Ago hi
(A-GO HE) The red (hi) colour patches found on the cheeks of Shusui or Asagi
Related Words
Ago sumi
Ago sumi
(A-GO SUE-ME) Black markings (Sumi) found on gills
Ai
(EYE) Blue or indigo colouring
Ai Goromo
(EYE-GOR-OMO) Essentially a white koi with red markings (Kohaku) but the red scales have blue semi-circular borders, which give the koi a reticulated pattern (Koromo)
Ai Showa
(EYE SHO-WA) Also known as Koromo Showa - a Showa whose pattern is overlaid with darker reticulated markings
Aizumi
(EYE ZU-ME) Sumi (black markings) which have a hint of blue/indigo
Aka
(ACKA) Simply translated as 'red'
Aka Bekko
(ACKA BEK-O) A koi with a red base colour overlaid with black (Sumi) markings
Aka Hajiro
(ACKA HA-JEER-O) An all-red koi whose tail and fins are edged with white
Aka Matsuba
(ACKA MATS-BA) A all-red koi with a black Matsuba (pinecone-effect) pattern in the scales along its back
Aka Sanke
(ACKA SAN-KAY) A Sanke that has red marking extending the length of its body
Akame
(ACKA-MAY) An eye with a red iris - often seen in Ki-goi
Akamuji
(ACKA MOO-GEE) A red koi with non-metallic scales
Akebi
Translates as 'light blue'
Ami
Meaning 'mesh' or 'eyes' and refers to scales in a net-like pattern
Amime
Large scales giving the impression of armour
Aragoke
A fully scaled grey/blue koi with red (hi) along the cheeks, lateral lines and in the fins
Asagi
Literally means 'blue' and refers to a koi with a reticulated bluish/grey body and red markings on the underside. These red markings can also be present in the cheeks and pectoral fins
Asagi Magoi
A wild carp with Asagi markings - an early variation of the modern Asagi
Atama
A koi with a nice clear/clean head
Atama ga hageru
Sumi or ato sumi which takes a long time to develop i.e. literally 'late-appearing'
Ato sumi
(A-TOE-SUE-ME) A high quality sumi (black) which takes a while to develop fully
Bekko
A non-metallic koi which can be either white, red or yellow with black markings
Beni
(BENNY) Literally means 'red'
Beni Haijiro
(BENNY HA-JEER-O) A red-based koi with white tips on its pectoral fins
Beni Kujaku
(BENNY COO-JA-COO) An orange/red Kujaku which has red markings all over its body
Beni-goi
(BENNY-GOY) A matt red koi which looks like an 'Akamuji' but has a deeper red coloration
Beret Hi
A koi which has head hi (red) only on one side - like wearing a beret
Beta-gin
This is where the whole surface of every scale is metallic and sparkles
Bire
Literally means 'fire' and refers to red patterning which can occur on Asagi and Shusui
Bito
Love
Boke
The term usually refers to sumi (black) which is blurred or faded in colour
Boke Showa
A variety of Showa which has blurred, grey-looking sumi (black)
Bongiri
The red (hi) on the head does not come far enough towards the nose
Bozu
A koi showing no hi (red) on the head - literally 'bald'
Bu
Size division usually seen written when koi are shown in Japan
Budo
This refers to a group of coloured scales which resemble a bunch of purple grapes
Budo Goromo
A koi with a purplish pattern resembling grapes overlaying the hi (red)
Budo Sanke
A koi with a purplish pattern resembling grapes overlaying the hi (red) (Budo Goromo) but also combined with solid black markings
Cha
(CHA) Japanese term for 'brown'
Cha-goi
(CHA-GOY) A light-brown or tea-coloured koi with non-metallic scales
Chigyo
Fry which have not yet been sorted or categorised
Chupa
A koi of medium quality
Dagoi
A koi of poor quality
Dainichi
One of the most famous Go-Sanke lineages. Dainichi Koi Farm still operates in Niigata
Dangara
Also known as Danmoyo, this is a stepped pattern on the body of a koi
Danmoyo
Step pattern - see 'Dangara'
Dia
(DIE-YA) Japanese term for 'diamond'
Diamond Ginrin
A type of Kinginrin where the scales are said to 'sparkle like diamonds'
Dohmaki
When a koi's pattern extends below the lateral line
Doitsu
Literally means ‘German,’ and refers to a koi which has 'mirror' scales on the dorsal and/or lateral lines or no visible scales
Doitsu Kujaku
(DOYTZ COO-JA-COO) A metallic koi showing red markings over its body with black markings in the scales only along the dorsal and lateral lines
Doware
A pattern showing a large white area
Enyu
A doitsu koi which has a white body and red markings - the mirror scales are platinum and light blue speckles can be found within the red and white colour of the dorsal scales
Etsu No Hisoku
A scaleless (doitsu) koi with a yellow-green coloration
Flowery Kohaku
A red and white koi (Kohaku) with lots of small areas of the red (hi). No discernible stepped pattern
Fuji
This describes a sheen and lustre found on heads of young koi. Can be seen in young quality Sanke and sometimes Kohaku and Ogon
Fukurin
A reticulated effect found on scales often adding an extra lustre and sparkle
Gaku Hi
Red (hi) found on the top part of a koi's face
Giku
The awkward swimming movement of a koi with a deformed body
Gin
Silver metallic colour
Gin Bekko
A metallic version of Shiro Bekko (white koi with black markings)
Gin Kabuto
A black koi with silver-edged scales
Gin Matsuba
A metallic silver koi with a black Matsuba (pinecone-effect) pattern in the scales
Gin Rin
Shimmering silver scale. Can be added on to other variety i.e. Gin Rin Kohaku (red and white koi) where the scales have a silvery lustre
Gin Shiro
A Shiro Utsuri (black and white koi) where scales have a silvery lustre
Gin Showa
A Showa (black, red and white koi) where white is replaced with silvery Gin Rin scales
Ginbo
An all-black koi with a silver metallic sheen
Ginsui
A Shusui with a silver lustre
Go bu
Size five
Godan
A pattern with five steps
Godan Kohaku
A red and white koi where the hi (red) is arranged in a five steps
Goi
Japanese term for fish
Goke
Japanese term for fish scale
Goma
Scattered sumi
Gosai
(GO-SIGH) Five-year-old koi
Go-Sanke
A word referring collectively to Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa - the 'big three' of koi keeping
Goshiki
(GOSH-KEY) A koi with five colours (hence 'go') namely white, red, black, light and dark blue. The colours are mixed and have a purplish appearance
Goshiki Shusui
A scaleless (doitsu), blue Goshiki which is non-metallic
Gotenzakura
Literally means 'cherry pattern'
Gotenzakura Kohaku
A Kohaku with a pattern that looks like cherries
Hachi (atama)
Japanese term for head
Hachiware
A head marking that looks like lightening
Hachizumi
A sumi (black) marking that runs diagonally across the head
Hada
Japanese term for sheen
Hageru
A clean pattern with no blurring on the head area. It relates in particular to metallic varieties
Hageshiro
A nearly all-black koi with white on the head, tail and pectoral fin tips
Hagoromo
A variety of Ai Goromo (see term description)
Hajiro
A nearly all-black koi with white on the tail and pectoral fin tips
Haka Shita
Koi with an undesirable sagging abdomen
Hana Shusui
A variety of Shusui - also known as a 'flowery Shusui'
Hanako
Literally meaning ‘flower maiden’ and refers to a red koi
Hanatsuki
Where the red (hi) on the head extends down towards the nose
Hanazumi
A spot or small black pattern around the nose and mouth area
Hara
The abdominal area of a koi
Hariwake
(HARRY-WA-KEY) A koi with two colours, one of which is platinum, the other can either be metallic yellow, orange or gold
Hariwake Matsuba
A silver and yellow (or orange or gold) metallic koi with a black 'pinecone-effect' pattern in each of its scales
Heisei Nishiki
A doitsu (scaleless) Yamatonishiki (metallic Sanke)
Heisei Period
Contemporary Japanese era
Hi
(HE) Refers to the red markings on a koi
Hi Asagi
An Asagi which has red marking extending over the lateral line
Hi Botan
A koi derived from Utsuri lineage which resembles a Bekko
Hi Showa
A Showa (black, red and white koi) which is predominantly red
Hi Shusui
A Shusui which is predominantly red
Hi Utsuri
A black koi with a red pattern overlaid
Hiagari
A term used to describe the Intensity of the hi (red) colour
Hiban
Refers to the hi (red) pattern element or area of hi
Higoi
Literally means 'red koi' - more commonly called Benigoi (deep red) or Akamuji (light red)
Hikari
Japanese term for metallic
Hikarimono
The classification for metallic groups
Hikarimoyo
The classification for multi-coloured 'white-based' metallic koi
Hikari-moyomono
The classification for all metallic koi with two or more colours, except metallic Utsuri and Showa
Hikarimuji
The classification for a metallic koi of single colour
Hikariutsuri
The classification for a koi that's a metallic version of Showa or Utsuri
Himozumi
A thin sumi pattern said to be 'string-like'
Hinomaru
Literally means 'sun rising'
Hirenaga koi
Long-finned or 'butterfly' koi - popular in the US koi market
Hiroshima Kinginrin
Silvery shimmering scales with bright lines running across them - sometimes known as 'diamond gin rin'
Hisoku
Term to describe a yellow-green colour
Hoaka
Hi (red) which occurs over the gill plate
Hon sumi
Literally means 'genuine sumi' and refers to the black Sanke pattern on a Koromo Sanke
Hoo Aka
A koi with red gill plates - an early version of the Kohaku we know today
Hoo Kazuki
A black carp with red cheeks - an early version of the Kohaku we know today
Hoshi
Window or opening within a pattern
Ichi bu
Size one
Ichimatsumoyo
The term for a chequered pattern.
Inazuma
(IN-A-ZOOM-A) A zig-zag pattern said to resemble lightning
Ippon hi
A continuous pattern, which does not vary
Iro
Japanese term for colour
Iroagari
Term to describe the colour intensity of a koi
Iroage
The term to describe the act of intensifying colours in koi (often food related)
Iromono
The collective name for the metallic koi varieties
Isumiya
(I-ZOO-ME-YA) Famous breeder
Jari
Japanese term for gravel
Jarisumi
Small sumi (black) spots - literally 'gravel-like' sumi
Jihada
Refers to the texture of a koi's skin
Jinbei
(Jin-Bay) Well-known Sanke bloodline
Jiro
Japanese term for white
Juji
Marking in the shape of a cross
Junidaira Showa
Ancient Showa bloodline
Kabuto
Literally means ‘helmet’ and refers to koi with a head colour that's different to its body colour
Kado
Japanese term for edge
Kado-gin
A type of Kinginrin where only the edges of the scales sparkle
Kagami
A koi variety with reflective mirror scales found on the dorsal and lateral areas
Kagamigoi
What we know as 'mirror carp'
Kage
(CAR-GAY) Literally means 'shadow' and refers to koi with a blurred, reticulated grey/black pattern over the red and/or white
Kage Hi Utsuri
A koi whose red and black Utsuri pattern is overlaid by a kage pattern on the red markings
Kage Shiro Utsuri
A koi whose black and white Utsuri pattern is overlaid by a kage pattern on the white markings
Kage Showa
A koi with the three-colour Showa pattern which has kage patterning over the white
Kamisori
Literally means 'razor', and it describes a sharp edge to the kiwa - it can run through individual scales as well as the whole pattern
Kanoko
Translates as 'fawn' and refers to a dappled-red pattern which can be found on koi
Kanoko Kohaku
A Kohaku displaying dappled red patterns
Kanoko Sanke
A Sanke displaying dappled red patterns
Kanoko Showa
A Showa displaying dappled red patterns
Kao
Literally means 'face' - also referred to as 'men'
Karasu
Translates as 'crow' - an overall black colour
Karasugoi
Black koi with a white or orange stomach
Kasane sumi
Sumi (black) that appears on the hi (red)
Kata moyo
A pattern which only appears on one side of the koi's body
Kata Zumi
Sumi (black) pattern on a koi's shoulder area
Kawagoi
Leather carp - a fish with no scales (apart from maybe a few along the dorsal line). Origins of 'doitsu' koi
Kawari
Literally means 'something strange'
Kawarigoi
A strange koi that can't be classified
Kawarimono
(CAR-WA-REE-MON-OWE) A classification of all non-metallic koi which aren't in any other group
Ki
(KEY) Japanese term for yellow
Ki Bekko
A yellow-based koi with sumi (black) markings
Ki Kokuryu
The metallic version of Kumonryu
Ki Shusui
A rare type of yellow Shusui with a green coloured dorsal
Ki Utsuri
A black koi with yellow markings
Kigoi
An all-yellow koi that is non-metallic
Kikokuryu
(KEY-KO-KER-U) Basically a metallic Kumonryu derived from breeding a Kumonryu with a Kikisui
Kikusui
Literally translated as 'chrysanthemum water' this koi is a metallic doitsu (scaleless) Hariwake Ogon. The pattern runs between the scale lines
Kin
Japanese term for metallic gold
Kin Fuji
A metallic white koi with a hi (red) pattern overlaying it. Also known as Platinum Kohaku
Kin Gin Rin
A koi with gold- or silver-coloured sparkling scales
Kin Hi Utsuri
A metallic Hi Utsuri (black koi with red markings)
Kin Katubo
A black koi with gold-edged scales
Kin Ki Kokuryu
The metallic version of a Beni (red) Kumonryu
Kin Ki Utsuri
A metallic Ki Utsuri (black koi with yellow markings)
Kin Matsuba
A yellow koi with black Matsuba (pinecone-effect) markings - also called Matsuba Ogon
Kin Rin
A gold scale
Kin Showa
A Showa which is metallic and has a gold sheen to it
Kinbo
A black koi which has a gold metallic sheen to its scales
Kindai
(KIN-DIE) Japanese term for modern
Kindai Showa
A Showa displaying a pattern which is mostly white - seen as a modern take on the traditional Showa
Kinitsusei
Colour uniformity
Kinporai
A metallic bronze Matsuba (pinecone-effect) Ogon
Kinrin
A koi which has gold-coloured shimmering scales
Kinsui
A Shusui which is metallic and has a gold lustre
Kinzakura
A metallic version of Gotenzakura - gold bordered hi looking like golden cherries
Kirekomi
When thin parts of white pattern from the sides of the koi rise into the red (hi)
Kitchinai
A Sanke bloodline
Kiwa
The rear edge of a pattern - e.g. the definition between red or black and white markings
Kobayashi
(KO-BUY-ASHY) An early breeder who specialised in Showa
Koborehi
Scattered red pattern
Koboresumi
Scattered black pattern
Kohaku
(CO-HAKU) A white koi with red pattern
Koi
Derived from the word 'nishikigoi' meaning jewelled or brocaded carp
Koinobori
(KOI-NO-BOR-EE) Koi flags/streamers
Koke
Japanese term for scale
Kokenami
Scales in a line
Kokesuki
Colour within a given pattern which is uneven e.g. a single colourless scale
Komoyo
Red (hi) markings which are small
Konjo
Dark blue
Konjo Asagi
An early ancestor of the modern Asagi showing dark blue colouration
Koromo
Meaning 'robed' and refers to a koi with a white base colour with red patterns overlaid with dark reticulation
Koromo Sanke
A Koromo with reticulation also over the red (hi) and black (sumi) markings of a traditional Sanke
Koromo Showa
A Koromo with reticulation also over the red (hi) and black (sumi) markings of a traditional Showa
Koshi
Japanese term for green
Koshi-nishiki
Now referred to as Yamatonishiki this variety is the result breeding an Ogon and a Sanke
Kozumi
Small black spots
Kuchi
Japanese term for lips
Kuchibeni
(COO-CHEE-BENNY) Red markings which look like 'lipstick'
Kujaku
Literally means ‘peacock’ and refers to a metallic reticulated koi with orange, red, or gold markings
Kumonryu
(COME-ON-REE-YOU) Translates as 'dragon fish' and describes a black scaleless (doitsu) koi with white pattern on its body, head, fins
Kumoru
Refers to the loss of colour lustre and brightness
Kuragake
Term which describes a pattern that resembles a saddle on a horse and 'sits' on the back of the koi
Kuro
Japanese term for black
Kuro-Ki-Han
The name once used for Shiro Utsuri
Kutsubera
A pattern resembling a shoehorn on the koi's head
Kuzugoi
(COO-ZOO-GOY) Translates as junk koi
Leather Koi
A koi without scales originally bred to eat e.g. - the origins of doitsu koi
Linages
Genetic bloodlines
Ma
Japanese term for wild
Mado
Literally means 'window' and refers to a gap in a red (hi) pattern of one or two scales
Madoaki
Scales that seem to have 'shadows' underneath the skin
Magoi
Wild carp - the origins of modern-day nishikigoi
Maki
A red (hi) pattern which wraps around the body (also referred to as Omoyo)
Makiagari
Term used for a pattern which extends from underneath the koi to the upper area
Manzo
(MAN-ZOH) A Kohaku bloodline
Maruten
A koi with a round red (hi) patch on its head. This must be in addition to other markings on the body otherwise it would be termed 'Tancho'
Maruten Kohaku
A Kohaku with a separate red (hi) marking on its head
Maruten Sanke
A Sanke with a separate red (hi) marking on its head
Maruzome
This describes when the pattern follows the scale edges giving them a scalloped effect
Matsuba
This is a reticulated or pinecone pattern - it is often caused by scales that have centres which are a different colour to the edges
Matsuba Ogon
A yellow koi with black pinecone-effect (Matsuba) pattern - another name for Kin Matsuba
Matsukawabake
A black and white non-metallic koi
Matsunosuke
(MAT-SUE-NOSS-KEY) Famous Sanke bloodline
Meija era
A period in Japanese history from1868-1912
Men
Japanese term for face
Menkaburi
Means 'masked' and often refers to a Kohaku with a lot of red (hi) on its head
Menware
This is the traditional lightning-stripe head pattern found on Showa where the black (sumi) divides the red (hi) marking
Mesu
Japanese term for female
Midori
(MEE-DOR-EE) Japanese term for green
Midorigoi
A scaleless (doitsu) koi which has a greenish colour
Mizu
Japanese term for very light blue
Mizu Asagi
An Asagi with a very light blue body as apposed to the normal darker blue
Mono
Japanese term for single
Moto
Black (sumi) markings which appear in fry and stay visible on the adult koi
Motoaka
Pectoral joint which has red (hi) on it
Motoguro
(MOE-TOE-GOO-ROW) Black (sumi) markings on the pectoral joint which extend into the fins
Moyo
More than one colour
Moyo no kire
Refers to the edge of the colour pattern and its sharpness
Mudagoke
A scale which is out of line on a doitsu koi
Muji
Single-coloured (i.e. Shiro Muji - all-white koi)
Mura
Used to describe a colour which is lacking in uniformity
Murasakigoi
A rare purple/lavender-coloured koi
Nabe sumi
A grey/brown sumi from the original Magoi line- considered unstable as it's sensitive to temperature, light and water
Nagaremoyo
A flowing red (hi) pattern
Namikin
Japanese term for tail fin
Namitate
Japanese term for dorsal fin
Narumi
Japanese term for light blue
Narumi Asagi
A light-blue patterned Asagi
Nesai
A koi which is over one year, and up to two years old
Nezu
Japanese term for grey
Nezu Ogon
A silver-grey koi with a dull metallic appearance
Ni bu
Size two
Niban
Japanese term for secondary
Niban hi
Secondary red (hi)
Nidan
Two-stepped pattern
Nidan hara
A concave abdomen on a koi
Nidan Kohaku
A Kohaku with two stepped red (hi) markings
Niigata
An area on the Northwest coast of mainland Japan, considered to be the birthplace of koi. Most koi breeders still come from this region
Nisai
(NEE-SIGH) Two-year-old koi
Nishikigoi
Meaning jewelled or brocaded carp. 'Nishiki', a beautiful, coloured linen, and 'goi' fish
Nosezumi
This is where the black (sumi) pattern overlaps the red (hi) markings
Ochiba-shigure
(O-CHEE-BA-SHE-GOO-RAY) Literally means 'autumn leaves falling on water'. A blue-grey koi with a brown pattern overlaid
Odome
Tail stop - a thickness here is meant to indicate future growth potential
Ogon
A single-coloured metallic koi (often yellow)
Ojime
(O-GEE-MAY) A small white area before the tail, often desirable to balance the overall pattern
Omoyo
A red (hi) pattern which wraps around the body (also referred to as Maki)
Operculum
The hard plate which covers the gills on a koi
Orenji
Japanese term for orange
Orenji Hariwake
A silver koi with orange metallic markings
Orenji Ogon
A metallic koi which is deep orange in colour
Osu
(OSE) Japanese term for male
Oyagoi
(O-YA-GOY) Adult koi broodstock
Oyugu hoseki
Literally translates as 'living jewels'
Ozuke
The base of a koi's tail
Ozutsu
The part of the koi behind the dorsal fin (caudal peduncle)
Parapara
A light scattering of red (hi)
Pearl Ginrin
Also known as Tsuba-gin or Tama-gin - a solid sparkling area on each scale
Pearl Shusui
A silver-scaled Shusui
Platinum Kohaku
A metallic white koi with a hi (red) pattern overlaying it. Also known as Kin-fuji
Platinum Ogon
A metallic white koi, also known as Purachina
Pongoi
(PON-GOY) A good grade of koi
Purachina
(PU-RA-CHEEN-AH) Meaning 'platinum'. A white metallic koi, also known as a Platinum Ogon
Renzokumoyo
A flowing, continuous pattern
Rin
Japanese term for scale
Roku bu
Size six
Sadazo
Famous Sanke bloodline
Sadazo Sanke
(See Sadazo) A Sanke displaying bright red (hi) markings and small black (sumi) markings which don't overlap
Sakura Ogon
A metallic Kanoko Kohaku (A Kohaku displaying dappled red patterns)
San bu
Size three
Sandan
(SAN-DAN) A three-step pattern
Sandan Kohaku
A Kohaku with three stepped red (hi) markings
Sanke
Means ‘three-coloured’ and refers to a koi with a white body and red (hi) and black (sumi) markings. The black is generally located above the lateral line
Sanke Shusui
A scaleless (doitsu) Sanke which has a pattern underlaid with the blue-grey of a Shusui
Sanshoku
A three-coloured koi which can refer to either the Sanke or the Showa variety
Sarasa
Red (hi) markings which can suggest patterns of flowers, birds and geometric shapes
Sashi
When the leading/front edge of a pattern blurs on scaled koi
Sashikomi
The scales covering the leading edge of a pattern
Sensuke
Famous Kohaku bloodline
Shiki bu
Size seven
Shiku
Japanese term for coloured
Shimi
An unwanted small black spot which appears on the body of a koi
Shintaro
Niigata koi breeder famous for Go-Sanke
Shiro
Japanese term for white
Shiro Bekko
(SHE-ROE-BEK-CO) A white koi with black (sumi) markings
Shiro Matsuba
A white koi with a black 'pinecone' Matsuba pattern in its scales
Shiro Muji
(SHE-ROE-MOO-GEE) A white non-metallic koi
Shiro Utsuri
(SHEE-ROE-UT-SUE-REE) A black Koi with white markings
Shirogane
The original name for Platinum Ogon
Shirogoi
An all-white koi
Shiroji
The white skin on a koi
Shitsu
The quality of the skin, to include white, red (hi), black (sumi) etc
Shochikubai
(SHO-CHEEK-OO-BUY) A metallic Ai-goromo
Showa
A black koi with red (hi) and white patterns
Showa Shusui
A koi with the markings of a Showa and underlying blue of a Shusui
Shusui
(SHOE-SUEY) Doitsu blue koi with red (hi) markings often around the sides of body and head (Doitsu Asagi)
Shusui bire
Red (hi) at the base of the pectoral fins of Shusui
Soragoi
(SORE-A-GOI) A blue-grey non-metallic koi
Subo-Sumi
(SUE-BO-SUE-ME) Where the black (Sumi) falls only on white skin
Sui
Like water - a rippling effect
Sumi
(SUE-ME) Black markings
Sumi-goromo
An Ai-goromo with its Koromo overlaid with solid black (sumi) markings
Suminagashi
A black koi which has scale reticulation (pinecone effect) in white
Taikei
Body confirmation
Taisho era
The period of Japanese history under Emperor Taisho 1912-1926
Taisho Sanke
The full name for Sanke - a 'white based' koi with red (hi) and black (sumi) markings
Takai
(TAK-EYE) Japanese term for expensive
Taki
Japanese term for waterfall
Tama-gin
See term Pearl Ginrin
Tancho
(TAN-CHO) A round red marking on a koi's head (used when the koi has no other red on the body - if it does this would be 'Maruten')
Tancho Kohaku
A white koi with a red spot on the head
Tancho Sanke
A Sanke with the only red marking being a head spot
Tancho Showa
A Showa with the only red marking being a head spot
Tategoi
A koi which has future potential
Tateshita
The term used when a breeder decides to sell his tategoi
Tebire
Japanese term for pectoral fin
Tejima
Stripes of black (Sumi) in the fins (see also Tezumi)
Teri (Tsuya)
Japanese term for gloss or lustre
Tetsu
Japanese term for iron
Tetsu Magoi
Early ancestor of the Showa, Chagoi and Ogon bloodlines
Tezumi
Stripes of black (Sumi) in the fins (see also Tejima)
Tobi
(TOE-BEE) Literally meaning 'jump'. In koi it refers to fry that jump in size by eating their siblings. These koi must be removed at an early sorting stage
Tobi-hi
Small red (hi) markings which look like splashes of paint
Tomoin
Famous Kohaku lineage of koi
Tora Ogon
Metallic Ki Bekko - also known as a 'Tiger' Ogon
Torazo
(TOR-AS-O) Famous Sanke bloodline
Tosai
A koi in its first year - up to one-year-old
Tsubaki Sanke
A Sanke which has a chain of black (sumi) running the entire length its body
Tsubo sumi
(SUE-BO-SUE-ME) Black (sumi) which appears on the white skin
Tsubu-gin
See term Pearl Ginrin
Tsuya
Japanese term for lustre
Umebachi
A Japanese apricot flower-shaped mark (often in relation to a Tancho spot)
Urishi
A deep dense black (sumi) which has a lacquered appearance and sharp, defined edges
Uroko kiwi
Describes scalloped Kiwa (see term Maruzome)
Urushizumi
Glossy jet black sumi which has a hint of blue
Utsuri
A koi whose body has a single base colour (white, red, or yellow) with black (sumi) markings which wrap around the body
Utsurimono
Literally meaning 'reflections' or 'reflecting ones'. Two-coloured, black-based koi with white, red or yellow markings
Uwappi
Thin undesirable hi with no Sashi (see term)
Wabi/Sabi
The depth of the skin of a scaled koi
Wagoi
A koi with scales
Yagozen
(YA-GO-ZEN) A Kohaku bloodline developed in the 1950s
Yamabuki
Literally means a Japonica bush with pale yellow flowers
Yamabuki Hariwake
A platinum koi with metallic yellow markings
Yamabuki Ogon
A metallic solid yellow koi
Yamato
(YA-MAT-TOE) The crossing of a Sanke and a Fuji Ogon - now known as Yamatonishiki
Yamatonishiki
A metallic Sanke
Yogyo
A young fish
Yon bu
Size four
Yondan
A four-step pattern
Yondan Kohaku
A Kohaku which has four red body markings
Yonsai
(YON-SIGH) A four-year-old koi
Yoroi
Meaning ‘armoured’ - usually referring to a doitsu koi with excessive mirror scales
Yoroigoi
A koi which has large armour scales all over its body
Yotsushiro
Meaning 'five whites'. A black koi with white on its tail, pectoral and dorsal fins and on its head
Zubonhaki
Where the tail end of a koi is completely red or black
Zuiun
A Shusui colour variant
Zukinkaburi
An early Kohaku displaying a red forehead
Variety
Ai Goromo
White Koi with red scales robed in blue.
Aka Bekko
Red Koi with black markings.
Aka Hajiro
Red Koi with white tips to the pectorial fins.
Aka Matsuba
Red Koi with a black pinecone pattern to the scales
Aka Muji
A light red Koi.
Aka Sanke
A Sanke with a predominantly red pattern on the back.
Asagi
Blue & orange Koi with a pale vignette pattern to the scales.
Asagi Magoi
One of the three ancestors of Nishikigoi. (Blue carp)
Asagi Sanke
An Asagi x Sanke hybrid
Beni Goi
Aka Muji - with a deeper red colour
Beni Kikuryu
Metallic version of Beni Kumonryu
Beni Kumonryu
A Kumonryu with the addition of red.
Boke Showa
A Showa with undeveloped sumi
Budo Goromo
A Koromo with purplish/brown robes to thered scales
Cha Utsuri
A brown Koi with a black utsuri pattern.
Chagoi
A brown "tea" coloured Koi.
Doro Magoi
One of the three ancestors of Nishikigoi. (Muddy carp)
Gin Kabuto
A black Koi with silver head and scale edges.
Gin Matsuba
A metallic silver Koi with a black pinecone pattern to the scales.
Gin Shiro Bekko
A metallic Shiro Bekko
Gin Shiro
A metallic Shiro Utsuri aka Gin Shiro Utsuri
Ginbo
A black Koi with a silver sheen
Ginsui
A metallic Shusui with small or no orange colour
Goshiki
A Koromo with robing on the base colour, colloquially a five colour Koi
Gotenzakura
A Kohaku with a flowery cherry blossom pattern.
Hageshiro
A black Koi with white fin tips and head.
Hajiro
A black Koi with white fin tips.
Hana Shusui
Shusui where the beni pattern appears in the flanks above the lateral line.
Hariwake
A silver & gold metallic Koi
Hariwake Matsuba
A hariwake with pinecone pattern.
Hi Asagi
Asagi where the red pattern reaches the dorsal ridge.
Hi Showa
Showa where red is the predominant colour
Hi Shusui
Shusui where the beni pattern reaches the dorsal ridge
Hi Utsuri
A black Koi with a red pattern.
Higoi
A red Koi. Early ancestor of the present Utsuri & Showa
Karasugoi
A family of black & white Koi often with orange bellies.
Kasane sumi
Sanke sumi that is present on the Hi pattern.
Ki Bekko
A Yellow Koi with black markings.
Kigoi
Yellow Koi
Ki Matsuba
Yellow Koi with a pinecone pattern to the scales.
Ki Shusui
A Shusui with yellow instead of an orange pattern.
Ki Utsuri
A black Koi with a yellow pattern.
Kikokuryu
Metallic Kumonryu.
Kikusui
Silver doitsugoi with yellow in the flanks.
Kin Fuji
Metallic Kohaku.
Kin Hi Utsuri
Metallic Hi-Utsuri
Kin Kabuto
Black Koi with gold head and scale edges. Literally "Golden Helmet"
Kin Ki Utsuri
Metallic Ki-Utsuri
Kin Showa
Metallic Showa
Kin Zakura
Kohaku where Hi scales are bordered with gold
Kinbo
A black Koi with a golden sheen.
Kinsui
A metallic Shusui with a gold pattern.
Kohaku
White Koi with a red pattern.
Konjo Asagi
A very dark blue Asagi.
Kujaku
Metallic two coloured Koi with a Matsuba pattern. Literally "Peacock".
Kumonryu
A black doitsu Koi of the karasu family with a volatile (changing) white pattern
Magoi
The indigenous food carp of Japan
Matsuba
A Koi with a brown/black centre to each scale giving a pinecone impression.
Matsukawabake
A fully scaled kumonryu
Midori-goi
A green doitsu Koi
Narumi Asagi
A light blue Asagi.
Nezu Ogon
Silvery grey metalli Koi.
Nishikigoi
Brocaded Carp
Ochiba Shigure
A blue-grey Koi with a brown pattern.
Ogon
Gold Koi
Platinum Ogon
A metallic white Koi. Pronounced Pur-a-chin-a.
Purachina
The Japanese pronounciation of Platinum.
Sakura Ogon
A metallic Konoko Kohaku.
Sanke
White Koi with a red and black pattern. Literally "Three coloured".
Sanke Shusui
Sanke x Shusui hybrid benched as Kawarimono
Shiro Bekko
White Koi with black pattern
Shiro Matsuba
White Koi with pinecone pattern
Shiro Utsuri
Black Koi with white pattern
Shiromuji
White Koi
Shochikubai
A metallic Ai-goromo.
Showa
Black Koi with red and White pattern
Showa Shusui
Showa x Shusui hybrid
Shusui
Doitsu version of Asagi.
Soragoi
A Grey-blue Koi
Sumi Goromo
Koromo with black robes to the scales of the red pattern
Sumi-nagashi
A black Koi of the Karasu group with white reticulation to the scales.
Taki Asagi
An Asagi with white line dividing the orange and blue colours.
Tancho
An isolated red pattern on the head: A Show Class for Koi with this pattern
Tetsu Magoi
One of the three ancestors of Nishikigoi. (Iron carp)
Tora Ogon
"Tiger Ogon". A metallic Ki-Bekko
Yamabuki
Yellow-gold Ogon.
Yamato Nishiki
Metallic Sanke
Yotsushiro
Black Koi of the Karasu family with a white head, white pectorial fins,
white dorsal fin and tail. Literally "four whites"
Zubanhaki
Pattern confined to the rear half of a Koi. Literally "trousers"
Colour
Ai
Blue
Aka
Red
Beni
Red/Orange
Cha
Brown literally "Tea"
Gin
Silver metallic.
Hi
Red
Karasu
Black - literaly crow.
Ki
Yellow
Kin
Gold
Midori
Green
Murusaki
Purple
Nezu
Light Grey
Orenji
Orange
Shiro
White
Sora
Grey
Sumi
Black
Numbers
Rei
Zero
Ichi
One
Ni
Two
San
Three
Yon
Four
Go
Five
Loku (Roku)
Six
Nana
Seven
Hachi
Eight
Ku
Nine
Ju
Ten
Ju-ichi
Eleven (ten plus one)
Ju-ni
Twelve (ten plus two)
Ju-san
Thrirteen (ten plus three)
And so on............
......................then
Niju
Twenty
Sanju
Thirty
Yonju
Forty
Goju
Fifty
Rokuju
Sixty
Nanaju
Seventy
Hachiju
Eighty
Kyuuju
Ninety
Hyaku
Hundred
Hyakuju
Hundred and ten
Hyakuniju
Hundred and twenty
Hyakusanju
Hundred and thirty
Hyakuyonju
Hundred and forty
Hyakugoju
Hundred and fifty
Hyakurokuju
Hundred and sixty
Hyakushichiju
Hundred and seventy
Hyakuhachiju
Hundred and eighty
Hyakukyuju
Hundred and ninety
Nihyaku
Two hundred
Sanhyaku
Three hundred
Yonhyaku
Four hundred
Gohyaku
Five hundred
Rokuhyaku
Six hundred
Shichihyaku
Seven hundred
Hachihyaku
Eight hundred
Kyuuhyaku
Nine hundred
Sen
Thousand
Ni-sen
Two thousand
San-zen
Three thousand
Yon-san
Four thousand
And so on................
Example
The number of Koi in the South East Show 2007 was san-hyaku-ju-san
Sanhyaku = 300. Jusan = 13. Total 313.
The Japanese words Sai (Year), Dan (Step), Bu (Size) often accompany a number.
E.g. Nidan (Two Step), Sansai (Three year), Yonbu (Size Four)
Hitots
One
Futatsu
Two
Mits
Three
Yots
Four
Itutsu
Five
Muts
Six
Nanats
Seven
Yats
Eight
Kokonots
Nine
To
Ten
When using these numbers the item comes first. E.g. Biru Futatsu (Two Beers).
Terminology
Ago hi
Hi markings on the gills
Ago Sumi
Sumi markings on gills
Aka Hana
A red nose.
Akame
An eye with a red iris, mostly seen on Kigoi.
Atarashi Sumi
High gloss stable Sumi Maruzome Kiwa. Literally "New Sumi".
Ato Sumi
A late development of Sumi.
Bekko
A Show Class for white, yellow or red Koi with black markings; Literally "Tortoiseshell"
Beta-gin
Type of Ginrin where the whole scale shines.
Boke sumi
Undeveloped Showa/Utsuri sumi
Bongiri
Head pattern that does not go far enough forward.
Bozu
A Kohaku with no red on the head. Literally "Priest".
Budo
Pattern of Koromo resembling grapes. Literally "Grape".
Danmoyo
Stepped pattern
Doitsu
Koi with no scales or one or a few lines of scales. Literally "German"
Fukarin
Visible skin between the scales giving a vignette 'golf ball' like appearance.
Fuji
A metallic sheen or pinpoint silver spots on the head of young non-metallic Koi
Ginrin
An abbreviated term for the show class Kinginrin: Literally "Silver Scale".
Go Sanke
A term for Kohaku, Sanke and Showa. Rough translation "The Important Three"
Hachi sumi
Lignting shaped sumi head pattern (Utsuri & Showa)
Hana sumi
A Sumi mark on or around the nose.
Hanatsuki
A red head pattern that stretches down to the mouth.
Hikari
Metallic.
Hikari Moyomono
A Show Class for patterned metallic Koi.
Hikari Mujimono
A Show Class for single coloured metallic Koi incl Matsuba.
Hikari Utsurimono
A Show Class for all metallic Utsuri and Showa.
Hiroshima Gin
Aka Diamond Gin, a Ginrin scale pattern resembling cracked glass
Inazuma
A lightning shaped Hi pattern.
Ippon hi
A continuous red pattern from head to tail
Jari sumi
Small unwanted sumi markings. Literally "Gravel"
Kado
Edge.
Kado Gin
Ginrin found on the edge of the scales.
Kagami
Doitsugoi (Mirror Carp type).
Kage
Sumi with a faded appearance. Literally "shadow"
Kamisori
Kiwa that cuts across the scale.
Kanoko
Dappled hi, isolated to single scales. Literally 'fawn - young deer'.
Kata moyo
A pattern that is only present on one side of the body.
Kawagoi
Doitsugoi (Leather Carp type).
Kawarimono
The catch-all Show classification of al non metallic Koi.
Kindai
Literally "modern"
Kinginrin
Show class for Koi with metalic flecks in thescales. Literally "Gold & Silver Scales".
Kiwa
The trailing edge of a pattern element.
Kokesuki
Uneven colour within patterns
Koromo
Show Class for "robed" Koi.
Kuchibeni
Red lipped.
Kutsubera
Classic shoehorn head pattern of Sanke and Kohaku, Rounded & between the eyes.
Maruzome
Kiwa that follows the edges of the scales.
Menkaburi
Hi pattern that covers the whole head.
Menware
Traditional black head patterns of Showa and Utsuri (Y shaped)
Moto Aka
Red markings in the base of the pectorial fins. Red version of Moto-guru
Motoguro
Black markings in the base of the pectorial fins.
Niban Hi
Secondary hi
Nidan
Two step pattern (see Numbers)
Nissai
Two year old Koi. (see Numbers)
Odome
Last pattern mark before the tail.
Ojima
Black stripes in the tail.
Ojime
The gap between the last Hi pattern before the tail.
Omoyo
Large Hi markings.
Ozutsu
The caudal peduncle
Sandan
Three step pattern
Sansai
Three year old Koi
Sashi
The leading edge of a pattern element.
Shimi
Small unwanted black spots.
Shiroji
The white base colour of white skinned Koi
Sudare Gin
Type of Ginrin where the shine radiates from edge to centre - invasive Kado Gin
Tama-gin
Type of Ginrin where the centre of the scale shines
Tategoi
Koi with potential for improving.
Tateshita
Young finished Koi with no potential for improvement. Opposite of Tategoi
Tejima
Black stripes in the pectorial fins
Teri
Shine
Tobi-hi
Rogue hi. Small beni spots isolated from the main pattern
Tsubo Sumi
"Best placed". Sumi on white skin.
Tsuya
Lustre
Utsuri
Literally "Reflection" refering to the pattern
Utsurimono
Show class for Hi,Ki & Shiro Utsuri
Wagoi
Fully scaled Koi.
Yoroi
Doitsugoi (Armoured Carp type).
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