Well, koi fish are not just beautiful pond decorations, but according to the Japanese culture, they actually have deep meanings and symbolism behind each variety. Different koi patterns and colours represent different things in Japanese culture. We are Zen Aquarium, and we have been providing premium koi varieties across NSW and ACT for over 18 years now.
Actually, when you buy live fish online in Australia, understanding these meanings can help you choose the right koi for your pond. Each variety has its own special significance, whether it's about prosperity, strength, or good fortune. Today, we will walk you through the top 10 most popular koi varieties and what they actually mean.
Apart from regular koi, many of these varieties also come in butterfly versions with long, flowing fins. If you are looking for butterfly koi for sale across Sydney, we can deliver your preferred variety with those beautiful extended fins that make them even more beautiful in your pond.
1. Kohaku
This is probably the most popular koi variety you will see everywhere. Kohaku has a pure white body with bright red patterns on top. The red markings are called "hi" in Japanese.
These koi symbolise purity, success in career, and fulfilment in life. Many pond owners choose Kohaku as their first koi because of these positive meanings. The contrast between white and red makes them really eye-catching in any pond.
When you buy live fish online in Australia, Kohaku varieties are always in high demand because they represent such positive things. The butterfly koi for sale in Sydney versions we have for Kohaku is particularly stunning with its long fins flowing behind the red patterns.
2. Taisho Sanke (Sanke)
Sanke koi have white bodies like Kohaku, but they also have both red and black markings all across their body.
Sanke koi is seen as a representation of strength, perseverance, and overcoming tough times. The black markings should never appear on the head in a proper Sanke. This is one of the things we always tell customers when they buy live fish online in Australia from our collection.
3. Showa Sanshoku (Showa)
Showa koi are quite different from Sanke because they have black bodies as the base colour, with white and red markings on top. The black generally covers much more of the fish compared to the Sanke.
These koi represent life changes and positive transformation. If you are going through big changes in your life, Showa koi are believed to bring good energy for new beginnings.
The butterfly versions of Showa with their long fins look absolutely magnificent. When looking for butterfly koi for sale in Sydney, Showa varieties are always popular choices.
4. Asagi
Asagi koi have a really unique blue-grey net-like pattern on their backs. The belly and fins are usually bright red or orange. This creates a beautiful contrast that looks very natural.
This variety symbolises stability and calmness in your life. Actually, the blue colour is seen as the representation of a calm sky.
Now, apart from its meaning, Asagi kois are among the oldest koi varieties, so they have a very interesting history and tradition behind them.
5. Shusui
Shusui can be known as the scaleless version of Asagi. In short, they have smooth skin with a light blue body and a single row of scales along the back. Red markings appear on the belly and fins.
These koi represent serenity and clarity of mind. The smooth, scaleless skin gives them a very clean and pure appearance. Many meditation garden owners prefer Shusui for this peaceful symbolism.
6. Bekko
Another koi variety that we included in our list is Bekko. Well, there are three types of Bekko koi.
White (Shiro Bekko)
Red (Aka Bekko)
Yellow (Ki Bekko)
You can find Bekko fish in these solid colours with black spots scattered all over their body. The clean, simple patterns represent finding strength in basic, honest living, and they represent simplicity. When you buy live fish online in Australia, Bekko varieties are great for beginners because their meanings are easy to understand and appreciate.
7. Utsuri
So, like Bekko, you can find three varieties of Utsuri koi, but the difference is that Utsuri koi have a black body colour with patterns of:
White (Shiro Utsuri)
Red (Hi Utsuri)
Yellow (Ki Utsuri)
Genuinely, these patterns create a really beautiful contrast against the black base. These fish represent the balance of opposites in life. The dark and light colours working together symbolise harmony between different forces. Many people choose Utsuri when they want to represent balance in their personal or work life. We actually have Utsuri as butterfly koi for sale across Sydney.
8. Ogon
So, next in our list of koi varieties is Ogon koi, which basically has a metallic single coloured body.
You will actually find Ogon koi in so many more variations:
Gold (Yamabuki Ogon)
Platinum (Purachina Ogon)
Metallic Grey (Nezu Ogon)
Sparkling Scales (Gin Rin Ogon)
Metallic Orange (Orenji Ogon)
Partially or Fully Scaleless (Doitsu Ogon)
Metallic Yellow (Yamabuki Ogon)
Matsuba Ogon is another variety of Ogon koi, which has quite a different appearance from all the above options. They have a mix of yellow and orange colours with dark-centred varieties, which This variety stands for wealth, prosperity, and success in business. Many business owners choose Ogon for their ponds because of this symbolism.
9. Goshiki
Goshiki is basically a five colour koi variety, and it has red, black, light blue, white, dark blue or grey beautifully complementing each other. Actually, Goshiki means five colours in Japanese. This variety symbolises variety and vitality in life.
The multiple colours represent different aspects of a full, rich life. People choose Goshiki when they want to celebrate diversity and energy.
10. Tancho
Tancho koi are pure white with a single red spot on their head. This pattern looks just like the Japanese flag, which makes it very special in Japanese culture.
These koi are associated with good fortune and love. The single red spot represents the rising sun and new beginnings. Many couples choose Tancho koi for their ponds because of the love symbolism.
Tancho is considered a very lucky fish. The cleaner and more perfect the red spot on the head, the more valuable and meaningful the fish is believed to be.
Zen Aquarium Is Just A Call Away To Get You Your Desired Koi Variety
We get all these popular varieties from trusted farmers at Zen Aquarium. Our experience over 18 years helps us guide customers to choose the right koi varieties for their specific needs and pond maintenance.
Our store opens only on SUNDAY at Paddy's Market, Flemington, from 7 am to 3:30 pm. But we are just a call away to discuss your requirements. Not just koi fish, but you can also contact us to buy live fish online across Australia.
You can call us today at 0478 757 332 or write to us at info@zenaquariumau.com to discuss which koi varieties and meanings would work best for your pond.