Asagi

Asagi

An excerpt from a post that originally appeared on http://www.caribbeannishikigoi.com/

The Asagi is one of the oldest breeds of Koi. Asagi Koi can be easily recognized by its shade of blue. As a matter of fact, “Asagi” is a Japanese word for pale blue or indigo. That’s why the ideal Asagi’s back all the way up to its head is covered with a defined diamond shape of a non-metallic pale blue to dark blue scales.

Magoi

In fact, about 160 years ago when Japanese purposely used Magoi (a food, wild black fish) in order to transform it into Asagi. Before Koi were ever imagined, Asagi is the first recognized as ornamental carp.




Asagi Koi

can be easily recognized by its shade of blue. As a matter of fact, “Asagi” is a Japanese word for pale blue or indigo. That’s why the ideal Asagi’s back all the way up to its head is covered with a defined diamond shape of a non-metallic pale blue to dark blue scales.

 There are different types of Asagi Koi. If splotches of red pigmentation appear on the Koi’s dorsal fin, gill plates, belly and tail – it is called “Hi”.          

However, if the Asagi Koi has more red coloration than usual, it is known as “Hi Asagi”.

For instance, that you noticed an additional line of white scales between its blue and red pigmentation, it is the other type of Asagi Koi called as “Taki Asagi”.

Most of the time, the head of the Asagi will be white or very pale blue; but if the head develops red coloration, the Koi is then considered to be “Menkaburi Asagi”.

On the other hand, the “Asagi Mizu” is light blue in pigmentation and there’s a chance that you may not notice any red at all. Moreover, the “Asagi Konjo” is very dark Asagi Koi to the extent of having black appearance.

Among today’s many dazzling and stunning varieties of Koi, keeping the Asagi is keeping history alive.