Koi: Go Sanke

(Go San-Kay)

By far the most popular types of koi in the world, Go Sanke is a broad koi term describing Kohaku, Sanke and Showa varieties. The All Japan Koi Show grand champions are almost always of these varieties.

This variety is white with red markings traditionally referred to as "hi". Ideally, the hi should be a uniform shade with well-defined edges. The skin should be a pure snowy white, and the hi pattern balanced and pleasing to the eye. Finished Kohaku (those with colors developed near there potential) typically show equal depth of the hi color on the head and body.

This koi has all the sought after qualities of a Kohaku. It has taken many awards and could some day, when it comes of age, become a Grand Champion.

This variety is tri-colored: a white koi with hi accented with sumi (black) markings. All markings should be deep in hue with distinct edges. Like the Kohaku, the white should be a crisp, snowy white. The pattern the hi and sumi markings create should be balanced when viewed individually and together. Many variations exist all of which convey elegance.

This variety is also tri-colored. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between Sanke and Showa, yet there are subtle differences, if not obvious ones. There are two distinctively different variations: the old style with a lot of hi and sumi and little white, and the new style with less hi and sumi and more shiroji (white). The sumi markings should be dark black and the hi a deep red.