As Nishikigoi were developed in Japan, the language of Nishikigoi is Japanese. Japanese is used not only to name the varieties, but also for many of the terms used to describe their colors and traits.
While possible variations are limitless, breeders have identified and named a number of specific categories. The most popular category is Gosanke. The Gosanke category is made up of the Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, and Showa Sanshoku varieties. The Japanese breeders have many generations of knowledge and experience when it comes to breeding and raising Nishikigoi.
Scaled, Gin Rin and Doitsu.
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Asagi- Light blue koi with orange/red from the lateral line down and also on the pectoral fins.
Bekko- White, red or yellow koi with black markings.
Goshiki- Five colored koi that is sometimes judged in the Kawarimono class.
Kohaku- White koi with red markings.
Koromo- White koi with red/brown markings with a darker overlay or robing towards the outside edge of each colored scale.
Sanke- White koi with black and red markings.
Showa- Black koi with white and red markings.
Utsuri- Black koi with red, white or yellow markings.
Shusui- Looks simillar to an Asagi but it has Doitsu type scales.
Tancho- Includes Kohaku, Sanke and Showa.
Gin Rin- Most all of the varieties listed above are also bred in a Gin Rin scale. Gin Rin Kohaku, Gin Rin Showa and Gin Rin Sanke usually have their own class in koi shows but all other varieties with Gin Rin Scales are judged with the regular scaled koi.
Doitsu- Much like Gin Rin scaled koi, Doitsu type koi are also bred in most all of the varieties listed above. Doitsu Kohaku, Doitsu Showa and Doitsu Sanke usually have their own class in koi shows but all other varieties of Doitsu koi are judged with the regular scaled koi except Shusui which has its own classification.
Kawari mono- This group includes all non metallic koi that don't fit into the above classifications such as Benigoi, Chagoi, Kigoi, Karasugoi, Kanokogoi and sometimes Goshiki. Mono means group.
Hikari Utsuri mono- Metallic Utsuri and Showa.
Hikari Moyo Mono- All metallic koi that do not fit into the above classifications such as Hariwake, Yamatonishiki, Kujaku and Kikisui to name a few.
Hikari means metallic, Moyo means pattern, Mono means group.
Hikari Muji Mono- This fish has one body color of white (platinum), yellow (yamibuki), orange (orenji), gray (nezu) and a metallic sheen. Yamabuki Ogon, Platinum Ogonand Kin Matsuba to name some.
Hikari means metallic and Muji means solid color.
Lots more Koi Varieties information and pictures here.
