Goshiki

Goshiki (actually pronounced with two syllables, Gosh’ki) means five colors – white, red, black, dark blue and light blue. The original parents were Sanke and Asagi. Generally, Goshiki is a non-metallic, white-based koi overlaid with a grey Asagi-like netting pattern overlaid with a red Kohaku-like pattern. There are two sub-types: dark and light or old style and new style. Old style is dark and is known as Kuro and new style is lighter with more white and is called Kindai. The old style or Kuro Goshiki is making a comeback but both types are favored by judges and have been major winners at recent koi shows. Kindai Goshiki look like a Kohaku with thin crescent-shaped dark blue reticulation on the white skin.  Kuro Goshiki sometimes has the reticulation showing through the red pattern with the white area dominated by heavy dark blue-grey reticulation, almost black or dark purple rather than white.  Originally Goshiki were placed in the Kawarigoi (or Miscellaneous) category but now since Goshiki have been further refined and fixed they have their own separate category paired with Goromo (who also have Asagi as one of its parents). There are presently two popular variations: the Goshiki Sanke and Goshiki Showa. Goshiki Sanke have additional small black patches and Goshiki Showa have added larger black wrapped markings. Both are placed in the Kawarigoi class.

Selecting young Goshiki can be a challenge. Look for a pleasing Kohaku pattern with plenty of white showing which would have more area for the reticulation which shows up later. Buy light colored Goshiki when young, almost Kohaku looking since they darken with age. It would help if the dealer is familiar with the breeder who specializes in Goshiki but this is an ever-changing type so even the breeder can’t guarantee how his Goshiki will turn out. The red pattern should look deep and almost floating in a high quality Goshiki.  Also, cold water will darken a Goshiki so it is best to try to keep them in warm water. Some breeders of Goshiki are Kawakami, Hiroi, Suda, Hosokai, Hirasawa, Iwashita and Marujyu but there are many breeders of other types of koi with the same last name. It helps to know the breeder in order to obtain a high quality koi but there is no guaranatee on how this fish will turn out in your pond. Happy ponding!!!