Sanke koi are prized for their step patterns. Sanke with red patches that are broken up into small patches balances visually with Sumi spots better than a Sanke with large patches of red. The Hi spots should not be too small or overlap the Sumi but should be of equal size. Judges prefer Sanke with black markings on their white and red portions. This is not the case with all sanke, however.
Tancho Sanke
The name Tancho Sanke refers to a white koi with a red spot on its head. The breed has numerous varieties, each with its own distinctive characteristics. Tancho Showa, for example, has a white body with a black Sumi pattern on its head. Tancho Sanke, on the other hand, has black Sumi throughout its body, including its head. Tancho Showa is the most popular of all types of koi.
Although many people believe that water temperature does not affect Tancho koi’s appearance, research has shown that the color of the Hi is affected by pH and other parameters. Water temperatures between 13°C and 26°C (55°F) are ideal for all varieties of Gosanke. However, males tend to develop their Hi earlier than females, and the color tends to fade more quickly as they age. However, females maintain their red coloration much longer, even when they’re a few years older.
The first trait to look for in a Tancho Sanke is the redhead patch. A Tancho Sanke is considered a rare breed due to its rareness. This breed can be derived from many other varieties of Koi, including Kohaku and Sanke. However, exceptional Tancho koi can be very difficult to find and are primarily bred from other types. There are also many different kinds of Go Sanke varieties, including the rare Tancho koi.
Aka Sanke
A well-balanced pattern on an Aka Sanke translates to the most desirable sanke. The patterns may be large, small, or a combination of all three. The same patterning may also be very varied. In contrast, an Aka Sanke with an unbalanced pattern is considered less valuable. The pattern should be clear, connected, and have well-defined edges. However, some Sanke may be more visually interesting than others.
The head of an Aka Sanke should not have Sumi, although the tsubo pattern is an option. The head pattern is not as important as the rest of the body and should be a balanced one. The rest of the body should be white, with accent marks in black. While the tsubo pattern is the most desirable, it is important to remember that the markings on the head of an Aka Sanke will likely fade as it grows older.
As a general rule, Aka Sanke is the cheapest koi available. However, you can find larger, more expensive Sanke for several hundred dollars. Choosing a quality sanke is crucial, as a cheap fish may have been raised on a fish farm. You also want to avoid buying a snake that has been heavily treated, since they are less likely to live long. If you don’t want to spend this much, try looking at Sanke that are a few years old.
Matsunosuke
Matsunosuke Sanke bloodline is one of the most coveted bloodlines in Japan. Whether you’re looking for an amazing body shape or an impressive Maruzume kiwi, you’re sure to find the perfect match in the Matsunosuke Sanke bloodline. However, there are a few things you should know before you select a Matsunosuke Sanke koi.
The Matsunosuke Sanshoku line is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. Its ancestors have been bred since the mid-19th century and are a testament to the enduring quality of this breed. Most Matsunosuke Sanke are bred from the Sanba and Torazo strains, and the most well-known bloodlines are the Matsunosuke, Sadazo, Kichinai, and Jinbei. The Matsunosuke Sanshoku is a joint triumph with Toshio Sakai. Their offspring have won numerous awards, including the Chiba Grand Championship, which honors the best Sanba in the world.
Momotaro
The Momotaro Koi Farm is known for raising koi of superior quality. The farm features a historic Tosai house as well as concrete and natural mud ponds for breeding. Fry are kept in the concrete ponds to be evaluated for sale the following year. It is a place that is worth a visit for anyone who loves koi. It is located in the beautiful Shirakawa-go, Tokyo.
Two notable Sanke bloodlines originate from the farm. The first one is the Momotaro Female. The second one is the Mako bloodline. These are large and mighty. They can reach up to 92cm and produce numerous breeders. The black and white tosai pattern is less pronounced but still recognizable. Both are considered excellent breeding stock. Momotaro Koi Farms’ Sanke has won awards at prestigious shows, including the 42nd ZNA annual show.
Taisho Sanke
A variety of tri-colored Koi, Taisho Sanke koi first developed in the late 1800s from a harmless genetic mutation. In the Taisho era, the breed was bred to produce beautiful, colorful fish. The Sanke has striking red and white coloration with black accent patterning and is one of the three “big three” koi. Because of their unique colors and patterning, Taisho Sanke koi have a wide range of colors and patterning.
There are several famous Sanke breeders, including Marudo, Yamamatsu, and Oya. Koi breeder Mamoru Kodama wrote a book called Koishi: Breeding the Living Jewels of Japan. He also wrote a book that describes the history of the Taisho Sanke. The Sanke was bred on the Jimbei, Sadazo, and Torazo lines. Today, the Taisho Sanke is considered a rare and exquisite specimen.
During the breeding process, the Sanke is carefully examined. The color and pattern of the body is the most important. The white part should be snowy white, with no yellow tinge. The red and black parts of the body should be a deep, solid color. The Sanke should also have no blemishes, such as missing fins or an odd-looking mouth. The colors should also be uniform across the entire body.
The red part of the Sanke is called hi in Japanese, which is more of an orange shade of red. It is the foundation for the color pattern, and the motoguro at the base of the pectoral fins should be white. In addition, the black part of the Sanke is called Sumi (sue-me) and is used as an accent color. The other two colors are called shoji and beni.
Showa Koi
Both the sanke and the showa varieties of Koi have distinctive markings. While the sanke variety is generally white with a slight black tint, the showa variety tends to have more black on its body. Showa Koi often have black markings that extend beyond the lateral line and onto the head. Their fins are typically white, although some shows have black spots on the pectoral fins.
The characteristics that distinguish Showa koi from other koi breeds are the snake and the sumi. The hi and shoji must be distinct and showy in appearance. Flowing color patterns are preferred and the snake should be shiny. Showa koi tend to be very difficult to breed, so they rarely display white on the head. Inbreeding also leads to an increased number of fish with congenital defects. These defects may be noticeable, such as a deformed spine, or more subtle, like a tail that is misaligned.
The snake of a Showa Koi is often hard to identify. Its head should be white or red with a black lateral line. The head should also be black, but with a red or white patch. The head is usually marked with Sumi to distinguish it from other Shows. Despite the black and white markings, Showa Koi are harder to distinguish from the Sanke variety.
