A CONVERSATION ABOUT SCALATION IN SHOW KOI

One way to divide Nishikigoi as a family is based on their scales.

The dominating and most desirable group is the normal/natural scaled koi or WAGOI or Urokogoi. These scaled carp represent of the look of the wild common carp and are very natural in design and body line. Something that is highly valued in Nishikigoi.

The next group is the partly scaled or ‘scale-lee’ group known as DOITSU GOI and this group actually contains 2 variations (and one complexity).

• The first of these, and the least desirable, is the scale-less carp. Also called a leather carp and known as KAWAGOI in Nishikigoi lexicon. If done well, with a neat lateral seam a kawagoi can be an attractive animal. Albeit less complicated and ‘easier’ to get than some of its cousins listed below. Please note that if this is the look we judge for, stray or random scales here and there on dorsal or lateral line are a demerit. You will see a lot of judges miss this within a well patterned fish. But we are judging the fish for its Doitsu traits and so poor scalation is a big problem.
• Moving up the scale of accomplishment and desirability we next have the mirror carp or KAGAMIGOI. In the ideal the kagamigoi should have three rows of scales neatly lined up in rows from head to tail. One row on the dorsal/spine and two rows on either side of the fish arranged on/over the lateral line (mid-section side). These pronounced scales are an art form in and of themselves and represent a breeding accomplishment. Known as TAIRIN, these scales can be quite large and ornate, well ordered and symmetrical, and add to the beauty of the fish. It is key to appreciation to understand that doitsu scales are looked at just as wagoi scales are for judging purposes. That means that the quality and arrangement of gin and /or matsuba effect is critical. As is the neatness of the arrangement of those scales or koke nami.

And even though I mentioned that there are two varieties ( and one more complexity) created since the Meiji era (1904 introduction) it seems I have only covered two. This is because both the single lined scale arrangement and the three lines (back and sides) are grouped in the single term KAGAMIGOI. Yet the levels of accomplishment on the number of rows separates the ‘zipper’ from the full outfitted three zipper specimen! J I should mention that this is a debated subject as some do like the cleaner more refined effect of one row only along the dorsal.
To find a kumonryu, for instance, that has perfect rows of scales on both sides and along the dorsal is a thing to behold! So in the area of ‘accomplishment’ and level of difficulty, the three rowed Kagamigoi is higher ranked when ‘right’ than the single rowed kagamigoi.
In the past we have seen odd arrangements in the scales of some Kagamigoi. Scales that make up intricate mosaics of scales. This can be a wondrous affect! But it is rare and not bred for to my knowledge.
Hope this helped to look at the simple Doitsu in a more sophisticated way!  James Reilly ZNA District Chairman