Learn the language of koi color and pattern.

Classification Tree

Nishikigoi variety map

This tree separates true variety groups from cross-cutting traits such as Tancho, Gin Rin, and Doitsu, which can appear across multiple varieties.

Use the photos below for identification first: base color, red placement, black structure, metallic luster, scale type, and fin form. Quality judging is a deeper subject, but variety recognition starts with naming what you can actually see.

Group	Primary judging focus	Beginner trap
Gosanke	Body, clean shiroji, beni quality, sumi balance, pattern from head to tail.	Buying only for dramatic pattern while ignoring body and skin.
Black-pattern families	Whether black is structural or placed, plus contrast and cleanliness.	Confusing dirty speckling with good sumi.
Old-line / reticulated groups	Even scale pattern, clean head, controlled red placement, refined impression.	Accepting muddy reticulation because the variety is unusual.
Metallic Hikari groups	Even metallic luster, clean head, uniform color or pattern clarity.	Ignoring dull fins or uneven shine.
Kawarimono / pond favorites	Body, skin, temperament, scale neatness, and color consistency.	Assuming simpler varieties have no quality standards.

Term	What it means	How to spot it
Kohaku	White koi with red pattern; the foundation variety for learning shiroji and beni.	No black markings. Look for clean white skin and balanced red placement.
Sanke	White-based three-color koi with red and black markings.	Black usually appears as accents on the body rather than a heavy black base.
Showa	Three-color koi with a stronger black structure.	Black often wraps through the body and can appear on the head.
Doitsu	German-scaled or nearly scaleless form that can appear across varieties.	Smooth body with mirror-like scale rows or very few scales.
Gin Rin	Sparkling reflective scale effect, not a single color variety.	Individual scales flash like glass or diamond flakes in light.
Tancho	Single red head mark, often seen as Tancho Kohaku, Tancho Sanke, or Tancho Showa.	One clear red mark on the head, with no other red on the body.

Professional Video

Watch: scale type in koi selection

Scale type appears across many varieties, so this Sacramento Koi video helps explain why Doitsu, Gin Rin, and normal scaled koi should be recognized as traits that influence appearance and judging.

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