Koi

Kin-Gin-Rin (A) includes Kin-Gin-Rin Kohaku, Kin-Gin-Rin Sanke and Kin-Gin-Rin Showa. Practically every known variety of Koi can produce a Kin-Gin-Rin equivalent, for example, Gin-Rin Shiro Bekko. However, they are either classified as Kin-Gin-Rin B (ZNA) or with their basic variety (UK). Gin-Rin Shiro Utsuri can be included with Kin-Gin-Rin A (ZNA).

Defining features
Koi with three or more lines of very shiny (mirror-like) scales along each side of the dorsal fin. To be classified in Kin-Gin-Rin A, the base variety must be Kohaku, Sanke or Showa. Kin scales are gold (over yellow, red or brown), gin scales are silver (over white, grey or black).

Origin
Probably a natural occurrence, Eizaburo Hochino is credited with the first discovery of kin-gin-rin in 1929.

Basic appreciation points
• Points applying to Kohaku, Sanke and Showa also apply. Kin-gin-rin is regarded as an ‘add-on’ feature, so the points relating to each basic variety are also important. For example, white skin for all three varieties should be pure white, from nose to tail, without spots or stains.
• There are several types of kin-gin-rin: beta (complete shiny scale), Hiroshima (shiny lines on each scale – ‘cracked glass’ appearance), pearl (lumpy, shiny deposit in the centre of each scale) and kado (only scale edges are shiny).
• Beta-gin is considered best, although Hiroshima-gin is the most common. For excellence, kin-gin-rin scale lines must be complete from shoulders to tail and the shine very even. Large numbers of kin-gin-rin scale lines reaching down the sides are also highly regarded.

Common problems
• Problems already discussed for the basic varieties of Kohaku, Sanke and Showa also apply to their kin-gin-rin equivalents. For example, lack of pattern balance.
• Also, kin-gin-rin may be poor quality, insufficiently shiny, uneven or only appearing on scale edges (kado-gin).
• Kin-gin-rin may impact detrimentally on other pattern features. For example, blurring the trailing edges (kiwa) of red or black pattern elements.

Written by Kate McGill

Photo supplied by Kate McGill