The History Of Koi Fish

Koi fish are ornamental, colorful varieties of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Here are some common terms used to describe them:

Body Shape:

Koi have a streamlined, elongated body, ideal for swimming in ponds.

 

Color Varieties:

• Kohaku: White with red patterns.
• Taisho Sanke (Sanke): White base with red and black markings.
• Showa: Black base with red and white markings.
• Asagi: Blue-grey scales with red/orange belly.
• Bekko: Solid white, red, or yellow with black patterns.

 

Scales:

• Doitsu: Scaleless or minimal scales, mainly along the dorsal line.
• Gin Rin: Sparkling, reflective scales.
• Kawarimono: Koi with non-standard colors or patterns.
  

 

Fins:

Koi have large, graceful pectoral fins and a fan-shaped tail fin.

 

Pattern Terminology:

• Hi: Red pattern.
• Shiroji: White base color.
• Sumi: Black patterns or patches.
• Matsuba: Pinecone-like scale patterns, often metallic.

 

Size:

Koi can grow large, often reaching 24-36 inches, depending on the species and pond conditions.

 

Age and Longevity:

Koi are long-lived, often living 25-35 years, with some living even longer under optimal conditions.

 

Symbolism: In various cultures, koi fish symbolize perseverance, strength, and success, often linked to their ability to swim upstream against strong currents.

Aragoke refers to a specific scale type seen in koi fish. It describes koi with large, thick, rough, and raised scales that give them a rugged, armor-like appearance. The term is often used for koi varieties with prominent, noticeable scales, particularly on Doitsu koi, which are normally scaleless but may exhibit a row of larger scales along their backs or sides.

These scales are distinct from the fine, smooth scales typically seen on most koi, making aragoke koi stand out due to their unique texture and bold look.

Netting koi fish requires careful technique to avoid injuring them, as their scales and skin are delicate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to properly net koi:

 

1. Use the Right Equipment:

• Koi Net: Use a wide, shallow koi net with soft mesh to prevent damage to their scales and fins. A fine mesh is best.
• Koi Sock Net: For moving koi out of the water, a koi sock net (a long, soft, tube-like net) is ideal as it supports the fish’s body.

 

2. Prepare the Environment:

• Calm the Water: Ensure the water is calm and free of debris. Minimize disturbances before attempting to net them.
• Minimize Stress: Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that may startle the koi and cause them to dart around.

 

3. Netting the Koi:

• Approach Slowly: Move the net gently in the water, approaching the koi slowly from the side or below. Avoid sudden movements.
• Guide, Don’t Chase: Don’t chase the koi around the pond. Instead, guide the fish toward a corner or shallower area to limit its escape routes.
• Use the Net’s Edge: Use the edge of the net to gently coax the koi into the net rather than trying to scoop it up all at once.

 

4. Lift Carefully:

• Once the koi is inside the net, don’t lift it out of the water with the koi net, as this could harm the fish’s body or scales.
• Instead, guide the koi into a koi sock net, which is designed to lift the fish out of the water safely.
• Support the body by holding both ends of the sock net, keeping the koi horizontal.

 

5. Transfer to a Holding Tank:

• If you’re transferring the koi to a holding tank or another pond, make sure the tank has water at the same temperature as their current environment to avoid shock.
• Gently release the koi into the new water by submerging the sock net and letting them swim out on their own.

 

Tips:

• Handle as Little as Possible: Avoid excessive handling, as koi are sensitive and can be injured by rough handling.
• Wet Your Hands: If you must handle the koi with your hands, make sure your hands are wet to prevent removing their protective slime coat.
• Net During Cooler Times: Try to net koi during the cooler part of the day to reduce stress.

 

By being patient and using the proper technique, you can safely net your koi without causing harm.

The Yamabuki Ogon variety of koi, known for its metallic yellow or gold coloration, was developed by koi breeders in Japan. The specific breeder often credited with developing this variety around 1939 is Mr. Sawata Aoki. He was one of the pioneers in breeding metallic koi, particularly Ogon (solid-colored, metallic koi), which led to the creation of the Yamabuki Ogon.

Sawata Aoki’s contributions were crucial to the development of the metallic koi we see today, and his work on the Ogon lineage paved the way for the popular Yamabuki Ogon, which is still one of the most sought-after koi varieties.

During World War II, Japan faced significant resource shortages, and koi, which were considered luxuries, were often confiscated by the government to be used as a food source. Many breeders had to give up their prized koi to support the war effort. However, despite the hardships, there is a famous story about Sawata Aoki, the breeder credited with developing the Yamabuki Ogon variety, and his dedication to preserving his koi.

It is said that even during the war, when food was scarce and resources were rationed, Aoki continued to feed and care for his koi in secret. His koi were not just fish to him; they were the result of years of selective breeding, representing a living legacy of his family’s breeding tradition. Rather than seeing them as expendable, Aoki saw his koi as something worth protecting despite the desperate circumstances.

To avoid the government confiscating his koi, Aoki reportedly hid them in secret ponds. Even though food for humans was hard to come by, he scrounged whatever food he could to feed his koi, sometimes sacrificing his own rations. This act of devotion speaks to his passion for koi breeding and his vision for preserving the species, particularly the metallic Ogon varieties he was developing.

Aoki’s perseverance paid off. After the war, he was able to continue breeding koi, and the lineage he saved helped shape the future of ornamental koi breeding. His dedication, even in the face of adversity, is often celebrated among koi enthusiasts as a testament to his love for the art of koi breeding and his role in preserving some of Japan’s most beautiful koi varieties during one of the most difficult times in the country’s history.

Sawata Aoki, the renowned koi breeder credited with developing the Yamabuki Ogon and other metallic koi varieties, did not die wealthy. Despite his significant contributions to koi breeding and the enduring legacy he left in the world of ornamental fish, he reportedly died penniless.

Aoki’s life was dedicated to perfecting koi breeding, particularly focusing on the creation of beautiful metallic varieties like the Yamabuki Ogon. However, his passion for koi did not translate into financial success during his lifetime. He was known for his devotion to the art and science of breeding, often prioritizing the well-being of his koi over financial gain. As a result, he struggled financially, especially later in life.

His story serves as a reminder that even those who make lasting contributions to culture and industry may not always achieve material wealth during their lifetimes. Aoki’s legacy lives on in the beautiful koi varieties that continue to be bred today, but his financial hardships were a reflection of the difficult times and the personal sacrifices he made for his craft.

The Kindai Showa, a modern variety of Showa koi with a greater emphasis on white coloration (Shiroji) in its pattern, was developed primarily by Minoru Mano of the Dainichi Koi Farm in Japan. The development of Kindai Showa began in the 1960s and 1970s as a refinement of the traditional Showa variety.

Traditional Showa koi have a black base (Sumi) with red (Hi) and white (Shiroji) markings, but the early versions were much darker, with more black dominating the body. Minoru Mano worked to enhance the white portions of the koi, creating a more balanced, cleaner look with vivid contrasts between the black, red, and white patterns. This led to the creation of the Kindai Showa, meaning “modern Showa,” which is known for its lighter, more refined appearance and better balance between the three colors.

Today, Kindai Showa are highly prized for their striking contrast and are a popular variety in the koi world.

Hookazuki is often referred to as the “mother of all koi” in koi breeding lore, but this title is symbolic rather than literal. Hookazuki was a famous female koi (a magoi or wild carp) that played a crucial role in the development of modern ornamental koi varieties.

In the early 1800s, breeders in the Niigata region of Japan were crossbreeding wild carp (magoi) to enhance coloration and patterns. Hookazuki was considered one of the foundational breeding females, known for producing offspring with desirable traits that could be passed down through generations. Many of the koi that came from her bloodline were critical in the development of some of the first colored koi varieties, such as Kohaku, Taisho Sanke, and Showa.

While Hookazuki herself was not the direct mother of all koi, her genetic contributions were vital to the evolution of koi breeding. Her offspring helped establish many of the traits and characteristics seen in modern koi, which is why she is revered as a foundational figure in koi breeding history.

The Sanke, also known as Taisho Sanke or Taisho Sanshoku, is one of the three most famous koi varieties, alongside the Kohaku and Showa. It is characterized by its elegant white base color with red (hi) and black (sumi) markings. The development of the Sanke has an interesting history that dates back to the early 20th century.

 

Early Development (Late 1800s to Early 1900s)

• The Sanke koi originated from the Kohaku variety, which is a white koi with red markings. The first recorded development of Sanke was around 1915, during the Taisho Era of Japan (1912–1926), hence the name Taisho Sanke.
• The exact origins of Sanke are somewhat unclear, but breeders in the Niigata region noticed some Kohaku koi developing black spots (sumi) in addition to the traditional red and white pattern. Breeders worked to refine this new color combination, leading to the creation of the Sanke variety.

 

Refinement of the Breed

• Throughout the early 20th century, koi breeders focused on perfecting the balance of red, white, and black on Sanke koi. The goal was to have a clean white base, bright red patterns, and distinct black markings, primarily on the body (not on the head). The sumi markings in Sanke are typically smaller and more refined compared to those on Showa koi.
• During this period, the Niigata region became known for producing exceptional koi, and breeders like Gosuke Kawakami and others contributed to the refinement of the Sanke variety by selecting for color purity and pattern balance.

 

Post-War Breeding (1940s to 1950s)

• After World War II, koi breeding techniques improved dramatically, with advances in genetic selection and care. This period saw further refinement in Sanke breeding, with more attention paid to the quality of the white base (shiroji) and the placement of the sumi markings.
• The post-war years also marked the rise in popularity of ornamental koi both in Japan and internationally. Sanke, along with Kohaku and Showa, became one of the most prized and sought-after varieties.

 

Modern Sanke Koi

• Today, Sanke koi are known for their grace and elegance. The ideal Sanke has a pure white body, bright and uniform red patterns, and balanced black markings that do not extend to the head. Breeders continue to refine these traits through careful selection.
• Sanke remains one of the most popular koi varieties, frequently featured in koi shows and competitions. The balance and contrast between the three colors make Sanke koi highly admired by collectors and enthusiasts.

 

Key Characteristics of Sanke

• White (Shiroji): The base color should be pure and free from blemishes.
• Red (Hi): The red markings should be vibrant, well-distributed, and uniform.
• Black (Sumi): Sumi spots should be crisp and well-placed, primarily on the body. Unlike Showa, Sanke koi typically have no sumi markings on the head.

 

The Sanke koi represents over a century of selective breeding and remains one of the most iconic and refined koi varieties, prized for its stunning three-color combination.

The famous Showa variety, also known as Showa Sanshoku or Showa Sanke, was first developed by Jukichi Hoshino in 1927. Hoshino, a koi breeder from the Niigata Prefecture in Japan, began working on the Showa by crossing Kohaku (red and white koi) with Shiro Utsuri (a black and white koi) to create a koi with a black base and red and white patterns. This was during the Showa Era of Japan (1926–1989), which is how the variety got its name.

 

Early Development (1920s to 1930s)

The original Showa koi developed by Jukichi Hoshino were dominated by black (sumi), with less emphasis on the white (shiroji) and red (hi) compared to modern Showa. These early Showa koi were much darker and often had irregular patterns.

 

Refinement by Tomiji Kobayashi

In the 1960s, another breeder, Tomiji Kobayashi, played a crucial role in refining the Showa variety. Kobayashi’s goal was to create a Showa with a better balance between the three colors: red, black, and white. He introduced more Kohaku bloodlines into Showa breeding to improve the quality of the white base and the vibrancy of the red markings.

The work of Kobayashi resulted in the Kindai Showa (“modern Showa”), a Showa variety with more emphasis on the white (shiroji) and cleaner patterns, making it easier to distinguish from the Taisho Sanke, which also features red, black, and white. The modern Showa developed by Kobayashi became the standard for Showa koi seen in competitions and koi shows today.

 

Key Contributions:

• Jukichi Hoshino (1927): Original development of the Showa variety, focusing on creating a koi with a black base and red and white markings.
• Tomiji Kobayashi (1960s): Refined the Showa variety by enhancing the white base and improving the balance between red, black, and white, creating the modern Kindai Showa.

These two breeders played critical roles in the development and refinement of the Showa koi, which remains one of the most popular and admired varieties in the koi world today.

Izumiya, a well-known koi breeder, made significant contributions to the development and refinement of the Showa variety, particularly in the post-war period. While the initial creation of the Showa was attributed to Jukichi Hoshino in 1927, and further refinement was made by Tomiji Kobayashi in the 1960s, Izumiya played a key role in enhancing the quality and characteristics of Showa koi, specifically in terms of color balance and skin quality.

 

Izumiya’s Contributions:

1. Improving the Shiroji (White Base): Izumiya is credited with helping improve the purity and brightness of the white base (shiroji) in Showa koi. Early Showa koi had a black-dominated appearance with less emphasis on the white, but Izumiya worked to bring out a cleaner, purer white that created more contrast against the red (hi) and black (sumi) markings. This refinement led to more visually striking Showa koi with better overall balance between the three colors.
2. Enhancing Skin Quality: Another significant contribution Izumiya made was enhancing the quality of the skin, particularly the luster and sheen of the koi’s scales. By introducing improved bloodlines, Izumiya’s breeding efforts produced koi with beautiful, reflective skin that emphasized the vivid colors and patterns of the Showa variety. This focus on skin quality helped Showa koi become more competitive in shows, where high-quality skin is a critical factor in judging.
3. Refining the Sumi (Black Markings): Izumiya also contributed to refining the sumi (black) patterns. His breeding efforts helped produce Showa koi with more controlled and well-defined sumi placement, which is a crucial feature in the breed. Instead of having scattered or irregular black patterns, his work led to more uniform and aesthetically pleasing sumi distribution, making Showa koi look cleaner and more elegant.

 

Legacy:

While breeders like Jukichi Hoshino and Tomiji Kobayashi are credited with the initial creation and early refinement of the Showa variety, Izumiya’s work played a key role in elevating the Showa koi to its modern form, especially in terms of color clarity, skin quality, and pattern refinement. His contributions helped make the Showa koi one of the most popular and visually appealing koi varieties in the world today.

Yamato Nishiki and Showa are two distinct varieties of koi, and while they are sometimes mentioned together, they refer to different types of koi:

1. Yamato Nishiki: This is a variety of koi that is essentially a metallic Taisho Sanke. The Yamato Nishiki has a white (shiroji) base with red (hi) and black (sumi) markings, similar to a traditional Taisho Sanke. However, the key difference is the metallic sheen of the Yamato Nishiki, which makes it stand out. It was developed by crossing Taisho Sanke with a Platinum Ogon, resulting in a fish with metallic, reflective scales while still maintaining the Sanke’s three-color pattern.
2. Showa (Showa Sanshoku): The Showa koi, on the other hand, is a non-metallic variety with a black (sumi) base and red (hi) and white (shiroji) patterns. Unlike the Sanke, the black markings in Showa are more dominant and can appear on the head as well as the body. Traditional Showa and Kindai Showa (modern Showa) have different balances of black, red, and white, with the modern version having more emphasis on white.

 

The Key Differences:

• Yamato Nishiki: Metallic version of the Sanke, with a white base and red and black patterns.
• Showa: Non-metallic, black-based koi with red and white patterns.

 

There is no specific variety called a “Yamato Nishiki Showa” because Yamato Nishiki refers to a metallic Sanke, while Showa is a separate variety. However, some breeders may cross varieties or use terms interchangeably when discussing fish with specific characteristics, though these two koi types remain distinct in koi classifications.

The term “Odomo” refers to a specific lineage of koi, particularly famous within the Showa variety. The Odomo line was developed by the koi breeder Oomo, who is highly regarded for creating a robust and high-quality bloodline of Showa koi. These koi are noted for their strong, deep sumi (black) markings, vibrant hi (red), and well-balanced patterns.

The Odomo Showa koi have become a foundation for many other Showa breeders, as they possess the traits that koi enthusiasts and breeders strive for: bold, striking patterns and strong color contrast. These koi often have a black base with well-defined red and white markings, and their sumi tends to develop over time, making them particularly valued for long-term appreciation.

 

Key Characteristics of Odomo Line Showa:

1. Strong Sumi (Black): The black markings are deep and bold, a characteristic trait of the Odomo bloodline.
2. Vibrant Hi (Red): The red is rich and well-defined, often covering large areas of the koi’s body.
3. Balanced Pattern: Odomo Showa koi have an aesthetically pleasing balance between their black, red, and white colors, making them highly desirable in competitions.

 The Odomo line has influenced the development of many modern Showa koi, and koi breeders today still seek to preserve and build upon the traits introduced through this important bloodline.

In the context of koi fish, Ojime refers to the closing or finishing pattern of a koi, particularly toward the tail area. It describes how the pattern of colors, especially black (sumi) and red (hi), comes together near the base of the tail (the caudal peduncle).

A koi with good Ojime will have a well-balanced and neatly finished pattern, where the colors taper off smoothly, creating a harmonious flow. This is an important feature in koi shows, as a well-executed Ojime contributes to the overall aesthetics of the fish.

In koi judging, a strong Ojime can indicate good pattern development, with clear and refined color transitions, especially where the koi’s pattern leads toward the tail.