Sam Norley is on hand to help you identify what type of koi you have in your garden pond and to explain what makes a high-quality example.
The majority of koi keepers aren’t entirely sure which varieties they own. This is a bold statement, but from interacting with hundreds of customers over the past decade, I feel it is true.
Why? No two koi are the same, and each one is like a living work of art. Because of this, there is never an exact rule when identifying the varieties, and it’s often not as simple as black and white (literally!). Certain varieties are more obvious than others, whereas some can display rather similar characteristics.
Size also plays a role. Identifying smaller koi – especially those under six inches – can be difficult. Koi breeders need well-trained eyes as they must be able to understand and identify each variety when they are as small as one inch! This is a skill that takes many hours and thousands of tiny koi to perfect.
Another key factor is lineage. High-quality (and expensive) Japanese koi are selectively bred over generations to produce offspring with as many desirable traits, making them easier to identify. In contrast, koi bred by a neighbour, or inexperienced hobbyist, may be crosses of unusual pairings, resulting in fish that are beautiful but harder to classify.
In this guide, we’ll cover 10 of the most common koi varieties you’re likely to find in ponds or aquatic shops – and what makes a high-quality example of each variety.
Related article: How to avoid summer pond problems
The 10 Most Common Koi Varieties
Kohaku
Identification: White body with a red pattern
All photos provided by Cuttlebrook Koi Farm unless otherwise stated
One of the most iconic koi varieties, Kohaku feature a pure white body with a bold red pattern (known as beni or hi).
This variety holds the record for the most expensive ornamental fish ever to be sold to date - back in 2018, a Kohaku known as ‘S Legend’ sold for a record-breaking $1.6 million.
What makes a high-quality Kohaku?
- Snow-white, clean skin
- Deep, even red colouring
- Balanced pattern across the fish
Sanke
Identification: White body with red and black markings
Sanke are essentially Kohaku with added black (sumi) pigment in stepping stone like pattern along the body.
This variety is also very highly regarded in the koi world, and in 2023 a 101cm (39.8") Sanke from Sakai Fish Farm took the prestigious Grand Champion award at the AJKS.
What to look for:
- Strong Kohaku red pattern
- Even distribution of black markings
- Good balance between red and black
Showa
Identification: Black body with red and white markings
Showa are part of the “big three” koi varieties, labelled as 'Gosanke', alongside Kohaku and Sanke. If you asked a fishkeeper to paint a picture of a koi, the likelihood is that they’d paint you one of these three.
They are often confused with Sanke, but the key difference lies in the black pattern. There will be some fish that look very similar and there can be exceptions to the rule, but most of the time they can be distinguished fairly easily.
How to tell Showa apart:
- Black wraps around the body (below the lateral line)
- Black should appear on the head, whereas Sanke should not have black on the head
- Fins may show black that bleeds out from the base (motoguro)
Quality indicators:
- All three colours present on the head
- Balanced distribution of black, red, and white
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Shiro Utsuri
Identification: Black body with white pattern
Often called the “panda koi,” this striking variety features bold black and white contrast. The black markings wrap around the body and should also be present on the head of the koi.
Tip:
Don’t confuse with Shiro Bekko – Utsuri have similar black patterns to a Showa, while Bekko are more like a Sanke.
Hi Utsuri
Identification: Black body with a bold red pattern
Nicknamed “tiger" koi, Hi Utsuri belong to the Utsurimono variety group. This variation has the same black traits as a Shiro Usuri, but instead of being paired with a white pattern, it has a red or deep orange pattern.
What to look for:
- Strong, bold black blocks
- Minimal small black specks
- Bright red or orange contrast
Yamabuki Ogon
Identification: Metallic yellow koi
Photo by World of Nishikigoi
This is the golden jewel of any pond. Yamabuki Ogon are known for their bright, metallic sheen that looks incredibly shiny, almost glowing.
Quality features:
- Even, glossy metallic finish
- Clean head with no blemishes
- Shiny fins with a strong metallic lustre
Kujaku
Identification: Metallic white body with black net pattern and red/orange markings
In my personal experience, I would say this is one of the most popular varieties amongst people just starting in the hobby. It ticks a lot of aesthetically pleasing boxes, it's striking, bright, shiny and colourful.
Characterised by its black ‘Matsuba’ pattern which exhibits a black net-like pattern to the scales, overlaid on white skin. On top of this Matsuba pattern will be a Kohaku-like pattern that is spread out between the head and the tail.
Quality tips:
- Even, clean netting pattern
- Balanced red/orange markings
- A bright metallic lustre
Hariwake
Identification: Metallic white koi with yellow or orange pattern
Similar to Kujaku coming from the same variety group called Hikari-moyo, but without the black net pattern.
What makes a good Hariwake:
- Sharp, clean pattern edges
- Bright metallic sheen
- Clear, unmarked fins
Tancho Kohaku
Identification: White body with a single red circle on the head
One of the most iconic varieties of Koi, a highly prized variety that not many koi ponds are without. The broad variety group of ‘Tancho’ describes a Koi that has a single patch of circular colour on the head.
Key features:
- Perfectly round red spot
- Spot centred on the head only
- Pure white, unmarked body
Chagoi
Identification: Solid brown koi
A personal favourite of mine and no koi pond is complete without a big friendly Chagoi! They might look relatively plain in colour, but they are one of the fastest growing, largest and friendliest varieties that you can buy.
Why keepers love them:
- Fast-growing
- Very tame and interactive
- Often the friendliest fish in the pond
Quality indicators:
- Even brown colouring
- Clean scales with no blemishes
- Subtle net-like scale pattern
Three Key Factors to Consider When Identifying Koi
When trying to identify your koi, keep these points in mind:
1. Size
Smaller fish are harder to identify. If unsure, wait until they grow.
2. Metallic sheen
If the fish looks shiny, it belongs to a metallic variety.
3. Black markings
The style and placement of black pigment are crucial for identification.
Related article: Which pond filter do I need for my garden pond?
Photo by Shutterstock
Over to You
Now it’s time to head out to your pond and put your knowledge to the test.
Remember, this guide covers just a selection of common varieties. If your koi doesn’t quite match any of these, don’t worry – there are many more out there to discover.
Koi keeping is a journey, and the more you learn, the more fascinating these fish become.
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