Sanke Koi

The Sanke is a quintessential Koi and one member of the big three of the Go Sanke Koi varietals (Kohaku and Showa being the other two). It is most often confused with a Showa, as the Sanke is traditionally a white Koi,  with black (sumi) and and red (hi) markings, whereas a Showa is a black Koi with white (shiroji) and red (hi) markings.

One of the tricks in telling these two apart is that a Sanke has no lumps of black (sumi) in  the base of it's pectoral fins (whereas Showa ideally do). Further a Sanke will not have black on it's head, whereas a Showa does. Sanke do however have streaks of black in the pectoral fins which is much favoured but typically only develops later on in the Koi's life.

The same appreciation for Kohaku red patterns apply to the red of a Sanke, and indeed Showa. Because there is more complexity in the pattern owing to the extra colour of black being added to the mix, Showa and Sanke are occasionally allowed a little extra lee way in judging.

As with Kohaku and Showa the pattern is less important than it might first appear. Consistency and depth of colour is important. With Sanke black that appears on the white as opposed to the red is more desirable. In all cases the deeper the black and the more lustrous the black the better.

A good white as the background is imperative. Crisp pattern definition is important along with all the usual "background aspects" such as body shape, scalation, fins, mouths, eyes, nose, tail etc.

In the specimen photo below we can see that this Sanke has beautiful markings, with the much prized crisp clean lines. Although this Koi still has some way to go it's potential is there for all to see and admire.

If you are going to keep Go Sanke varietals making room in your pond for a stunning Sanke is almost a pre-requisite. Looking at this example is an indication of just why.

Sanke Koi

The Sanke is a quintessential Koi and one member of the big three of the Go Sanke Koi varietals (Kohaku and Showa being the other two). It is most often confused with a Showa, as the Sanke is traditionally a white Koi,  with black (sumi) and and red (hi) markings, whereas a Showa is a black Koi with white (shiroji) and red (hi) markings.

One of the tricks in telling these two apart is that a Sanke has no lumps of black (sumi) in  the base of it's pectoral fins (whereas Showa ideally do). Further a Sanke will not have black on it's head, whereas a Showa does. Sanke do however have streaks of black in the pectoral fins which is much favoured but typically only develops later on in the Koi's life.

The same appreciation for Kohaku red patterns apply to the red of a Sanke, and indeed Showa. Because there is more complexity in the pattern owing to the extra colour of black being added to the mix, Showa and Sanke are occasionally allowed a little extra lee way in judging.

As with Kohaku and Showa the pattern is less important than it might first appear. Consistency and depth of colour is important. With Sanke black that appears on the white as opposed to the red is more desirable. In all cases the deeper the black and the more lustrous the black the better.

A good white as the background is imperative. Crisp pattern definition is important along with all the usual "background aspects" such as body shape, scalation, fins, mouths, eyes, nose, tail etc.

In the specimen photo below we can see that this Sanke has beautiful markings, with the much prized crisp clean lines. Although this Koi still has some way to go it's potential is there for all to see and admire.

If you are going to keep Go Sanke varietals making room in your pond for a stunning Sanke is almost a pre-requisite. Looking at this example is an indication of just why.

A stunning Sanke.

A stunning Sanke.