You are responsible for entering your koi in the correct class. Benchers can assist you if you are unsure. Incorrectly entered fish may be disqualified.
Judging Classifications
KOHAKU
A non-metallic white body Koi with red markings.
SANKE
A non-metallic white body Koi with red and black markings.
SHOWA
A non-metallic black body Koi with red and white markings.
UTSURI MONO
A non-metallic black body Koi that carries a second color, which may be white, red, or yellow.
BEKKO
A non-metallic white, red, or yellow Koi with black markings.
ASAGI/ SHUSUI
In our show, Asagi and Shusui are judged in the same class.
ASAGI – A non-metallic gray-blue net patterned Koi with red along the sides, cheeks and in the fins. SHUSUI – A Doitsu (German Scaled or “scaleless”) Asagi. The characteristic feature of the Shusui is the line of Doitsu scales that run alongside the dorsal fin that replaces the reticulated pattern of scales of the Asagi.
KOROMO/ GOSHIKI
In our show, Koromo and Goshiki are judged in the same class.
KOROMO have their red patterns outlined in a darker color. This is a hybrid between the Asagi and Kohaku. GOSHIKI – are non-metallic five colored Koi, on which white, red, black, and light and dark blue are mixed to give a purplish appearance.
HIKARIMUJI (OGON)
A single colored metallic Koi and a metallic koi with Matsuba (pinecone) patterns.
HIKARIMOYO
A metallic Koi with a pattern. For example; Hariwake, Kikusui, Kujaku, etc. (With the exception of Kikokuryu and Kin Kikokuryu which are shown in the Kawarigoi class)
TANCHO
A Koi with a red spot on the head and no other red on the body. For example, Tancho Kohaku, Tancho Sanke, Tancho Showa, Tancho Kujaku etc.
KIN GIN RIN A
A Diamond or reflective scaled Koi that is a Kohaku, Sanke or Showa.
KIN GIN RIN B
A Diamond or reflective scaled Koi that does not fit under Kin Gin Rin A. (All varieties other than Kohaku, Sanke and Showa)
DOITSU
A scaleless or German Scale (only scales on top and lateral line) Koi of any variety.
KAWARIGOI
A Koi that is not included in any other judging category. There are well over 100 varieties in this “catch-all” classification.
LONGFIN
A Koi with long fins and long barbels. Also known as butterfly koi.
Class Closure
As long as there is at least one fish entered in a class, it will not be closed. However, where there are fewer than three fish in a class, the judges may award first, second, or third, or no winners, at their discretion.
Judging Criteria
The following is an example of the criteria used for judging koi to help you understand what the judges are looking for. The percentages are given as examples, as they can be adjusted at the discretion of the judges:
- 30% Conformation (shape)
- 30% Color
- 20% Pattern
- 10% Quality and Elegance
- 10% Imposing Presence or Appearance