Kohaku

Kohaku is the classic red-and-white koi variety and one of the foundations of nishikigoi breeding. A Kohaku has white skin, called shiroji, with red hi arranged in a pattern over the body. The variety looks simple at first, but quality depends on many details: clean white ground, even red color, balanced pattern, pleasing head marking, and a body that will carry the design as the fish grows. Many koi standards are easiest to understand by first learning Kohaku.

Pond keepers and breeders often use Kohaku as a benchmark for skin quality and pattern discipline. A good fish should not rely on novelty; it should look clean from above and remain balanced as it gains size. Hi can stretch, separate, or weaken with growth, so bloodline, age, and development history matter. Care is ordinary koi care, but stable water, measured feeding, and proper quarantine help preserve skin and color. Buyers should avoid judging only by bright red if the body or white ground is weak.

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