What makes a Kohaku
A Kohaku is a non-metallic white koi with red markings. The simplicity is part of the challenge: without black or metallic shine, the quality of the white skin and red pattern becomes very visible.
What beginners should notice
- Look for bright, clean white skin without a yellow or muddy cast.
- Red markings should look confident and pleasing from head to tail.
- The body should feel balanced, not thin, bent, or pinched near the tail.
Why Kohaku matters
Learning Kohaku helps train your eye for quality across many varieties. If you can see skin, color, body, and pattern in a Kohaku, you will read other koi more clearly.