If you’re looking for another fish species to add to your pond, consider the Asagi Koi Fish. Asagi koi are known for their blue scales, and the name Asagi actually translates from Japanese as indigo. The Asagi koi fish species have a complete set of scales along their body that range between pale blue and full blue in color.
As someone whose hobby is raising fish in ponds, I enjoy researching various species and learning how they can bring beauty to a natural habitat. I’ve done my fair share of investigating what makes each species unique. I also enjoy sharing my expertise with others who share the same interests.
This article covers the basic features of the Asagi koi fish, what you should look for when selecting an Asagi koi, and their closely related species.
Asagi koi fish are a member of the carp family. Their appearance is regarded by some as unremarkable, so some fish enthusiasts or breeders may skip over them. Other enthusiasts love the blue and pale blue colors of their scales that contrast with their heads’ bright orange and white colors.
Some Asagi koi feature this bright orange to red color on their fins and tail. However, it is the blue scales that set this species apart from the rest. As observed by other researchers and marine life experts, these scales encompass the entire body past the head and tend to look like the pattern seen in nets.
Koi fish with patterns with a lot of contrast are more desirable than koi that have less contrast. It is the stark contrast between the whites and blues that make the Asagi koi stand out. Yet, some Asagi koi develop this contrast as they age. So, if you do get a fish from the koi species that doesn’t seem to have a lot of contrast, this could change as the koi grows.
Now that you know a little about the Asagi koi, you may be wondering how to pick one for your koi pond. When choosing your next young Asagi, look at its scales, head, color, and pectoral fins.
In terms of the fish’s scales, examine where the pattern starts. The pattern should begin just below the head and extend through to the tail. You’ll want to find Asagi that has even patterns. Large deviations in color are usually not as desirable.
The next thing to look for is the condition and coloring of the fish’s head. Some people want Asagi koi fish that have red eyes. Most consider an Asagi fish with a clear, white head better than a fish with markings or splashes of color on its head. In younger fish, you can see the bones of its skull. As they age, the bones will become hidden by the head’s color.
As far as the fish’s color goes, it really is up to your individual preference. You might find a pale blue color more pleasing than a deeper or mid-blue color. Some koi enthusiasts like a brighter orange along the fins, tail, and heads. Others find a darker reddish tint to be more in line with their tastes.
A majority of people prefer a paler blue if you want Asagi koi that you could sell at a later date. They also like the red markings and splashes to have a degree of uniformity or pattern to them. The red or bright orange color should not overlap with the blue in the scales.
When it comes to the pectoral fins, Asagi koi fish have a variety of colors. You’ll find all-white fins, all-red or orange fins, and a combination of red and white. In terms of desirability, there isn’t a standard. It’s best to go with your first instinct in terms of what you find the most pleasing.
A close cousin to the Asagi koi is the Shusui koi. This species features the same colors as the Asagi koi. Still, you’ll notice a sharp difference in how the scales and colors form over the body. Shusui does not have the full net pattern that Asagi does. Plus, the red color is more prominent.
