Koi Spotlight: Bekko

The Bekko Koi comes in three variants. The first of these is Aka Bekko, which is a reddish koi with black patches. The second is Shiro bekko, which is a whitish koi covered in black patches. And the third is Ki Bekko, a koi yellow in color that has black patches. All three are rare and sought after by collectors both in and outside Japan due to their fabulous color.

Ideal Coloration

The sumi markings of the Bekko must be completely black and uniform in appearance. White (which is also known as Shiro) as well as red and yellow are acceptable when combined with black body markings. However, no black coloration should appear on the fish’s head, although miniature markings are present on some specimens. The fins can display lighter black stripes (which are referred to in Japanese as tezumi or tejima), and any black patterns which appear on the body of the fish will usually be on top of lateral lines.

Pattern

The most desirable Bekko color pattern is one that is elegant and simple, with miniature sumi markings that are spread over the fish’s body evenly. Despite this, the head of the fish should not display sumi markings of any kind, and should have the same color shade as the body. It is quite challenging to locate a bekko that is “bald” and free of any head patterns, since any blemishes which are present will be easy to see through the skin and scalp. In rare cases miniature sumi markings might be accepted if it has a pattern that complements the remainder of the fish’s body. Many koi collectors enjoy the black Tancho mark, although a fish which has this mark would not usually be classified as traditional Tancho since the markings need to be red.

The Body And Tail

The shoulders of each Bekko can have a prominent sumi marking, along with miniature sumi clusters along the body. However, miniature sumi spots which are isolated and resemble freckles are not desirable, and unfortunately they appear frequently to the frustration of many bekko breeders. On the tail, the sumi pattern must stop right before it in a manner that is similar to Sanke koi.

The Shiro Bekko

The fins of a Bekko can be white or display sumi stripes within, like Sanke. The Shiro Bekko is a classical white fish that also displays sumi marks. However, the white coloration must be pure and akin to snow. Some specimens display a yellow colored head, which is not acceptable since it is considered inelegant and makes the fish appear dirty. The color must be evenly displayed on the body and the Doitsu Shiro Bekko in particular can be quite desirable especially when the pattern is well defined. However, if the Doitsu scales are too big it will ruin the pattern’s elegant simplicity, and should therefore be avoided.