What You Need To Know About Asagi Koi

The asagi koi is often considered an acquired taste.

Symmetry is not a very favored characteristic when it comes to koi, but it is symmetry which defines an asagi koi.

Compared to other koi breeds, the asagi can appear subdued, almost stoic.

At the same, time, however, there are those who will argue that the asagi koi is one of the best koi breeds out there.

Regardless of these two opposing views, the asagi koi is certainly a great and interesting addition to any pond.

Spotting a perfect asagi can be difficult if you don’t know all about asagi koi, especially when buying a young asagi.

To help you pick the perfect asagi for your pond, here’s an article all about asagi koi.

All about asagi koi coloring

In terms of color, the asagi is pretty easy to spot considering that it is one of only three koi breeds that stay blue as they mature.

The name “asagi” in Japanese translates to “setting sun” and this breed’s coloring is reminiscent of its meaning.

The combination of blue black scales and red-orange patterns mimics a sunset, earning the asagi its name.

The scales of the asagi koi is also distinctively non-metallic.

All About Asagi Koi Patterns

As I’ve previously mentioned, symmetry is valued when it comes to the asagi koi.

That said, anyone looking for a perfect asagi koi actually needs to look for very particular patterns.

Unfortunately, spotting the perfect young asagi koi can be quite tricky. Here’s what you need to know all about asagi koi patterns:

• Perfectly white head.Most asagi koi develop a grey-toned head, which is fine as long as it doesn’t have splotches of other colors, but a perfect white head is still ideal. When picking out a young asagi, look for one with a spotless nose. Asagi which has splotches at the tip of its nose will likely develop more coloration on its head.
• Another distinct characteristic of the asagi koi is its reticulation or net-like pattern at the back. The pattern should be balanced with no scales looking out of place. The reticulation at the back should have a flat black color in the center bordered in blue. The contrast between the blue and the black on each scale is idealized and if you are buying a young asagi, a lighter blue coloration is preferred. A strong blue color in a young koi can develop into an almost black color when it matures, a characteristic which isn’t ideal for the asagi.
• Pectoral fins.The pectoral fins should also have some red coloration. The splash of red may appear orange on a young koi and may even be barely noticeable, but it will develop as the koi matures.
• Orange sides.The orange coloration on the side of the asagi koi resembles a sunset, so it’s also something to look out for when buying an asagi. Note, however, that if you’re buying a young asagi, the orange coloration shouldn’t be too strong. Otherwise, the orange color may end up migrating upwards and onto the back of the asagi, spoiling the reticulation.

So there you go – everything you need to know about the asagi koi. If you want to score yourself a high-quality asagi, I highly suggest keeping all these characteristics in mind.