When choosing koi fish, the following aspects can be taken into consideration:
Body Shape: Select koi fish with a plump and rounded body shape. The ideal body shapes are like a "submarine" or a "shell". Such body shapes indicate that the koi fish is healthy, has strong resistance, and is less likely to get sick. The part from the eyes to the mouth on the head should be semi-elliptical, and the part from the dorsal fin to the caudal fin on the tail should have a proper transition in thickness.
Color Quality: The color quality of koi fish should be pure, rich, and lustrous, without any (variegated colors) or thin colors. Koi fish with bright and evenly distributed colors are more ornamental.
Appearance: The appearance of koi fish is also very important. The distance between the two eyes should be wide, the length of the head should be long enough, the snout should be thick, and the whiskers should not be too small. The cheeks on both sides of the koi fish should be evenly plump, and the top of the head should be full.
Health Condition: Observe the eating situation and swimming posture of the koi fish. A healthy koi fish should be active in grabbing food and swim vigorously. Avoid choosing koi fish with a slender body shape or obvious scars.
Selection Criteria for Different Varieties of Koi Fish
Red and White Koi:
The body shape should be rounded, the skin should be smooth, without any scars or wounds.
The red color should be bright and vivid, and the white color should be pure and flawless. The red color should be evenly distributed, the fins should not be dyed, and the edges should be clean and neat.
There must be red on the head, the scales should be intact and shiny, without any phenomenon of scale loss.
Showa Koi:
The body shape should have a wide head and a large mouth, the tail tube should be thick and strong, and the front and back of the body should be rounded.
The color requirement is that the colors should be thick, the edges should be neat, the hue should preferably be deep red, and the black ink should be a shiny lacquer black.
There must be large red patches on the head, the red quality should be even, and the edges should be clear. The white should be pure white, and the quality of those with white stripes on the head and tail is higher.
The scales should be neat, without any phenomenon of scale loss.
By following the above criteria, you can better select healthy and beautiful koi fish.