Taisho Sanke Koi

Taisho Sanke (commonly called Sanke) is one of the "Gosanke" or Big Three koi varieties alongside Kohaku and Showa. It features a white base with red (hi) patterns and black (sumi) spots, the sumi appearing only on the body above the lateral line and never on the head. Selecting Sanke with clean, bright white and well-placed sumi is the art of koi keeping.

Water: 5–25°C, pH 6.8–7.8, excellent filtration and oxygenation essential for large fish. Pond: minimum 1,000 L; koi produce significant ammonia and need biological filtration. Feeding: color-enhancing koi pellets in warm months, wheat germ formula below 10°C. Behaviour: social and peaceful; thrives in groups and becomes tame over time. Compatibility: all koi varieties; monitor for fin damage from other koi.