When the Utsurimono first appeared as a variation of koi fish it was likely thought to be a defective Showa which lacked any red coloring, but it has since charmed koi parents around the world. Today Utsurimono's are most often confussed with Bekko koi fish. This mistake is easy to make and easy to correct if you know what to look for in the Utsurimono's coloring and markings.

Color

Unlike many koi fish varieties the Utsurimono only ever has two colors with the most popular being the black and white variation called a Shiro Utsurimono. The Shiro Uturimono is a charmingly simple koi variety with a base black color and white markings. Oddly for a koi with a black base color most seem to have more or equal amounts of white. Their should not be to much black on either side of the koi in order to maintain a feeling of balance. The black should also be evenly distributed from head to fin so the fish does not appear to be top heavy. When it comes to the boarder where white touches black ideally the line will be clear with no black bleeding into the white, but this is sometimes acceptable to judges in small amount and certainly won't make you love this stunning variety of koi any less.

Markings

The Utsurimono's markings is what really sets apart from other koi fish varieties. There are four common head patterns found in Utsurimono's a black strip that resembles a lightning strike, two patches of black which are distinctly different, heavy black pattern separated by thinner white lines, and small black sections which leave most of the head white. When you begin to look at the body of an Utsurimono you find the black seems to wrap around the koi fish with white usually being the dominant color on the fish. The fins of an Utsurimono are usually white, but they often have black markings radiating from the body of the fish. These graceful and peaceful koi can easily charm their way into any koi parents heart with their charming markings.

If you are looking to add some balance to your pond an Utsurimono koi fish just might be the perfect choice for your pond. With the Utsurimono's simplistic coloring and symmetrical markings it is the perfect koi fish variety to keep your pond from becoming too chaotic with many colorful and eye catching koi fish.

Do you have a Utsurimono? Are you thinking of getting one? Tell us down below we love to hear from you!