A Quick course

One of the greatest mysteries to new koi keepers is the issue of koi quality. “What makes one koi more valuable than another?” “Why are higher quality koi more expensive?” These are common questions asked by novices when they see the price tag on the higher-end fish. The ‘mystery’ isn’t nearly as mysterious as you might think.

Koi quality isn’t difficult to understand once you understand the criteria on which it is based. Just like show dogs, cats, and horses, koi must meet certain characteristics for general quality. Koi quality is typically split into three categories: conformation, color, and pattern.

Conformation High quality begins with the overall shape and condition of the koi, or its conformation. High quality koi should have no defects in body shape. The body must be balanced, symmetrical and torpedo-shaped. The fins should be in proportion to the body and even. Doitsu (partially scaled) koi should have balanced, even rows of scales.

Conformation can make or break a fish. All other features of a koi are worthless if it is missing an eye or a fin. Tumors, old wounds and stray scales can all detract from a normally spectacular koi and lower its overall quality. In shows, it is not uncommon to see a spectacularly colored and patterned fish lose because of its shape. While conformation is important in shows, it doesn’t make a bit of difference in the backyard. Perfect conformation will not always matter to your typical koi hobbyist who has no desire to show their fish. So while one fish might not be perfect for show, the fish may be sufficient quality for the home pond.

Color The skin tone of koi is also very important to the quality of a koi. The saturation of color, its consistency and how well the colors are separated determine the quality of the color. Without good color, the pattern of the fish is not as appealing and the value of the fish is lessened.

Quality koi should have striking colors. Reds should be opaque without too much orange present. White areas should be silky and free from speckles. Black markings should be dark and defined, as if they were painted with a fine brush. Metallic fish should have good luster (shine). All of the colors should be of consistent saturation throughout the fish.

The edges of the colors should be crisp and not show fading. Colors that bleed together are not desired in most koi. On certain varieties of koi, such as Kohaku, the edges of the red coloration come under high scrutiny by show judges.

Pattern Koi patterns can vary from simple to complex, multi-layered designs. Whatever the case may be, the pattern should be appealing to the eye and fit within the constraints of the koi variety. Simple is often elegant, so don’t ignore a fish after one look. Study each fish carefully and choose patterns that compliment each other.

The importance of pattern is often over-emphasized. Pattern makes a difference in the quality of the fish only if the color and conformation are of equal quality. Pattern is nothing without proper shape and vivid colors.

But why do quality koi cost more? The answer isn’t always based on market value. Many things influence the cost of koi, but the number one cost still remains in production.

The cost of koi isn’t so much based on the quality, but on the effort and manpower required producing quality koi. Koi don’t roll off an assembly line, koi are notorious for not breeding true. It is for this reason koi must constantly be culled by hand as they grow.

Culling removes the defective or lower quality fish as they grow. Smaller fish are destroyed, while larger fish are typically sold at a lower grad (and cost). Culling sometimes can be drastic, with only 1-2% of the spawn on the average making to sellable quality. When you consider spawns can be 100,000 or more eggs, the manpower required to grow, sort and cull each production cycle is enormous.

Once you understand the basics, you’ll have a good foundation to go on. Always keep your eyes and mind open when you select fish and you’ll never go wrong.