Tancho Koi

The Tancho is one of the most sought-after koi because it mirrors the national bird of Japan, the red-crowned crane (tanchozuru). The ideal specimen has a perfectly round, symmetrical hi (red) spot centered on the head with a snow-white body entirely free of other red markings. Tancho can be found in Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa base patterns.

Water: 5–25°C, pH 6.8–7.8, pristine water to maintain the pure white body coloration. Pond: minimum 1,000 L; white koi benefit from darker pond liner for high visual contrast. Feeding: low-carotenoid foods to prevent yellowing of the white body; wheat germ in winter. Behaviour: calm and graceful; often a centerpiece fish in display ponds. Compatibility: all other koi varieties.