Over one hundred varieties of Koi have been described by the Japanese. These are differentiated based on the patterns of their colorations and scalation. The koi varieties are categorized under different classifications, which include but are not limited to the following:
Shusui and Asagi: The top of the Asagi variety’s body has a pattern resembling a net. The members of this variety have a dark blue edge on each of their scales.
Goshiki: Translation from the Japanese language implies “five colors. ” This variety was bred from the Sanke and Asagi.
Kohaku: The Kohaku variety is one of the widely known koi varieties. The Kohaku has a solid white base and a red pattern overlay.
Goromo: The Goromo variety has similar patterns to the Kohaku; the difference comes in that they have black or blue edges on their red scales.
Hikarimuji: The koi fish varieties classified under this category include Koi that have a single color and have a sheen on their skin.
Hikarimoyo: The koi fish varieties classified under this classification are almost similar to the varieties classified under the Hikarimuji. The difference between the two classes is that they have either two or more colors on their glossy skins.
Hikari Utsuri: This classification has koi varieties that have a metallic body appearance.
Kinginrin: This classification has koi varieties that have silver and gold-colored scales. The difference between the Kinginrin classification and the Hikari Utsuri is that the Kinginrin koi have a sparkle appearance, which opposes the metallic look of the Hikari Utsuri.
The different koi fish varieties can be spotted in creeks, streams, and/or permanent rivers. Koi fish has also been noted to tolerate slightly brackish waters.
