Asagi

Asagi is one of the older koi varieties, recognized by a blue to blue-gray reticulated back and red or orange hi along the sides, belly, cheeks, and fins. The best-known look is clean and restrained: a net-like scale pattern over the back, pale head, and color that rises evenly from below rather than covering the whole body. Asagi helped shape later varieties, including Shusui, and remains an important reference point for understanding classic nishikigoi pattern language.

Pond keepers usually evaluate Asagi for skin clarity, even scale reticulation, balanced side color, and a head that does not become overly dark. Young fish can change as they mature, so patient selection matters more than judging only early brightness. Asagi need the same stable water quality, oxygen, seasonal feeding, and predator protection as other koi, but hard water, sun exposure, and age may influence how the blue ground and red areas develop. Breeders track family tendencies because heavy darkening can appear in some lines.

Colors: Asagi, Bekko, Black, Blue, Blue-Gray with Red/Orange Below Lateral Line, Brown, Chagoi, Cream, Dark Blue-Gray with Orange Below Lateral Line, Doitsu, Ginrin, Gold, Goshiki, Gray, Karashigoi, Kohaku, Koromo, Kujaku, Light Blue-Gray with Red Below Lateral Line, Metallic, Ogon, Orange, Red, Sanke, Showa, Shusui, Silver, Soragoi, Tancho, Utsuri, White, Yellow