| Which Koi Are The Most Common? | | | | Nezu Ogon. (greyish silver, "Nezu" is short for the |
| Generally, Koi fish existed in a single shade. Ever | | | | Japanese word for rat, nezumi). This Platinum |
| since the Japanese started breeding them from | | | | Ogon is hardy and grows quickly. It is popular in |
| carp mutations, we have more varieties of Koi | | | | unfiltered ponds since its body shines in the |
| fish, appearing in colorful patterns. Their popularity | | | | muddy water and can easily be detected. |
| has increased further. Nowadays, Koi can be | | | | Other popular Ogon fish include the Nezu, |
| found easily in assorted colors. Most common and | | | | Yamabuki and Orenji koi. Nezu is short for |
| popular Koi appear in red, black, green, yellow and | | | | 'nezumi', the Japanese word for rat, and are |
| white. | | | | grayish-silver. They often have a dark area on |
| When you understand all the different categories | | | | their head, causing koi lovers to affectionately call |
| that koi can be grouped into, it becomes easier to | | | | them Helmet Head. Yamabuki koi are bright |
| distinguish the different varieties of koi. Each type | | | | yellow, which makes them a popular choice for |
| has different features and color patterns diversity. | | | | those with unfiltered ponds since they stand out. |
| Among the most popular Koi varieties are Kahaku | | | | Orenji koi are just like giant goldfish - they are |
| (which are snowy white with distinct red | | | | orange and can grow up to 36 inches long! |
| markings) and Hikarimono (or Ogon). | | | | Many Platinum Ogon koi are reared with Ginrin |
| "Hikari" translates to metallic and "Mono" means a | | | | scales, which make them look even shinier than |
| single color, which means the fish are composed | | | | they already are. These Ginrin scales are different |
| of a single color. Ogon koi also have a very | | | | from those present on metallic koi - instead of a |
| metallic coloring. The most common Ogon koi are | | | | shine caused by reflective pigments, Ginrin scales |
| yellow (called Yamabuki Ogon) and white or silver | | | | have a reflective sheen all over them, creating a |
| (known as Platinum Ogon). Whatever their color | | | | glimmering diamond-like effect. To be eligible as |
| or variety, all Ogon should be composed of a | | | | Ginrin, the koi should have at least 20 of these |
| single color with no markings or spots. Large fins | | | | glimmering scales. |
| are preferred on the Ogon koi since they add an | | | | Because of the huge range of colors koi fish |
| interesting dimension to the simple unmarked | | | | come in, owners love keep them as their pond |
| body. | | | | fish. Since majority of koi's pigment is found at |
| White or Platinum Ogon is inimitable but therefore | | | | the top of its body, the best view is to see Koi |
| the most popular types of koi. Its body is as | | | | from the top angle. This is why Koi are always |
| shiny as a precious metal, making them stand out | | | | displayed in round pools and mostly viewed from |
| in dark ponds. This dazzling Koi first appeared in | | | | the top when displayed in events around Asia. |
| 1963, as a result from cross breeding Kigoi with | | | | |