Koi Types

Taisho Sanshoku (Sanke)

The Sanke look like Kohaku, but they have a black stepping stone pattern that runs
along their back.  The black pattern is called Sumi.  A good looking Sanke will have a good Kohaku Hi pattern.  The black pattern
must not show up on the head and it should not be touching the Hi.  Sanke are bred by crossing a
Kohaku with a Shiro Bekko.

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Sanke Koi

The best sumi patterns on Sanke look like the dabs of an artist's brush!

Many people have a hard time telling the the difference between a Showa
and a Sanke.  "How do you tell the difference?" they ask.  Here are a couple of pointers:
1.  Sanke do not have black on their heads, the Showa do.
2.  Sanke are white Koi, with red and black patterns.  Showa
are black Koi, with a white and red pattern.

Back to the Koi Varieties page.