Koi Judging Criteria


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- Koi Judging Criteria -

Types of Shows
1. Japanese Show - All Koi of a specific class are in one tank. (Easier to compare each Koi)
2. English Show - Koi are kept in separate tanks. (Less chance of disease transmission)

Order of Ranking Criteria
1. Body Conformation
2. Color
3. Pattern
4. Quality

Abnormalities
Koi cannot be missing fins, have an atypical mouth, head or body distortions such as a crooked spine. Any deformity, such as a tumor, will disqualify a Koi from judging. No barbels on the fish would be an indication of a simple goldfish. Koi may have one or two sets of barbels which is acceptable.

Overall Health
Koi must be healthy and not have any signs of scars, disease or parasites. An exception is made for split or torn fins. A sick fish must be removed from the competition immediately to preclude infecting other fish and the holding area it was in should be disinfected ASAP. However, forethought and careful registration of fish to be judged can easily prevent this from happening.

1. Body Conformation
The thick body shape of female Koi is preferred. Males just don't genetically carry the body mass for competition as a rule. The shape and size of the fins should be in proportion to the body and match the opposite side. The head shape should not be too short, long or bend to one side. The Koi when viewed from above should be even on both sides and not have one side obviously thicker than the other. In a nutshell, a the longest and most filled out fish rules the show given that items 2, 3 and 4 are met well.

2. Skin Colorations
Skin quality and deep vibrant color add up to a term called "finish" or how all of the colors add up to complete the fish. There should be a healthy sheen to the skin.

3. Patterns
The patterns of color should have defined edges and the color is best when it is a consistent hue and does not "bleed" or diffuse at the edge of the scales into other colors. Crisp, sharp color edges are most preferred. Patterns should be balanced and not front, tail or side heavy. The pattern must also be proportional. e.g. not have a small pattern on a huge body or a huge pattern on a small body.

4. Quality, Artistic and Special Considerations
A uniqueness, usually of the head pattern, that makes a Koi different from the norm.

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