Koi Fish - A Beginner's Guide to Sanke and Showa

Taisho Sanshoku, or Sanke (meaning tri-color) as it is commonly known, was so-named because it was first shown at the Taisho exhibition in 1915 (Taisho Era 1912-1926). The Sanke is a non metallic fish with a double pattern - red (Hi) and black (Sumi) - on a white base or body color.

Sumi found on the Sanke will be in small patches placed in a balanced way along the length of the body, but not normally on the head. Although the two colors should be on a white base, it is possible for the Sumi to overlay the red or white completely or possibly spread across both red and white. When black is on white (preferred) it is called Tsubo Sumi and when it overlays the red, Kanase Sumi. Ideally, a Sanke should have Tejima (three or four stripes of Sumi) in the pectoral fins. These stripes are sometimes found on the others fins, too.

Showa Sanshoku, or Showa as it is commonly known, was developed in the late 1920s by crossing a Ki-Utsuri with a Kohaku. In the simplest terms, a Showa is non metallic but with red and white markings on a black base. Over the years, this variety has changed with fashion.

The early Showa had large amounts of Sumi (black) and Hi (red), but only small amounts of white. Today it is possible to find Showa with very little black but plenty of white; these have been names Kindai Showa. This may make it difficult to distinguish from a Sanke at first sight. However, the traditional Showa will always have Sumi wraps around the body (more in bands than in patches) and finishes below the lateral line.

Sumi on the Sanke should always be above the lateral line. The Showa also has Sumi in the base of its pectoral fins, but it is solid not striped, and is known as Motoguro. Ideally, the Sumi on the head of a Showa (Menware) should be a diagonal stripe across the head or in the shape of a V, but neither type should be without some white on the tip of the nose.

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