One of the most quoted phrases in koi-keeping is that the hobbyist begins with the Kohaku and ends with the Kohaku. In fact many new hobbyists overlook them in preference for the brightly coloured Ogon and other metallic Koi because they feel the Kohaku ‘looks too much like a goldfish’! However, as they begin to appreciate the colours and patterns of koi, hobbyists often turn to them because of their simplicity and elegance.

Not only do Kohaku share the red and white colours of both the Japanese flag and the symbol of that country, but it is much more difficult to find a prize Kohaku than a show winner of any other variety. In Japan, to own a good Kohaku is the ambition of every koi-keeper.

Colours
Kohaku are white koi with red, or hi markings. Ideally the hi should have a good depth of colour but, more importantly, the colour should be of a uniform shade and the edges of the hi pattern should be well defined.

Patterns
Kohaku appear such simple koi in terms of colouration, the criteria by which they are judged are severe. The pattern is the last factor to be considered, but is probably the most discussed. Balance over the whole of the koi’s body is the key to any pattern.

Head
On any Kohaku the hi pattern begins on the head. Without hi on the head, they are considered worthless. There are two varieties of Kohaku that are named in connection with their head markings:

Tancho Kohaku: This is a white koi with a red spot on his head.
Maruten Kohaku:This koi has a separate red spot on the head along with other hi markings on the body.

Body
Large hi markings, known as ‘omoyo’ are preferred to small hi markings as they create a stronger impression against the white. Kohaku patterns can be divided roughly into two categories:

1. Continuous patterns that extend from the head to the tail are known as ‘moyo’:
Inazuma kohaka: This is a continuous pattern, extending from the head to the tail, but with variation. inazuma literally means ‘lightning strike’.

2. Stepped patterns are known as ‘dangara’ and are much more highly valued by the Japanese. Dangara patterns are described by the number of markings down the body of the koi:

Nidan Kohaku: Nidan means two and a Nidan Kohaku has two hi markings.
Sandan Kohaku: This is a Kohaku with three hi markings.
Yondan Kohaku: This is a Kohaku with four hi body markings.

Other varieties of Kohaku include:

Goten-zakura Kohaku: This koi has a pattern more commonly known as cherry blossom. the hi is dappled and looks like clusters of grapes.
Kanoku Kohaku: The hi markings should be Kanoku (or dappled) but the hi markings on the head almost remain solid.

Tail
The end of the pattern is as important as its beginning and continuous along the body. On a perfectly marked Kohaku, the hi pattern ends just before the tail joint.

Fins
Snow white fins are the perfect accompaniment to the red on white pattern.

Scalation
Scalation should be even all over the body of the koi. The Japanese prefer hi that is strong enough the disguise the individual scales.

Doitsu Kohaku: A Kohaku of any pattern with scales only along the dorsal and lateral lines.