Koi Classification: Hikari Utsurimono



The Hikari Utsurimono were bred by crossing Utsurimono with Ogon. “Kin Showa”, Gin Showa”, “Gin Shiro” and “Kin Ki Utsuri” are the offspring
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Kin and Gin Showa come from Showa Sanshoku X Ogon crosses. In general, both are known as “Kin Showa”, but when a distinction is made, the former is used for metallic coloured Showa with a stronger golden luster, versus the latter where the silver predominates.

Their colours tend to fade, as the metallic luster gets stronger. Hi turns brownish and Sumi becomes blurred, however , improved types with beautiful Hi and Sumi are more often seen.

Gin Shiro or “Kin Shiro Utsuri” are the hybrids of the Ogon and Shiro Utsuri, and actually look silver, making the name highly appropriate. Kin Ki Utsuri are the Hikarimono of the Ki Utsuri or Hi Utsuri. A beautiful shine and distinctive patterns are essential requirements for fine Hikari Utsurimono, and more are being breed these days. They all should show the same characteristics of their Showa and Utsuri cousins with a metallic luster.



Reference: Australian Koi Association