Red + white
Kohaku
A white base with red patterning.
Explore Kohaku →The koi variety guide
Identify common
koi varieties.
Choose the colours and markings you can see. We’ll suggest varieties to compare. You can open a photograph alongside the questions; the photo stays on your device and is not analysed automatically.
White + red + black
Sanke
A white-based tricolour koi with black accents. Compare the head and fin markings too.
Explore Sanke →Black + red + white
Showa
A black-based tricolour koi, often with black on the head. Modern examples can be harder to distinguish.
Explore Showa →Further reading: Kodama Koi Farm’s guide to Kohaku, Sanke and Showa ↗