One of the growing trends among pet fish lovers is the hobby of keeping and breeding Koi fish. The name that originated from the Japanese word "nishikigoi" (which literally translates to brocaded, or adorned, carp) is also a homophone for another term in Japanese language that means affection or love. In Japanese culture, the koi fish is a symbol that is used for love and friendship. Colors range from dull gray to brightly colored blue, yellow, or red to name a few of the wide variety of koi colors

Many variations manifest on these brocaded Japanese carps that can be classified depending on their colors, patterns, and scalation on their body. The breeding of these aquatic creatures for color mutations originated in Ancient China, and has been passed down over many generations and across different continents. Even as we speak, hobbyists continue to develop new varieties of these carps in the hopes of creating magnificent new breeds of koi fish.

There are many known types of koi and among the most popular are:

Gosanke, which is a broad term commonly used to describe Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa. Three colors can only be seen on this classification: hi, a Japanese term for red color markings on koi; sumi, for the black color; and shiroji, for the white color.

Kohaku is a white koi that can easily be distinguished for it's hi, or the large red color patterns on its body. The hi on its body should always be of equal shade.

Sanke, which is often called sanshoku, is a tri-colored koi that consists of hi, sumi, and shiroji on its body. It is mainly a white koi with patterns of black and red that are usually seen overlapping the white. Many consider its pattern of red and black conveys elegance.

Showa is another tri-colored koi fish that consists of the three colors seen on Gosanke. The main difference between Sanke and Showa is that sumi markings on the head only manifest on Showa koi. The name was derived from the time it was first exhibited on 1927 during the reign of the Showa Emperor.

Bekko is another type of koi commonly seen and easily identified having sumi or black markings all over the body on different background colors.

Shiro Bekko is the widely known variety of this koi type. Considered to be a derivative of Sanke, this fish has both shiroji and sumi on its body. It is a white koi fish that has black stone patterns all over the body. Any presence of hi (red color pattern) would automatically make them a Sanke, which is the only thing that sets them apart.

Akka Bekko is a scarlet red koi fish that is overlain with black stone patterns (or sumi) on its body

Ki Bekko is a variation of Bekko that is rarely seen. The color of its body is a striking lemon-yellow with black stone patterns all around.

Another example of a popularly known Japanese koi type is Asagi. This koi fish is fully-scaled and non-metallic. A Blue color pattern above the lateral line is visible which is considered to be its distinct feature with red colors seen on mouth, gill covers, fins, and underside of the body.

Although it may be confusing with all the many colors and classifications of koi fish, choosing the one that's most pleasing to your eye is a good way to start your hobby of keeping these beautiful Japanese carps.