Kohaku Koi

Kohaku is the oldest and most celebrated koi variety, developed in Japan in the 19th century. The ideal specimen has a pure snow-white (shiroji) base with balanced, well-defined red (hi) markings that do not reach the fins. Kohaku is the benchmark by which all koi are judged and is the first variety recommended to new koi keepers.

Water: 5–25°C, pH 6.8–7.8, high-volume filtration capable of handling large bioload. Tank/Pond: minimum 1,000 L pond recommended; koi cannot thrive long-term in aquariums. Feeding: quality koi pellets, wheat germ in cool months, color-enhancing foods in summer. Behaviour: highly interactive; recognizes owners and readily feeds from the hand. Compatibility: all other koi varieties; avoid mixing with small fish they may consume.