The fourth lesson on Koi expertise is about “Beni”. I think the representative of Koi that you often imagine is the variety called “Kohaku”. The red part of “Kohaku” is called “Beni” and the white part is called “Shiroji”. “Beni” is composed of red scales and is also known as a “Hiban”. ”Beni” is a very important factor in evaluating Koi, and even within the same “Beni”, there are good and bad qualities.
Pattern
Each Koi has its own unique pattern, and no two Koi in the world are alike. This is one of the charms of Koi. Let’s take a look at some typical Koi patterns.
Inazuma-Kohaku
It is a wonderful, well-balanced pattern that is two-tiered but also three-tiered pattern. It is characterized by a “Beni” pattern like a lightning bolt.
Three-tiered Kohaku (Shoehorn three-tiered pattern)
Although orthodox, the large “Shiroji” on the back is the showpiece of this Koi. The pattern is a wonderful three-tiered pattern that is neither heavy nor light.
Four-tiered Kohaku
The unique and well-balanced arrangement of “Beni” shows a “Shiroji” in the gaps between the “Beni” and features a four-tiered yet elegant “Shiroji” with a tail stop (end of body). This is a Koi that will become a stately Koi as it grows larger.
Tancho Kohaku
A variety with “Beni” only on the head, like a Japanese crane. The entire Tan (head “Beni”) is thick “Beni” with a good “Shiroji”. For Tancho Kohaku, not only the pattern of the Tan but also the quality of the “Shiroji” is very important. Even if the Tan pattern is good, it is not good if the skin texture is light or yellowish. The large Tancho Kohaku has an eye-catching koi with a good “Shiroji”.
Color
The same “Beni” can be found in many different colors. Basically, “Beni” is red, but there are various colors of “Beni” within the same red color, such as strong red, yellowish persimmon, vermilion, and pink. These can change as they grow, which is a very important factor not only in determining the reputation of Koi, but also in assessing their future potential.
Solidity
“Beni” has solidity. It is said that hard “Beni” can be beautifully finished when young, but “Hiban” often becomes stained or disappears in the future. Conversely, the softer “Beni” is not so beautiful when young, but becomes more beautiful as it grows, and is less likely to become stained and disappear.
Tsuya and Teri
Good red color have “Tsuya” is called “Tsuya-Beni” and is a latent ability, an individual trait of each Koi. It is difficult to convey in writing, and it is easier to understand by looking at an individual, but my idea of a good “Beni” is a bright red color, transparent like strawberry jelly. It is not a bright, dusky red. Also, vermilion type ”Beni” does not seem to be glossy. When you see it in person, you will find it shiny and amazingly clean. To talk about a slightly different kind of good “Beni”, I think that a dark persimmon-colored “Beni” that is not bright red, but thick, is also beautiful. On the other hand, a ”Beni” with a strong pale yellow color is not a good “Beni”. The strong pink color “Pink-Beni” is rare, and when it is finished, it is very vivid and eye-catching. Such high-quality “Beni” seems to have a lot of “Tsuya-Beni”. “Tsuya-Beni” often carry the bloodline of their parent Koi.
“Teri” changes depending on the rearing environment, the Koi’s physical condition, and the food they are fed, and is also called “Numeri”(like slimy). The body surface of healthy Koi often has a good “Teri”.
The “Beni” is the most important part of a Koi, so please take a look at the “Beni” of various Koi.
