Koi

Kawarimono or Kawarigoi (group 1) includes Chagoi, Sorogoi, Kigoi, Benigoi, Midorigoi, Shiro Matsuba, Ki Matsuba and Aka Matsuba. Group 2 includes Karasugoi, Hajiro, Hagashiro, Yotsushiro, Matsukawabake, Suminagashi, Kumonryu and Beni Kumonryu.

Appreciating Kawarigoi perhaps requires a more personal approach than other Koi varieties, because they are so different. However, some have very special appeal, like the friendly Chagoi who are well-known for being the first of your Koi to hand-feed!

Defining features
Kawari means ‘something strange’, which perhaps defines the group in two words. Non-metallic Koi, which cannot be placed in any other classification, are all in Kawarigoi. The best approach is to think of them in a total of four groups. Group 1 includes single-coloured Koi, with or without a ‘pine-cone’ reticulated effect over all scale areas (Matsubagoi). Group 2 includes all the Karasugoi – black Koi with varying amounts of white – Beni Kumonryu is an exception, being principally red and black. Kawarigoi can be either fully or partially scaled (doitsu), and Kumonryu are always doitsu. See Kawarigoi part 2 for groups 3 and 4.

Origin
Group 2 developed from Asagi Magoi, beginning with the all-black Karasugoi (Crow Koi). Chagoi, Sorogoi and Midorigoi also have a direct Magoi ancestor. The Matsubagoi developed from Asagi.

Basic appreciation points
• Single-coloured Koi (group 1) must show homogeneous, bright, unstained colour from nose to tail. Scale lines (kokenami) must also be even, giving a neat, faintly netted pattern.
• For Matsuba, like Asagi, the vignette needs to be sharply contrasting in colour, with clear edges.
• Largely black Karasugoi (group 2) should look like polished ebony, so deeply black that no scales are visible. Where white or red is present, its colour should be even and unstained. Edges between black, white and red areas should be sharply defined, particularly on doitsu varieties like Kumonryu.

Common problems
• Head and fins too small for the body.
• A pointed nose.
• Spots and stains on head and/or body.
• Yellowing of white skin.
• Poor quality, uneven colours.
• Blurring of pattern edges or vignette.
• Uneven scale lines.

Kawarimono or Kawarigoi (group 3) includes Ochiba Shigure, Sanke-Shusui, Showa-Shusui and Utsuri-Chagoi. Group 4 includes Kanoko Kohaku, Kanoko Sanke, Kanoko Showa, Kage Shiro Utsuri, Kage Ki Utsuri, Kage Hi Utsuri and Kage Showa.
Ochiba Shigure excepted, crossbred and very rare Koi like those in group 4 rarely appeal to hobbyists, but they still turn up occasionally and when of good quality, they are worthy of appreciation. Their scarcity makes all excellent Kawarigoi valuable.

Defining features
Patterned, non-metallic Koi that cannot be classified in any other group. Group 3 Koi are crossbred from other, well-recognised varieties like Sanke and Shusui. Group 4 includes Koi with a particular feature that renders them non-competitive in their original variety. Kanoko (dappled fawn) means that red patterns occur as a vignette effect over individual scale areas. Kage (shadowed) is a black or grey vignette effect over all-white skin on Utsurimono and Showa.

Origin
Probably from experimentation or accident in most cases. Ochiba Shigure appear to be related to Chagoi/Sorogoi but recently Kohaku may also have been introduced.

Basic appreciation points
• Ochiba Shigure (autumn leaves on water) are popular Kawarigoi and make an interesting example to discuss. The pale grey base colour must be even and unstained. If delicate black netting is visible around scale edges and fins, it should look sharp. The second colour should ideally be a rich, orange-brown and arranged like the red patterns on Kohaku. Attractive brown pectoral fin joints are often seen for this variety.
 • Other crossbred Koi like Sanke-Shusui should fulfil appreciation points of both basic varieties and are very difficult to produce to a high standard.
• Kanoko and particularly Kage Koi can look very special on the rare occasions when all appreciation points are met to a high standard, including very neat, consistent, deep-red Kanoko patterning and a clear vignette effect for Kage Koi.

Common problems
• In addition to those already listed for groups 1 and 2, Ochiba Shigure often show dull, washed-out colours and poor patterning.
• Other crossbred Koi can look overpatterned and untidy.
• The Kage vignette often fails to develop properly and Kanoko scaling can be uneven, blurred and light.

Written by Kate McGill

Photo supplied by Kate McGill