Language of Koi
These young koi of multiple varieties have several things in common — Doitsu scales and iridescent metallic skin.
No Scales?
No Problem!
A deep dive into the Doitsu variety by Ellen Kloubec, Kloubec Koi
D
oitsu koi are gaining in popularity with backyard pond owners. These koi without scales truly are a beautiful addition to any koi pond or collection. They stand out brilliantly in pond water due to the absence of scales, bright colors and a dramatic overall appearance. Metallic-variety Doitsu koi usually have dazzling iridescent skin, which can
March/April 2022
be mesmerizing. Many large Doitsu koi also display a sense of power, making them even more outstanding.
What is Doitsu? By definition, Doitsu refers to koi with no scales other than enlarged scales along the lateral and dorsal lines. In the early 1900s, Japanese koi were crossed with German mirror carp, a common food source. German mirror carp have large, shiny POND Trade Magazine 53
