Award-winning reference photos
Main types
- Shiro Bekko
- White body with black markings.
- Aka Bekko
- Red body with black markings.
- Ki Bekko
- Yellow body with black markings.
Bekko vs Utsuri
Bekko should feel like sumi markings placed on a light or colored base. Utsuri feels more black-based and often has a stronger wrapping sumi structure.
| Checkpoint | Bekko quality cue | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Base color | Clean white, red, or yellow ground with no muddy staining. | Dirty-looking skin that makes sumi hard to read. |
| Sumi placement | Balanced black markings on the body, not overwhelming the fish. | Heavy head sumi or wrapping sumi may point toward Utsuri/Showa influence. |
| Pattern clarity | Marks look intentional and separated enough to be readable from above. | Peppery black freckles that look messy. |
| Body | Still needs strong conformation; Bekko simplicity exposes body weakness. | Choosing a weak fish because the variety is less expensive. |
Beginner note
Look for clean base color and sumi placement that feels balanced. Avoid messy black marks that make the fish look dirty rather than patterned.