KOI (Nishikigoi)

Koi are ornamental varieties of the Amur carp, celebrated for their beauty and grace. These striking fish are traditionally kept in outdoor water gardens, Koi ponds, and, more recently, indoor ponds.

Originating from Niigata, Japan, Koi are highly prized and cherished across the globe. The many varieties of Koi trace their lineage back to early selective breeding in the 19th century.

When China invaded Japan, they brought Koi carp with them, initially used as a resilient and reliable food source. However, by the 1820s, the Japanese had begun to selectively breed these fish, enhancing their vibrant colours. This led to the emergence of what we now recognise as Japanese Koi carp.

In 1914, the global fascination with Koi began when a Sanke variety from Niigata was showcased at the Annual Exposition in Japan. The fish, then around 15 years old, captivated audiences. Later, several Koi were placed in the Imperial Palace moat of Emperor Hirohito, further propelling their international renown.

Gosanke – The “Top Three” Families

Gosanke refers to the three most esteemed and popular Koi varieties: Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku (Sanke), and Showa Sanshoku (Showa). They are known for their ideal size, body shape, and colouration – qualities that have made them consistent winners in Koi competitions.

There are over 100 types of Koi, generally divided into thirteen major classes. They are intelligent, hardy, and responsive to humans. Many owners train their Koi to feed from their hands.

Lifespan: On average, Koi live between 20 and 50 years, depending on genetics, diet, and care.
Oldest Recorded Koi: Hanako (meaning "Flower Child") lived to an astonishing 226 years. Born in 1751, Hanako was a scarlet-coloured female Higoi owned by Dr Komei Koshihara. Her age was verified in 1966 by analysing growth rings on two scales, which confirmed she was at least 215 years old. Other Koi in her pond were also found to be over 100 years old.

Gosanke Varieties

Kohaku (Amber)

Colours: White and red
First bred in 1888 by Kunizo Hiroi, Kohaku are descended from the now-extinct Gosuke bloodline. They feature a pure white (shiro) body with a vivid red or orange (hi) pattern, free from blemishes.

Pattern types include:

  • Nidan: Two-step pattern

  • Sandan: Three-step pattern

  • Yondan: Four-step pattern

  • Godan: Five-step pattern

  • Inazuma: A zigzag lightning pattern across the back

Taisho Sanshoku (Sanke)

Colours: White, red, and black
Developed during the Taisho period (1912–1926), Sanke Koi are white with a red Kohaku-style pattern and additional black markings (sumi). A defining trait of a high-quality Sanke is the absence of black on the head and below the lateral line.

Showa Sanshoku (Showa)

Colours: Black, red, and white
First bred in 1927 during the Showa period, Showa are black-based Koi with striking red (hi) and white (shiro) markings. They are known for sumi markings on the head, fins (motoguro), and below the lateral line.

Other Koi Varieties

Utsurimono (Reflections)

Black-based Koi with overlays of a single colour:

  • Shiro Utsuri: Black and white

  • Hi Utsuri: Black and red

  • Ki Utsuri: Black and yellow (the rarest)

Utsuri often feature hachiware – a lightning bolt-shaped head pattern. Though typically smaller and less likely to win competitions, their unique appearance makes them striking additions to any pond.

Mujimono – Solid-Coloured Koi

“Mujimono” means plain, non-metallic, single-colour Koi.

Chagoi (Tea Koi):
Colours include brown, copper, reddish-brown, and greenish hues. Known for their calm temperament and friendly nature, they help tame other Koi in the pond. In winter, their colour may lighten; in summer, it deepens.

Soragoi (Sky Koi):
Silver-grey to blue-grey with a subtle reticulated pattern (fukurin). More prominent reticulation than Chagoi and equally friendly.

Hikarimono – Metallic Koi

“Hikari” means shine or light.

Hikarimoyo:
Patterned metallic Koi with bright sheen. Often includes multiple colours but may not fall into specific categories. Patterns resemble those of Kujaku.

Hikari Utsuri:
Metallic Utsuri or Showa varieties. Appreciated for their vibrant shine. Found in standard, Doitsu (scaleless), and butterfly fin types.

Hikari Muji:
Solid-colour metallic Koi with no markings. Known for their lustrous sheen. Examples include:

  • Yamabuki Ogon: Yellow metallic

  • Platinum Ogon: Shimmering white

  • Orange Ogon: Deep orange metallic

  • Kin Matsuba: Golden “pine needle” pattern

  • Gin Matsuba: Silver “pine needle” pattern

Doitsu (German-Style Koi)

Originating in Germany, Doitsu are typically scaleless or have rows of mirror-like scales (Kagami-goi). Scaleless types with smooth skin are called Kawas-goi (leather carp). First introduced to Japan in 1904.

Butterfly Koi

A hybrid of long-finned Indonesian carp and traditional Japanese Koi, developed in the 1980s. Recognisable by their flowing fins and elegant movement, they resemble Asian dragons in motion and make a stunning visual addition to any pond.

Sturgeon

Once a common sight in British rivers, sturgeon are now among the most critically endangered species on the planet – even more so than the black rhino.

There are two main species found in the UK:

  • European Sturgeon

  • Atlantic Sturgeon

Sturgeon belong to the Acipenseridae family, with around 27 known species. These ancient fish date back to the Middle Jurassic period (174 to 163 million years ago). They have elongated, smooth, scaleless bodies covered with bony plates called scutes arranged in five lateral rows.

Largest recorded Sturgeon: A female Beluga caught in 1827 in the Volga Delta, weighing 3,463 lb (1,570 kg) and measuring 7.2 metres long.