Authentic Japanese koi for collectors & dreamers
Join the cabal. Be a koi collector and enjoy the history, beauty and pleasure of koi ownership, with fish selected for your pond and your style.
Koi chosen for your pond
Nishikigoi, or “brocaded carp,” have been bred in Japan for two centuries for their color, pattern and grace. Each one is unique.
Buying koi is more than picking pretty fish. The right choice depends on your pond’s size and filtration, the koi you already have, and how you want the group to look as it grows. We help you choose varieties and sizes, plan how many fish your pond can support, and handle the move home so your new koi settle in calmly.
- Authentic Japanese koi in a range of varieties and sizes
- Honest advice for beginners and seasoned collectors
- Stocking plans matched to your pond and filtration
- Careful transport and acclimation
Meet the koi
Breeders recognize more than 100 varieties. Here are some of the favorites. Tap a name to learn more.
Kohaku
紅白 · “red and white”
The most iconic koi of all: a snow-white body with bold red (hi) markings. Collectors say the hobby “begins and ends with Kohaku,” because its simple pattern shows quality so clearly.
- Colors
- White with red
- Character
- Classic, elegant, timeless
- Great for
- Every pond, first-time keepers and serious collectors alike
Sanke
大正三色 · Taisho Sanke
A Kohaku with an extra touch: small black (sumi) accents placed over the white and red. One of the three “Gosanke,” the most prized group in Japanese koi shows.
- Colors
- White, red and black
- Character
- Balanced and refined
- Great for
- Keepers who love Kohaku but want more detail
Showa
昭和三色 · Showa Sanshoku
The bold one. A black base wrapped with red and white, with black reaching onto the head. Showa often change and deepen in color as they mature, which makes them exciting to watch grow.
- Colors
- Black with red and white
- Character
- Dramatic and powerful
- Great for
- Statement ponds and collectors
Utsuri
写り物 · “reflections”
Black koi “reflected” with one other color: red in Hi Utsuri, white in Shiro Utsuri and yellow in Ki Utsuri. The contrast looks spectacular against light-colored pond floors.
- Colors
- Black with red, white or yellow
- Character
- Striking, high contrast
- Great for
- Modern ponds and mosaic or light pool floors
Tancho
丹頂 · “red crown”
A pure white koi with a single round red spot on its head, named after Japan’s red-crowned crane and echoing the Japanese flag. A perfect Tancho is rare and much admired.
- Colors
- White with one red head spot
- Character
- Minimal and symbolic
- Great for
- Zen-style gardens and collectors
Asagi
浅黄 · one of the oldest varieties
Soft blue-gray scales in a neat net pattern across the back, with red-orange on the cheeks, belly and fins. Asagi is one of the original varieties from which many others were bred.
- Colors
- Blue-gray with red-orange
- Character
- Calm, traditional, subtle
- Great for
- Natural-style ponds with plants and stone
Ogon
黄金 · metallic gold and platinum
Solid metallic koi that shine like gold (Yamabuki Ogon) or platinum. They catch the light from across the garden and are easy to spot, even in deeper water.
- Colors
- Metallic gold or platinum
- Character
- Bright and eye-catching
- Great for
- Adding sparkle to any group of koi
Chagoi
茶鯉 · “tea-colored koi”
Warm brown to bronze koi known for being the friendliest in the pond. Chagoi often learn to eat from your hand first and tend to bring the rest of the group along with them. They can also grow very large.
- Colors
- Tea brown to bronze
- Character
- Friendly, calm, big
- Great for
- Families and anyone who wants hand-feeding koi
26 varieties at a glance
From classic Kohaku to rare Kikokuryu. Tap the guide to see it full size.
How to choose a great koi
Body shape
Look for a smooth, balanced body that is not too thin. Good body shape supports healthy growth for years.
Skin & luster
Clean, glossy skin and crisp edges between colors are signs of quality bloodlines and good care.
Pattern
Choose patterns you love looking at. Balance and clean edges matter, but your taste matters most.
Health
Active swimming, clear eyes and fins held open. We only offer koi that show healthy behavior.
Koi we love
Looking for your next koi?
Tell us what you have in mind, a variety, a size or a color, and we’ll let you know what is available and what will suit your pond.
Get My Free Quote