The stunning Showa koi fish fist came about in 1927, but the coloring did not reach its current perfection until 1965. After thirty six years a breeder named Tomiji Kobayashi finally breed a koi which set the standard for today's Showa koi fish variety. The Showa koi fish variety only becomes more beautiful as breeders cross Showa with Sanke and Kohaku koi to improve their color and markings which set it apart form other koi varieties.
Unlike the Sanke, which Showa koi are often mistaken for, the Showa koi fish variety has a black ground color with white and red markings. The black color should be dark and glossy so no brown spots should show up. The white markings produce a dramatic contrast to the deep black of the Showa's ground color and should be a pure white. The red markings on Showa koi also creates contrast as the bright color stands out among the plain background of black and white. The red can be a orange-red color, which is prefered but harder to cultivate, or a purple-red color which is still lovely and much easier to care for. The coloring of a Showa makes it stand out as a stunning addition to any koi pond especially if you are looking for a koi to add a little color to the pond.
While the colors of a Showa koi fish's markings are the same as a Sanke's the pattern of those markings is very different. The biggest difference in markings between Showa koi and Sanke koi is that Showa have red and white markings while Sanke have black and red markings. Showa koi have large white markings that have clean edges where they meet red or black. Often times the black ground appears to wrap around the koi as which is a distinct characteristic of Showa koi. Red markings on Showa koi fish usually appear on the back and head of the koi, but in traditional Showa's the red markings cover as much of the koi as the black ground does with little white showing. The Showa koi fish's markings have many variations due to the constant drive to breed more modern koi fish, but no mater what the pattern Showa are always stunning koi fish.
The Showa koi fish variety is an awe inspiring mix of traditional beauty and modern beauty which is hard not to appreciate. These gorgeous koi also show how koi fish varieties continue to change today as breeders mix varieties to revitalize and enhance older varieties. All koi fish are beautiful, but the Showa's constantly changing charm sets it apart from the rest.
Have you ever owned a Showa koi fish? Do you plan on purchasing a Showa in the future? If so we would love to hear from you so leave a comment below and check out our free survive and thrive course to get some tricks that will help you keep your Showa koi alive for a long time to come.