Award-winning reference photos
Identity
Tancho is not one single bloodline variety; it describes the red head mark. You may see Tancho Kohaku, Tancho Sanke, and Tancho Showa depending on the body pattern and black markings.
| Feature | Preferred quality | Beginner caution |
|---|---|---|
| Head mark | Centered, pleasing, and separated from other red body markings. | A red spot alone does not make the fish valuable. |
| Shape of mark | Round or balanced shape is prized, but exact perfection is rare. | Do not ignore weak body or poor skin for a circle. |
| White skin | Clean white ground makes the Tancho mark stand out. | Yellowed skin weakens the simple design. |
| Underlying variety | Identify whether it is Tancho Kohaku, Tancho Sanke, or Tancho Showa. | Judging changes if sumi is present. |
What to look for
- The red head mark should be visually centered and pleasing.
- The body should still be strong; the head mark alone does not make a good koi.
- Clean white skin makes the Tancho impression much stronger.
Beginner note
Do not overpay only for a red spot. Check skin quality, swimming behavior, body line, and whether the mark has clean edges.