Kikokuryu Grade A Koi Carp Cyprinus Carpio

Description

Kikokuryu Grade A Koi Carp Cyprinus Carpio

The Kikokuryu (KEE-koo-KUR-ree-YOO) koi is essentially a metallic version of a Kumonryu koi. That is, a Kikokuryu koi is a metallic, scaleless white coloured koi with black markings. It was originally created by breeding a Kumonryu koi with a Doitsu Platinum Ogon koi which is a scaleless, metallic koi with a solid white colour. This pairing improved the white quality in the skin of the koi while also giving it the lovely metallic sheen that is so recognisable. 

As with Kumonryu koi, the Kikokuryu has an ever-changing sumi pattern. The word Kikokuryu translates to ‘Shining Black Dragon’ and is a reference to the Kumonryu koi (‘Nine Crested Dragon’) as well as to the metallic sheen. In the same way as Kumonryu koi, many factors can affect the sumi pattern and the speed at which it changes. It can be affected by temperature, pH changes, water quality, diet, stress, age as well as other factors and no two fish will change in the same way. Some koi keep a very similar pattern but the black and white colours swap, while others can be completely unrecognisable. Some fish will change pattern within weeks, others will change so slowly that the pattern appears stable. Every fish is different, the only guarantee is that the sumi will change eventually in some way!