • Rarity factor: Less common in general koi markets.
  • Visual appeal: Unique tone compared to traditional koi.
  • Colour stability: Tends to shift with age and water conditions.

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Ochiba Shigure means “fallen leaves on water,” and the fish lives up to the name with soft, earthy patches over a grey base. These koi are known for their gentle appearance and steady behaviour, often serving as calm companions in community ponds.

  • Base tone: Light grey with bronze or copper patches.
  • Pattern impression: Soft, natural, irregular overlays.
  • Behaviour note: Calm swimmers, often grow large.
  • Water tip: Colours show best in slightly shaded ponds.

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Budo Goromo features dark, grape-like clusters over a white or light base, offering a layered appearance. The term “Budo” translates to “grape,” which reflects the shape and arrangement of its overlaid colours.

  • Colour mix: Red patterns edged with blue or black.
  • Pattern texture: Overlapping scales give a clothed appearance.
  • Base reference: Often starts with a Kohaku body shape.
  • Complexity note: Pattern maturity takes several years.

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Ai Goromo is a clean white koi with red markings that are subtly edged in blue. The effect is refined and elegant, becoming more pronounced as the fish matures. It’s often used to judge refinement and pattern control in koi competitions.

  • Edge colour: Subtle blue outline around each red patch.
  • Pattern clarity: Clean white base enhances colour visibility.
  • Development: Blue edge becomes more visible with age.
  • Fin detail: Fins usually remain plain and white.

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Yamabuki Ogon is one of the most recognisable koi thanks to its bright, lemon-yellow metallic skin. Its vivid colour and shiny surface make it highly visible in all types of ponds, regardless of lighting or depth.

  • Colour range: Pale yellow to strong golden hues.
  • Shine strength: Strong metallic reflection across the full body.
  • Body shape: Thick, robust frame supports fast growth.
  • Popularity: Common choice for beginner and experienced keepers alike.

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Kin Showa is a metallic version of the traditional Showa koi, developed by introducing Ogon bloodlines into the Showa gene pool. It features a black base with red and white patterns, all enhanced by a reflective metallic sheen. This shimmering finish sets it apart from the standard Showa, especially under sunlight.

  • Base pattern: Traditional Showa markings with added metallic lustre.
  • Shine factor: Reflective sheen across all three colours.
  • Popularity: Gaining attention for its striking appearance in outdoor ponds.
  • Pattern tip: Look for clear colour separation and balanced placement.

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Aka Hajiro koi are solid red fish with distinct white tips on their pectoral fins, tail, and sometimes the nose. The contrast adds elegance to an otherwise simple body, creating a calm but refined look. They are less common but quietly appreciated by serious hobbyists for their understated beauty.

  • Base colour: Deep red or orange, uniform across the body.
  • Accent zones: White only on fin edges and nose.
  • Skin tone: Matte or slightly glossy, depending on lineage.
  • Breeding note: Related to the Hikari Muji group.

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Yatsushiro koi are named for the four white points, typically the pectoral fins, tail fin, and head, set against a black body. This contrast gives them a sharp, minimal appearance that feels deliberate rather than flashy. They're not commonly found, but well-formed specimens can look striking in still water.

  • Base tone: Jet black body with clearly defined white accents.
  • White zones: Two pectoral fins, tail fin, and head or snout area.
  • Visual effect: Balanced contrast with minimal colour clutter.
  • Market note: Rarely bred in large numbers; often reserved for collectors.

Up next, let’s take a look at some of the most fascinating koi carp facts every pond-keeper or fish enthusiast should know. 

Most Interesting Facts About Koi Carp Fish

Koi carp are among the most captivating and culturally significant ornamental fish in the world. These vibrant creatures have fascinated people for centuries with their remarkable characteristics and symbolic importance.

  • Extraordinary Longevity: Koi can live for over 200 years, with the oldest recorded koi named Hanako living to 226 years old in Japan. Their age can be determined by examining growth rings on their scales, similar to counting tree rings.
  • Remarkable Memory and Intelligence: These fish possess excellent memory capabilities and can recognise their owners, responding to feeding schedules and even learning to eat from human hands. They can remember feeding patterns for months and distinguish between different people.
  • Incredible Size Potential: Wild koi can grow up to 120 centimetres in length and weigh over 40 kilograms, though pond-raised koi typically reach 60-90 centimetres. Their growth depends largely on water quality, space, and nutrition.
  • Colour-Changing Abilities: Koi colours can change throughout their lifetime based on diet, water quality, sunlight exposure, and genetics. Young koi often appear dull and develop their vibrant colours as they mature.
  • Cultural Symbolism: In Japanese culture, koi represent perseverance, strength, and good fortune. Different colours carry specific meanings: red symbolises love, black represents overcoming obstacles, and gold signifies prosperity.
  • Cold Weather Survivors: Koi can survive in water temperatures as low as 4°C by entering a state similar to hibernation called torpor, where their metabolism slows dramatically and they barely move or eat.
  • Omnivorous Appetite: These fish are opportunistic feeders that consume everything from aquatic plants and insects to small fish and crustaceans. In ponds, they help control mosquito populations by eating larvae.
  • Social Hierarchy: Koi establish complex social structures within their groups, with dominant fish claiming the best feeding spots and territories. They communicate through body language and can form lasting social bonds.

Fish Species You Can See at Aquarium Paradise

If you like exploring marine life and haven't visited Aquarium Paradise in Bangalore yet, it's high time you did. The ocean-themed adventure park has a massive display of stunning ornamental fishes, including 44+ freshwater and 21+ saltwater species.

Here are a few magnificent species with short descriptions that will captivate any aquatic enthusiast:

  • Goldfish: These peaceful, hardy fish come in dozens of colour variations and are beloved worldwide.
  • Giant Gourami: Known for their calm nature and impressive size, they make a striking presence in community tanks.
  • Black Pacu: These big-bodied, plant-eating fish grow fast and respond well to hand feeding.
  • Pearl Gourami: With their delicate shimmer and peaceful nature, they're a favourite among hobbyists.
  • Silver Dollar: These round-bodied fish school in groups and display beautifully synchronized swimming patterns.
  • Silver Arowana: These majestic freshwater giants are highly intelligent and display graceful swimming movements.
  • Albino Iridescent Shark: Gentle and graceful, they glide through the water with a mesmerizing presence.
  • Flowerhorn: Bred for vibrant colours and unique head formations, these active fish are fascinating to observe.
  • Discus: They thrive in warm water and are prized for their vivid colours and distinctive disc-like body shape.
  • Blood Red Parrot: These unique hybrid fish showcase brilliant red and orange colourations that catch every eye.

Just to name a few. 

You can spot several other aquatic wonders in every corner of the park. Our spacious aquariums are designed to replicate natural habitats. At Aquarium Paradise, we carefully monitor water quality and health conditions to ensure all marine creatures are well taken care of.

Other Attractions at Aquarium Paradise

  • Mermaid Show: Live underwater mermaid performances inside viewing tanks, included with your entry ticket.
  • Jellyfish Room: A softly lit chamber with glowing jellyfish floating in synchronised, hypnotic patterns.
  • Artificial Waterfalls: Indoor waterfalls add natural ambience and are perfect for calming breaks and photos.
  • Ocean Window Lounge: Cosy lounge with giant viewing panels, ideal for relaxing and clicking marine-themed photos.
  • Fish Feeding Sessions: Watch or participate in guided feeding while learning about aquatic habits from the staff.

Conclusion

Koi carp fish reflect centuries of careful breeding, calm behaviour, and artistic beauty in motion. Understanding the varieties and their traits helps deepen appreciation, whether you’re a beginner or a long-time enthusiast.

At Aquarium Paradise, we bring that beauty to life with live displays, interactive sessions, and curated habitats designed for both education and enjoyment. From river stingrays to exotic jellyfish exhibits, there’s something for every visitor to discover.

Plan your visit to Aquarium Paradise in Bangalore and experience the grandeur of marine life, all under one roof. Skip the long queue and enjoy great offers by booking your tickets online.

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