My Koi Garden

Variety Guide

Asagi

Asagi are among the oldest Nishikigoi types, known for blue-gray reticulated scales and red accents along the sides.

Asagi award-quality koi reference photo 1.
Asagi 1. Image source: KoiShowNews All Japan 55th Nishikigoi Show awards page. Source.
Asagi award-quality koi reference photo 2.
Asagi 2. Image source: KoiShowNews All Japan 55th Nishikigoi Show awards page. Source.
Asagi award-quality koi reference photo 3.
Asagi 3. Image source: KoiShowNews All Japan 55th Nishikigoi Show awards page. Source.

Identity

Asagi should show a clean blue net-like scale pattern on the back, often with red or orange on the cheeks, sides, belly, and fins. The impression is quieter than Gosanke, but it can be very refined.

FeatureGood signCommon problem
HeadClean, light head without excessive dark staining.A smoky or dirty head can make the fish look old or rough.
ReticulationEven blue-gray net pattern with consistent scale edges.Muddy, uneven, or broken reticulation.
Hi placementRed/orange supports the sides, cheeks, belly, and fins without climbing too high.Too much red overwhelming the blue back.
BodyCalm refined impression with a straight frame and good volume.Buying only for color while ignoring weak body shape.

Shusui relationship

Shusui is the Doitsu, or scaleless, relative of Asagi. Instead of full reticulation, Shusui often shows a line of large mirror scales along the back.

Beginner note

  • Look for a clean head without too much dark staining.
  • Reticulation should look even rather than muddy.
  • Red should support the body line without overwhelming the blue impression.