Fortunate is the pond owner who delights in the sight of a stunning Kohaku koi gliding gracefully among the lily pads. The Kohaku is not only the oldest but also one of the most beloved varieties of koi, holding a special place in the hearts of koi enthusiasts worldwide.
Recognizable by its vivid white body adorned with red markings, the Kohaku comes in two main types. The more common variety features red patterns spread across its body, while the rarer and highly prized Tancho Kohaku displays a single, distinct red spot centered on its forehead. This unique feature makes the Tancho Kohaku a sought-after gem among collectors.
A Model of the Japanese Flag
The red spot on the Tancho Kohaku’s forehead mirrors the Japanese flag, symbolizing a radiant red sun against a pristine white background, making it a living emblem of Japan’s heritage.
Kohaku koi are the most frequent winners of “Grand Champion” titles at Japanese koi shows. Their popularity in Japan drives breeders to dedicate significant effort and expertise to cultivating the finest specimens, ensuring the Kohaku’s place as a perennial favorite in competitions.
Judging Kohaku Koi
Judging good quality koi such as Kohaku is not easy. There are certain “pattern” basics that you can learn to apply when buying fish, but forecasting the way that pattern will look later is a special talent. Also, body shape and conformation are important features and few Americans appreciate the complexities of this characteristic. Finally, the way the red, called Hi (pronounced “hee”) breaks into kiwa (the trailing edge of the Hi) or out of the white (sashi) is important. The more crisp the transition from red to white, the better.
The details concerning pattern intricacies of Kohaku during championship judging can seem tedious, so here’s a simplified method of Kohaku appreciation that although likely inadequate in choosing show-quality koi, is effective enough to choose fish which most folks will value.
- The white of the Kohaku should be a bright, snowy white. The brighter and the white, the better the fish is. If the white appears thin or almost grayish, the fish is not as good a quality. There should be a white band at the very base of the tail to stop the “Hi” (red) from touching the tail. There should be nothing but white in the pectoral fins and tail of the koi. Likewise, the dorsal fin should be all white.
- The red (Hi) in the koi can sometimes be slightly orange when the fish are young, depending upon the breeder. The red can change from orange to crimson red when they mature or “finish.” In some cases, the Hi may never change if the breeding is poor. Many koi lovers won’t purchase orange-colored Kohaku for lack of faith that they will ever turn crimson. You have to trust the dealer when they assert that the “red is on its way!” Some koi are a deep, cherry tomato or crimson red from birth to death. The red should not go into the fins, and the red should not extend below the eye in the head. The red should not go below the “lateral line” on the sides of the fish, nor into the tail. Also, small flecks of red in the fish are undesirable.
Patterns to Look For
A Kohaku with a uniform pattern resembling a delicate red blossom centered on each scale is known as Kanoko (meaning “fawn”). When the pattern is visually appealing, these fish are considered by some to be good investments. However, there’s a persistent belief that Kanoko Kohaku are becoming increasingly rare, as their distinctive red dots may fade over time, potentially leaving owners with an expensive white koi.
Kohaku patterns can take various forms, including solid (ippon), lightning-like zig-zags (inazuma), or spots. A two-spot pattern is called a “Two-Step” Kohaku, or Nidan, while a three-spot arrangement is known as a “Three-Step” Kohaku, or Sandan. Patterns with four or five steps also exist, but they are generally considered less prized compared to the more sought-after two- and three-step varieties.
The ideal Kohaku has a plump, rounded, and “Rubenesque” body shape, exuding a sense of fullness and elegance. Mature fish should display chubby “cheeks” on their heads, adding to their charm. The base of the tail, where the caudal fin begins, should be thick and rounded rather than tapering into a streamlined tail.
The pectoral fins, located just behind the head, should be broad, fan-shaped, and well-rounded—the rounder and whiter, the better. Thin, almond-shaped pectoral fins are generally seen as less desirable. A well-proportioned Kohaku will have a body wider than its head, often indicating the fish is female—a preferred trait in koi, as it often suggests better overall form and beauty.