6 koi varieties from Kawarimono.
Kawarimono
Asagi is one of the oldest koi varieties, with a blue-gray net-scale pattern on the back and red (hi) along the belly, cheeks, and fin joints. The blue reticulated scales should be uniform and symmetrical. Asagi is an acquired taste but once you appreciate the subtlety, you realize why old-school breeders revere it.
$20-$15,000+
Kawarimono
Shusui is the doitsu (scaleless) version of asagi. Instead of full reticulated scales, it has a single row of large mirror scales along the dorsal line, with smooth blue skin and red on the belly and cheeks. The dorsal scales should line up neatly. Any stray scales elsewhere are faults.
$20-$10,000+
Kawarimono
Goshiki means five colors: white, red, black, blue, and indigo all layered together. It is essentially an asagi-kohaku cross that produces a complex reticulated look under the red. Modern goshiki lean cleaner and brighter, while classic goshiki are darker and more heavily netted. Both styles have their fans.
$25-$20,000+
Kawarimono
Chagoi are solid brown or tea-colored koi, and they are the friendliest fish in any pond. They are usually the first to eat from your hand and their tameness makes the other koi braver too. Not flashy, but experienced hobbyists always keep at least one chagoi because they bring the whole pond to life.
$15-$5,000+
Kawarimono
Soragoi are solid blue-gray koi, similar in temperament to chagoi. Calm, friendly, and often the second fish to eat from your hand. The blue-gray should be even and clean. They grow large and are often used alongside chagoi as ambassador fish to tame a skittish pond.
$15-$3,000+
Kawarimono
Ochiba shigure means autumn leaves on water, and the name fits. A brown-gray body with a kohaku-style red overlay creates a warm, earthy look. Think of it as a chagoi crossed with kohaku. They share the chagoi friendliness and the color deepens with age. An underrated variety that grows on you.
$20-$10,000+