Koi

Hikari Utsuri includes Gin Shiro Utsuri, Kin-Ki Utsuri, Kin-Hi Utsuri and Kin Showa. Metallic Utsurimono and Showa are uncommon, especially at a high standard. It is a memorable event to find a good example, combining the beauty of the shining metallic base with the distinctive features of Utsurimono or Showa.

Defining features
Koi in Hikari Utsuri are the metallic equivalents to basic Utsurimono and Showa varieties. They are expected to have black patterns on the head, pectoral fin joints (motoguro – Kin Showa, Gin Shiro Utsuri) or broad stripes (tejima, tezumi – Kin-Ki or Kin-Hi Utsuri), and deeply wrapping, large, jagged black patterns on the body. Kin Showa is silver, gold or metallic red and black. The metallic Utsuri have black patterns on a silver, gold or metallic orange/red base. Doitsu versions (maximum of four lines of scales, two along the dorsal line, one on each lateral line) are occasionally seen.

Origin
Crossbreeding experiments between Showa or Utsurimono varieties and Hikarimuji.

Basic appreciation points
• Appreciation points for the relevant non-metallic groups (Showa and Utsurimono), because most of them apply to Hikari Utsuri.
• A good shape; clear, unstained colours; and sharp edged, nicely balanced pattern elements are all important.
• As for any metallic Koi, good lustre is highly desirable, indicating high skin quality, but is difficult to achieve alongside deep colours like red and black.
• As for some Hikarimoyo, a clear silver window on the head of Kin Showa is a positive appreciation point, because the silver base should be incredibly shiny and shows to greatest advantage on the head.
• Leading edges and trailing edged patterns should be sharp on Hikari Utsuri.

Common problems
• Those of shape, lustre and colour listed for Hikarimuji also occur for Hikari Utsuri.
• Common pattern and pattern-edge problems discussed for Utsurimono, Showa (black patterns) and Kohaku (red patterns) are seen, together with poor growth characteristics.
• Very large Hikari Utsuri are rare indeed.
• Black patterns may look brownish or pewter coloured.
• Very extensive black patterns, particularly on the head and fins are also common, dominating the Koi.
• Small sumi speckles over base colours is a frequent occurrence.
 

Written by Kate McGill

Photo supplied by Kate McGill