shusui koi

Shusui koi Discover the Beauty of Shusui Koi – Colorful and Distinctive Fish

shusui koi

Shusui koi, also known as “autumn water” koi, are a beautiful and unique variety of koi fish that are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Originally developed in Japan in the early 1900s, the shusui koi is a combination of the doitsu mirror carp and the Japanese Asagi koi.

The shusui koi’s distinct features include a blue-grey or dark green body with a line of scales along the dorsal ridge, which can range in color from a deep red to a bright orange. The fins of the shusui koi are also typically unpatterned, with a white or cream-colored base color.

One of the reasons why shusui koi are so popular is because they are hardy fish that can thrive in a wide range of water temperatures and conditions. They are also active swimmers and can grow quite large, making them an impressive addition to any koi pond or aquarium.

Another unique feature of shusui koi is their changing colors throughout the year. During the summer months, the blue-gray scales of the shusui koi become more vibrant and intense, while the red or orange scales become deeper and richer. In the fall, the shusui koi’s scales take on a metallic sheen that adds to their beauty and elegance.

In terms of care, shusui koi require a well-maintained pond or aquarium with ample space to swim and grow. They also require a healthy and varied diet, including high-quality koi pellets, vegetables, and occasional treats such as shrimp or worms. Regular water changes and filtration are also essential to keep the water clean and healthy for the fish.

If you’re considering adding shusui koi to your collection, it’s important to purchase them from a reputable dealer or breeder who can provide you with healthy and well-cared-for fish. It’s also important to keep in mind that shusui koi can be quite expensive, particularly for larger or more rare specimens.

In conclusion, shusui koi are a beautiful and unique variety of koi fish that are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike. With their hardiness, vibrant colors, and changing appearance throughout the year, they are a stunning addition to any koi pond or aquarium.

Different Types of Shusui Koi

ki shusui koi
In Ki Shusui yellow replaces hi (red)

Ki Shusui koi

Koi fish are a popular type of ornamental fish that have been bred for centuries for their beauty and unique characteristics. One such variety of koi is the Ki Shusui koi, which is known for its distinctive scales and coloration.

The Ki Shusui koi is a type of koi that was first developed in Japan in the 20th century. It is a hybrid of the Asagi koi and the Doitsu Mirror carp. The Asagi koi is known for its blue scales, while the Doitsu Mirror carp has large, mirror-like scales. The Ki Shusui koi inherits the blue scales of the Asagi koi and the large, mirror-like scales of the Doitsu Mirror carp.

The name “Ki Shusui” is derived from the Japanese words for “yellow” and “autumn water,” which refers to the fish’s unique coloration. The Ki Shusui koi has a distinctive yellow-gold color on its scales, which is reminiscent of the changing colors of autumn leaves. The blue scales of the Asagi koi are also present, and they form a pattern on the Ki Shusui koi’s body that is known as “reticulation.”

One of the most distinctive features of the Ki Shusui koi is its large, mirror-like scales. These scales are known as “Doitsu” scales, and they are often found on carp breeds that are bred for their size and hardiness. The Doitsu scales on the Ki Shusui koi give it a unique texture and appearance, and they also provide protection against predators.

In terms of size, the Ki Shusui koi is a relatively small variety of koi, typically growing to around 12-18 inches in length. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty and character. Ki Shusui koi are known for being very active and playful, and they often have a lot of personality.

Caring for Ki Shusui koi requires a suitable pond or tank environment that provides enough space for them to swim and play. The water quality should be regularly monitored and maintained, and a suitable filtration system is essential. The diet of Ki Shusui koi should consist of a variety of high-quality foods, including pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods.

In conclusion, the Ki Shusui koi is a unique and beautiful variety of koi that is highly prized by koi enthusiasts around the world. With its distinctive coloration and large, mirror-like scales, it is a stunning addition to any pond or aquarium. As with all koi, caring for Ki Shusui koi requires careful attention to their environment and diet, but the reward of watching these lively and playful fish is well worth the effort.

hi shusui rusty red is the dominant color
In Hi Shusui, rusty red is the dominant color

Hi Shusui

Shusui koi are one of the most beloved varieties of koi fish, and the Hi Shusui is a particularly striking type of this species. With its unique coloring and distinctive appearance, the Hi Shusui is a fish that is sure to turn heads in any koi pond.

One of the defining features of the Hi Shusui is its coloration. As its name suggests, this koi has a lot of “Hi,” or red or red-orange coloration. This coloring is usually most prominent along the fish’s sides, but it can also extend up its back. This bright coloring contrasts beautifully with the fish’s other coloration, which is a distinctive blueish-gray along the dorsal fin.

The combination of red and blue on the Hi Shusui gives it a truly eye-catching appearance. It’s easy to see why this variety of koi is so popular among enthusiasts and collectors.

In addition to its striking coloring, the Hi Shusui has a distinctive body shape. Like other Shusui koi, it has a slim, streamlined body with long, flowing fins. This gives it an elegant appearance that adds to its overall beauty.

But despite its unique appearance, the Hi Shusui is not a particularly difficult fish to care for. Like all koi, it requires a clean and well-maintained pond with plenty of space to swim and grow. It also needs a balanced diet that provides all of the nutrients it needs to thrive.

One of the joys of keeping koi is the opportunity to watch them grow and develop over time. With the Hi Shusui, this can be particularly rewarding, as its distinctive coloring tends to become more pronounced as it ages.

Of course, as with any type of koi, the Hi Shusui requires a bit of knowledge and skill to keep healthy and happy. But with the right care and attention, this beautiful fish can thrive and bring joy to its owner for many years to come.

In conclusion, the Hi Shusui is a stunning variety of koi that is sure to impress anyone who sees it. With its bright red-orange coloring and distinctive blue dorsal fin, it’s a fish that is both beautiful and unique. And while it may require a bit of extra care, the rewards of keeping this gorgeous fish are well worth the effort.

hana shusui is a rather flowery subvariety
Hana Shusui is a rather flowery subvariety

Hana Shusui koi

Hana Shusui are koi with round red markings on the sides (between the back scales and the lateral line)

Koi fish are known for their unique patterns and colors, and one of the most stunning variations is the Hana Shusui koi. These beautiful fish have round red markings on the sides, located between the back scales and the lateral line. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Hana Shusui koi, including their history, appearance, and care.

History of Hana Shusui Koi

The Hana Shusui koi is a relatively new variety of koi, developed in Japan during the 1960s. They are a cross between the Asagi koi and the Doitsu koi, which are both traditional Japanese koi varieties. The Asagi koi is known for its blue-gray scales and red markings, while the Doitsu koi has a scaleless back and distinct lateral line.

By combining these two koi varieties, breeders were able to create the Hana Shusui koi with its unique round red markings. The name “Hana Shusui” means “flowering Asagi,” which reflects the red markings resembling flowers blooming on the scales.

Appearance of Hana Shusui Koi

Hana Shusui koi have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other koi varieties. Their body is typically blue-gray or silver, with a scaleless back and a distinct lateral line. The lateral line runs horizontally along the body, and above it are the round red markings that give the Hana Shusui koi its signature look.

The size of Hana Shusui koi can vary, but they generally grow to be between 12 and 24 inches long. As with other koi varieties, the size and coloration of Hana Shusui koi can be influenced by factors such as water temperature, diet, and genetics.

Care of Hana Shusui Koi

To keep Hana Shusui koi healthy and thriving, it is important to provide them with a clean and spacious environment. Koi are cold-water fish and can survive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is essential to maintain stable water conditions, which includes regular water changes and monitoring water quality levels.

Hana Shusui koi, like all koi varieties, are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods. A well-balanced diet is key to keeping these fish healthy, which can include commercial koi pellets, vegetables, and live or frozen foods.

Conclusion

Hana Shusui koi are a stunning variety of koi with round red markings that resemble flowers blooming on their scales. They are a relatively new variety of koi, developed in Japan during the 1960s. To keep these fish healthy and thriving, it is important to provide them with a clean and spacious environment, a well-balanced diet, and stable water conditions. With proper care, Hana Shusui koi can live for many years and continue to enchant koi enthusiasts with their unique and beautiful appearance.

Shusui koi was the first Doitsu variety of koi and are one of the only two blue koi! They are a Doitsu (scale-less) version of Asagi.

The absence of scales on this koi can give off a beautiful blue color. Having Hi marks on the cheeks, head, body, and fins is wonderful for this koi.

Shusui The second element of an odd variety partnership is the Shusui, which means “autumn water” in Japanese. At first sight, these mirror-scaled koi seem to have little in common with Asagi, but that variety was first crossed with a German table carp in 1910 by Yoshigoro Akiyama, resulting in the first Shusui.

The color distribution is essentially the same as in the Asagi. but because there are no normal scales to give an overall reticulated effect, the smooth, sky-blue back is instead highlighted by the Doitsu scalation.

In good examples, these armored scales form a regular pattern on the shoulders of the koi and then run in two lines on either side of the dorsal fin, e returning to a single line on the caudal peduncle. A further line is usually present along each flank, roughly following the lateral line.


The most common fault on Shusui is a messy shoulder scale pattern that lacks symmetry. Rogue scales can appear elsewhere on the body, further devaluing the fish. In hard water, the mirror scales can turn grayish or black, and once this happens they never revert back to blue.

A clear head is essential on Shusui, as it is on Asagi. The skin is never snow-white, more of an ice blue, but should be blemish-free.

The distribution of the red and blue on a Shusui determines its subclassification. On Hi Shusui the hi extends up over the back. so that the two contrasting colors are red and dark blue.

These are unsubtle, quite striking, koi. Hana Shusui also have more red than normal, but here it is in the form of an extra band between the lateral line and dorsal fin, with a break in between.

In the best examples, the hi is laid on in a wavy pattern to give a flowery effect. In Ki Shusui, yellow replaces red. This is a confusing sub-variety because if the blue dorsal scales turn black it is easy to confuse with a Doitsu Ki Matsuba.

Another rare, Shusui-like koi is the Midorigoi, which is greenish-yellow with mirror scales. This one is benched in Kawarimono.


Shusui has been crossed with several normally scaled koi varieties to produce interesting variations on a theme. The commonest in the hobby are Showa Shusui, Sanke Shusui and Goshiki Shusui. Crosses with the Ogons (in the Hikarimuji classification) resulted in Ginsui and Kinsui, which used to be quite popular but have now been superseded by more refined Doitsu fish in the Hikarimoyo class.

ki shusui koi

Shusui koi Discover the Beauty of Shusui Koi - Colorful and Distinctive Fish 1

Ki Shusui koi variety. Ki Shusui. Shusui have been crossbred between Doitsu Koi and Asagi

blue shusui koi fish

A breathtaking Shusui. This koi has a stunning pastel blue lustre, with fiery red underbelly and mesmerising slate blue zip linear scales along the dorsal line

shusui koi wiki

Shūsui (秋翠) means “autumn green”; the Shūsui was created in 1910 by Yoshigoro Akiyama(秋山 吉五郎, by crossing Japanese Asagi with German mirror carp.

shusui koi meaning

Shusui, meaning “autumn water” in Japanese, are the Doitsu or mirror-scaled cousin of the Asagi Koi. Rather than the pure white being preferred over all else, the proper head pattern is determined by the pattern of the red and blue on the body of the Koi.

blue shusui koi

Shusui koi Discover the Beauty of Shusui Koi - Colorful and Distinctive Fish 2

shusui koi kanji

yellow shusui koi

shusui koi blue and black

shusui koi feeding

butterfly shusui koi

 butterfly shusui koi

platinom shusui koi

Shusui koi Discover the Beauty of Shusui Koi - Colorful and Distinctive Fish 3

shusui koi color change

A magic fish, the pattern is highly variable and can change dramatically over a short time. Their spectacular colors and patterns

asagi shusui koi varieties

breeding shusui koi

types of shusui koi

Among the types of Shusui are “Hana (Flower),” “Hi” and “Ki Shusui”. . Hi Shusui are koi whose Hi spreads over the back. Ki Shusui have yellow instead of red colouring.

shusui koi people ask

How do you pick a shusui koi?
The head of Shusui should be a white or pale blue-ish color, just like that of the Asagi. The head should be clear of any discoloration or spots.

Large extending red cheeks are common. When it comes to the body of the Shusui koi, there are no specifics to look for when it comes to patterns.

Learn more about different types of koi and Koi fish facts to learn koi fish history orgin etc