Kohaku

1 Kohaku Species Profile

The Kohaku is the representative variety of koi, beloved by many hobbyists, and is increasingly kept as a feng shui fish. It was first discovered between 1804 and 1829, and was gradually developed into its present form through selective breeding.

Chinese name: Red and White Koi

Variety: Kohaku

Distribution: China, Japan

Breeding: Egg-laying (oviparous)

Climate zone: Temperate, cold

2 Kohaku Appearance

The Kohaku is the representative variety of koi. Because of its special appearance, it is deeply loved by koi enthusiasts. It is very easy to keep and not strict about feeding.

The Kohaku has a white base with red markings, the orthodox Japanese koi, known as ‘begin with Kohaku, end with Kohaku.’ The most valuable are those whose red (hi) reaches above the eyes; next is the mouth—a fish that is purely white without red is top grade. By the number, shape, and position of the back markings it is divided into: (1) Two-step Kohaku: two red patches on the pure white body, like a red sunset, striking; the trunk patch should be symmetrical. (2) Three-step Kohaku: three red patches on the back. (3) Four-step Kohaku: four vivid red patches on the silver-white body. (4) One-stripe Kohaku: a red band from head to tail. (5) Lightning Kohaku: a red marking from head to tail shaped like a lightning bolt, hence the name. (6) Fuji Kohaku: silver-white granular spots on the head like snow on Mount Fuji, usually only on one- or two-year-old fish. (7) Gotenzakura: small red spots gathered into grape-like patterns evenly on both sides of the back. (8) Kinzakura: Gotenzakura whose red scales have gold edges—a precious, beautiful variety.

3 Kohaku Habitat and Care

Although not hard to keep, to raise a beautiful and strong Kohaku you must keep observing the pond or tank in daily management, especially the water color; if possible, test water parameters.

To grow large, keep it in a larger pond. Too high density inhibits growth—note this. It is omnivorous, accepting both natural and prepared foods. Do not overfeed to avoid polluting water. For convenience, use special feed—simple and reduces enteritis. Do not make the environment too shady; proper sunlight is important for normal growth, especially in cold winter. In hot summer, continuous sun raises temperature fast; in small water bodies this harms koi, so shade to cool. The Kohaku adapts well to temperature change and grows best at 18 to 24 C. It is quite resistant and, under good management, rarely gets sick or parasitized.

4 Kohaku Feeding

Besides the environment, pay attention to feeding. The Kohaku is omnivorous and accepts prepared pellets and live food; just balance nutrition.

The Kohaku is cold-blooded; all activity relates to water temperature. Most of its activity is foraging; they are peaceful with no territorial habit. At dawn in farms they are often seen foraging along the edge; when the keeper approaches they swim forward (‘begging’), and food tossed brings a rush. Above 15 C they forage actively; above 30 C they stop; below 5 C foraging drops; at 18 to 25 C appetite is keenest and growth fastest.

The Kohaku is omnivorous; plant fragments, bloodworms, earthworms, mealworms, silkworm pupae, rice, bread, and fruit can all be food. Generally, 60% plant and 40% animal food is best.