The Kikokuryu, pronounced as Key-Ko-Koo-Roo, represents a distinct variety of Koi or Butterfly Koi that consistently exhibits a metallic sheen and features scales or partially scaled skin known as “doitsu.”
The term “metallic” pertains to the glossy appearance of the skin, coloration, and pectoral fins. It is important to differentiate this characteristic from “Gin Rin,” which specifically refers to a sparkling effect present in scaled varieties.
Initially derived from the non-metallic Kumonryu variety, the Kikokuryu was developed as a metallic black and white fish through a crossbreeding process involving Kumonryu and Doitsu platinum Ogon.
Kikokuryu can display a range of color combinations, including black and white, blue and white, and silver and white. In young fish or specific environmental conditions, the black coloration may be concealed beneath the underlying white skin, resulting in a blue or silver appearance due to the overlay of white. Alterations in water temperature, lighting, water chemistry, system background coloration, and other factors can contribute to this phenomenon.
Regrettably, many sellers mistakenly misidentify the Kikokuryu as a “Ghost Koi,” Blue Matsuba, or even “Blue Kujaku” due to the popularity of these marketing names.
However, it is important to note that these fish are not genuinely blue, and over time and under certain conditions, the “blue” hue will transition to black.
Therefore, one should not be misled by their ignorance in incorrectly identifying this particular breed. The Kikokuryu exhibits considerable variability in its coloration, frequently undergoing changes.
To clarify, the black coloration observed in this metallic variety should not be confused with the type of black known as “sumi” found in other breeds.
Sumi tends to be more stable, whereas the black coloration in Kikokuryu is influenced by the aforementioned factors and undergoes notable darkening in colder water.
In some cases, when exposed to specific conditions, individuals may emerge from black-background retail tanks with a significantly dark appearance.
A brief transfer of a Kikokuryu to a white bucket can facilitate a visible color change, sometimes exhibiting an extreme transformation.
This characteristic is inherited from its relative, the Kumonryu, although the Kikokuryu’s color changes occur more predictably in response to the aforementioned factors. Overall, the Kikokuryu holds a special place among my favorite breeds of Koi.
Throughout the years, the Kikokuryu has served as the foundation for the development of other breeds such as Beni Kikokuryu, Kin Kikokuryu, and the Pastel Kin Kiko, a breed specifically cultivated by Hanover Koi Farms, which will be discussed further below.
A Good Kikokuryu
A high-quality Kikokuryu exhibits exceptional skin luster and sheen throughout its body. It is essential to observe a uniform color distribution without any areas lacking pigmentation, particularly on the head. The desirability of a Kikokuryu increases as the white coloration becomes purer, and it is crucial to emphasize the significance of a captivating sheen.
While the presence of black and/or white markings on the head is permissible, it is essential that they contribute to an aesthetically pleasing appearance when multiple colors are present.
The colors should possess a glossy rather than flat appearance. During the fully developed stage, the black coloration should be intense and resemble an inky black hue, while the white coloration should ideally be pristine white.
However, it is acceptable for the black coloration to be more subdued, appearing as a light dusting of barely noticeable black powder. This transitional phase represents an acceptable stage in the development of the black coloration in Kikokuryu.
Beni KikoKuryu
The Beni Kikokuryu, also known as Beni Kiko for brevity, is a breed derived from the Kikokuryu variety of Koi. It consistently exhibits the Doitsu trait, which refers to being either scaleless or partially scaled, in addition to always possessing a metallic sheen.
The defining feature of the Beni Kiko is the presence of an orange or red pattern overlaying the standard black and white coloration of the Kikokuryu. Interestingly, Hanover Koi Farms coincidentally developed this breed concurrently with a Japanese breeder who worked on it in Japan. Although I was unaware of their simultaneous efforts, we pay homage to the Japanese nomenclature for this breed, as they are revered masters of Koi breeding.
The black coloration of the Beni Kiko may exhibit slight variations compared to the basic Kikokuryu, but delving into these nuances is beyond the scope of this discussion. It is important to note, however, that the black color on any variation of the Kikokuryu, including the basic Kiko, Kin Kiko, or Beni Kiko, undergoes changes over time.
A Good Beni Kikokuryu
A high-quality Beni Kiko exhibits vibrant colors with well-defined and sharp edges for each color, presenting an overall balanced appearance in its patterns.
The presence of a glossy or metallic sheen on the skin also serves as a crucial criterion for assessing the breed’s quality.
The Kiwa, referring to the edges of each color plate in the back pattern, should possess distinct and unblemished edges throughout.
Any signs of smearing or fading in these color plates should be avoided. Furthermore, the body and fin conformation should demonstrate robustness.
Beni Kiko holds significant popularity due to its wide array of distinct appearances, colors, and patterns, often rendering it highly unique. It ranks among our favored breeds of Koi.
Kin Kikokuryu
The Kin Kikokuryu (Kin—-key-ko-koo-roo), also known as the Kin Kiko, is a meticulously cultivated variation derived from the Kikokuryu breed.
Exhibiting the characteristic Doitsu trait (partial or complete absence of scales) and metallic qualities, the Kin Kiko showcases a remarkable addition to the standard black and white coloration of the Kikokuryu through the introduction of a yellow hue, occasionally accompanied by a subtle orange tint, albeit rarely.
Notably, the development of this distinctive breed was a concurrent effort undertaken both by Hanover Koi Farms and a renowned Japanese breeder.
It is noteworthy that Hanover Koi Farms, without prior knowledge of the Japanese counterpart’s endeavors, independently pursued the same breeding objectives.
As a testament to our admiration for the unparalleled expertise of Japanese Koi breeders, we have chosen to honor the Japanese nomenclature for this breed, recognizing their status as true masters of Koi breeding.
A Good Kin Kikokuryu
Similar to the Beni Kikokuryu, a high-quality Kin Kiko exhibits vibrant hues with well-defined, sharp boundaries between each color, contributing to an overall harmonious pattern.
The breed’s skin possesses a notable luster and metallic sheen, which holds significant significance in assessing its caliber.
The Kiwa, or edges, of every color plate in the dorsal pattern should display immaculate crispness throughout, devoid of any smudging or fading. Additionally, robust body and fin conformation are imperative characteristics to consider.
More informations about Kikokuryu koi
kikokuryu koi A Kikokuryu (pronounced Key-Ko-Koo-Roo)is always a metallic and always a doitsu (scaless or partially scaled) variety of Koi or Butterfly Koi.
A Kikokuryu (pronounced Key-Ko-Koo-Roo)is always a metallic and always a doitsu (scaless or partially scaled) variety of Koi or Butterfly Koi. Metallic refers to skin, color, and pec fins having a lustrous sheen to them.
THIS BREED DOES NOT STAY PERMANTLY BLUE, or any color that comes from that changing black.
This variety was created by breeding Komonryu and Platinum koi. Kikokuryu is essentially a metallic Kumonryu, a koi with shiny Platinum skin and fins with deep
The production of Koi which fall into the varieties Kikokuryu, Kin Kikokuryu and Beni Kikokuryu seems to be increasing enormously
There are many types of Kikokuryu from the standard white/black metallic look that originated from crossing Kumonryu with platinum
Kin Kikokuryu – Kikokuryu are scaleless (doitsu) koi with a white base combined with areas of black inside the single row of scales,
From the Japanese for “Chrysanthemum water,” the Kikokuryu koi fish (KEE-koh-KOO-droo) is a metallic, doitsu (or scaleless) koi with a white
kikokuryu koi
A Kikokuryu (pronounced Key-Ko-Koo-Roo)is always a metallic and always a doitsu (scaless or partially scaled) variety of Koi or Butterfly Koi.
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A Beni Kiko is simply a Kikokuryu with an orange or red pattern on top of the standard colors of a Kikokuryu of black and white.
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beni kikokuryu koi shows Kikokuryu koi are the metallic version of Kumonryu koi.
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Kin Kikokuryu. Kin Kikokuryu was first created in 1998 by crossing Kin Showa with Kumonryu by Mr Seiki Igarashi.
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Kin Kikokuryu was first created in 1998 by crossing Kin Showa with Kumonryu by Mr Seiki Igarashi. This metallic koi have changing patterns and can change
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The Kikokuryu is a metallic black and white fish developed from crossing … A Beni Kiko is simply a Kikokuryu with an orange or red pattern on top
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What does Kikokuryu mean?
A Kikokuryu (pronounced Key-Ko-Koo-Roo)is always a metallic and always a doitsu (scaless or partially scaled) variety of Koi or Butterfly Koi. Metallic refers to skin, color, and pec fins having a lustrous sheen to them.THIS BREED DOES NOT STAY PERMANTLY BLUE, or any color that comes from that changing black.
What is Kikokuryu koi?
This variety was created by breeding Komonryu and Platinum koi. Kikokuryu is essentially a metallic Kumonryu, a koi with shiny Platinum skin and fins
Learn more about other types of koi
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