A little bit of history on the Kohaku-
Koi originate from the common carp. First bred as far back as 1888 it was one of the first varieties developed and still today is considered the most important.
Colour Patterns-
Kohaku are a white Koi with red markings and perhaps the best known and most popular variety. They can be Doitsu (scaleless), plain or Gin Rin.
The beauty of this fish is there are so many different patterns the red can take that there is always one everyone likes. The red is called Hi and should have good crisp edges.
Gin Rin Kohaku
Doitsu Kohaku
Nidan is a 2 step pattern
Sandan is a three step pattern
Yondan is a 4 four step pattern
Godan is a 5 step pattern
Inazuma is a zig zag pattern
Tancho is a pure white koi with a circular red spot in the centre of its head, one of the most sought after varieties.
Ohmoyo is an unbroken single pattern
Kuchibeni refers to red on the mouth "lipstick"
For more information on Koi Varieties see our Guide
Updated 4 November 2026.
