According to Koi fish experts, there are at least thirteen different varieties and sub-varieties of Koi fish. Here are among the most common varieties:

• Asagi
  This is a Koi fish type that bears pale blue color and has orange belly. It also has regular scales and net pattern on the back. Asagi means pale blue in Japanese.
• Bekko
  The word Bekko means tortoise shell in Japanese and this Koi fish type was so named because of its markings. Usually, you’ll see Bekko in white, yellow or red colors and have black markings.
• Hakarimono (Ogon)
  This is a Koi fish type which bears no markings and is single-colored metallic.
• Hariwake
  This is a metallic Koi fish type with two colors and have Doitsu scales pattern.
• Karasugoi
  This is a black Koi fish type that has orange or white bellies.
• Kohaku
  This is the most popular type of Koi fish. This is basically a white Koi with spots and red markings.
• Koromo
  Koromo means, “robed” in Japanese. This fish was so named because aside from its red markings on its white body, it is also “robed” with scales outline bearing different colors.
• Matsuba
  This type of Koi fish has scales patterned as pine cone; this is a single-colored fish that has darker color-inlay in its scales.
• Sanke
  This was famous from 1912-1926. A white Koi fish with black and red markings, this fish has spots but don’t have black spots or markings on head.
• Showa
  This is the Koi fish type produced since 1926 until today. It has white and red markings on its black body color.
• Shusui
  This is a pale blue-colored fish and has orange belly. It has a large line of scales with dark blue color on its back.
• Tancho
  The tancho is a Koi fish type with red spots on the head. The spots may be triangle or circular in shape.
• Utsuri
  This is basically the Koi fish type bred from the Showa. This is a fish with black stripes and has yellow, red or white markings.

As you may have noticed, Koi fish are being categorized according to their colors, markings and body patterns. The arrangements of the scales and the deepness or quality of colors are also used to determine the Koi fish types. And depending on the designs of your landscaped-ponds or aquariums, you can get any type of Koi fish to suit your needs. Just be sure to ask your pet shops about how to properly take care of your Koi and if they are suited for the environment and locations you intend to have them placed.

If you are interested in some other links about breeds we have found these other sites to be of great use:

Koi Encyclopedia
Describing the different koi breeds.
www.koi.com/

The Goldfish Guide
Good info about the differences of koi to goldfish.
www.ponddoc.com

Igarashi Koi Farm
Mr.Igarashi a breeder from Japan and his fish.
www.japankoionline.com

Next: Koi Fish Design