Koi- Broodstock » Butterfly Koi

Butterfly Koi:
The term butterfly is given to koi that have long, flowing fins.  Koi of all varieties may display this characteristic, and the label buterfly is added to the variety name.  These koi are very showy and graceful.

Butterfly Kohaku
Kohaku is the most popular of all the koi varieties, with a simple pattern of red and white. This bold color combination is pleasing and choosing Kohaku is a beautiful way to start a koi pond.

Butterfly Showa

Showa koi are second in popularity to Kohaku. They have a more complex color pattern composed of red, white and black, with varying shades of each. Showa have larger, more prominent patches of black than the Sanke.The amount of black on each fish varies, but a Showa should always have black on the head, where a Sanke does not. The black portion is known as Sumi, the red is Hi, and the white is Shiroji. Next to Kohakus, Showas have won the most Grand Champion awards at the prestigious All Japan Show.

Butterfly Sanke
Sanke is part of the Gosanke group of koi. Sanke have red (Hi) and white (Shiroji) markings with small patches of black (Sumi) from the shoulders to the tail. Note that Sanke do not have black on the head. Our goal is to produce Ginrin Sanke Butterfly with deep red Hi and pitch black Sumi on bright white Shiroji.

Butterfly Benigoi
Benigoi is orange to red in color, and can get very large.  Shown here is a tub of butterfly benigoi and ogons.  These are two of the best hakarimono (solid color) koi.

Butterfly Hi Utsuri
Hi Utsuri koi have an orange-red base color overlaid with black bands. This fish can have a sort of tiger-striped appearance, and should be well saturated with color. Please note that the 'Hi' in the name denotes the orange base color, where as Ki Utsuri koi have a yellow base color (overlaid by black), denoted by the 'Ki' in the name. Shiro Utsuri have a white base color.

Butterfly Lemon Harewake
Lemon Harewake koi have one of the most popular color combinations for koi enthusiasts in the United States. The bright white, yellow and gold combination is clean and simple.