Koi are inclusive of the common carp, that has latin name Cyprinus Carpio. There are many varieties of Koi. The most popular koi varieties called Gosanke. Gosanke has three varieties, that is Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku and Showa Sanshoku.

Kohaku is white koi with red pattern (called “hi”) or red pattern on white ground. Kohaku has different pattern so it has many names. Nidan is Kohaku with two step pattern, Sandan is three step pattern, Yondan is four step pattern, Inazuma is lighting strike pattern. Taisho Sanshoku is koi that has black step pattern on kohaku pattern. It is called Taisho Sanshoku because the variety was created in the Taisho era in Japan. It’s also called Taisho Sanke or Sanke. A good Sanke will have a good Kohaku Hi pattern and the black pattern must not on the head and not touching the Hi.

Showa Sanshoku is a black koi with red and white pattern. This variety created in the era of Showa in Japan. It’s also called Showa Sanshoku or Showa. Different of Sanke and Showa are : showa have black on their head, but Sanke don’t has black on their head. Showa is black koi with red and white pattern, Sanke is white koi with red and black pattern.

The Author is mas ars owner of http://koleksi-koi-lokal.blogspot.com and http://koi-carp-online.blogspot.com and http://koi-online.blogspot.com

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