Koi fish are popular pets known for their beautiful colors and graceful movements. One variety that stands out among enthusiasts is the Doitsu Showa. This unique koi is loved for its striking appearance and distinctive pattern. If you’re considering adding one to your pond, here’s everything you need to know about the Doitsu Showa koi.
What is a Doitsu Showa?
The Doitsu Showa is a type of Doitsu koi, a category of koi fish that lacks scales or has very few scales on its body. The word “Doitsu” comes from Japanese, meaning “German,” referring to the koi’s scale-less or partially scaled appearance, which is the result of selective breeding. The Showa refers to the color pattern of the koi, which includes a mix of red (or orange), black, and white hues.
A Doitsu Showa koi will have a black body, often adorned with bold red or orange markings, creating a beautiful contrast. These koi are especially admired for their elegant look and are often considered a symbol of beauty and perseverance in Japanese culture.
Doitsu Showa for Sale
If you’re looking for a Doitsu Showa for sale, you’ll find many options available in koi ponds, online marketplaces, and specialized koi breeders. When purchasing, it’s important to choose a reputable breeder who can guarantee the quality of the koi. Look for koi that exhibit vibrant, bold colors, and a balanced pattern of red, black, and white.
Make sure to inquire about the koi’s health, age, and size before making a purchase. High-quality Doitsu Showa koi can be a bit more expensive than other types, but they are well worth the investment for serious koi enthusiasts.
Doitsu Showa Price
The Doitsu Showa price can vary based on factors like size, age, and quality. Typically, the price range for a Doitsu Showa koi starts from $50 to $300 for a smaller koi (around 6-8 inches). However, larger, well-patterned Doitsu Showa koi can cost anywhere from $500 to over $1,000 or more, especially if they are show-quality fish.
The price may also be influenced by the breeder’s reputation, the koi’s lineage, and whether the fish has been raised under ideal conditions. When purchasing a Doitsu Showa, consider its future growth and the potential for its value to increase as it matures.
Doitsu Showa Size
The Doitsu Showa size can range from small to large, with some koi growing up to 36 inches or more as they reach full maturity. However, most Doitsu Showa koi you find for sale will be in the 6-12 inch range when young. If you’re looking to buy a Doitsu Showa, you can expect them to grow about 10 inches per year, depending on their living conditions, water quality, and diet.
Koi that are well taken care of can live for several decades, and they may grow to their full potential size of around 24-30 inches over time.
Doitsu Koi vs. Doitsu Showa
While all Doitsu Showa koi are Doitsu koi, not all Doitsu koi are Showa. The term “Doitsu koi” refers to any koi with a reduced number of scales, while “Showa” refers to the specific color pattern. In other words, a Doitsu koi can come in a variety of colors, but a Doitsu Showa will always have the distinctive red, black, and white pattern.
If you’re exploring koi options, you might also be interested in Doitsu Sanke koi, which, like the Doitsu Showa, are part of the Doitsu koi category but have a slightly different color pattern. Doitsu Sanke features a white body with red and black markings, making them a beautiful alternative to the Showa.
Tancho Showa: A Special Variation
A unique and highly prized version of the Showa is the Tancho Showa. This koi is known for its stunning red spot on the top of its head, which resembles the flag of Japan. The rest of its body follows the traditional Showa pattern, with black and white markings. Tancho Showa koi are rare and can command a premium price due to their distinctive and attractive appearance.
Conclusion
The Doitsu Showa is a remarkable koi with its scale-less body and striking color patterns of red, black, and white. If you’re considering adding one to your pond, be sure to look for quality koi from reputable breeders. Whether you’re searching for a Doitsu Showa for sale, exploring Doitsu Showa prices, or simply admiring their unique beauty, these koi are sure to be a stunning addition to any collection. Whether you’re a seasoned koi enthusiast or a beginner, the Doitsu Showa is a fantastic koi to consider.
