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MEET ASAGI
The Asagi is one of the oldest breeds of the beautiful koi. Stoic and subdued, and sometimes even considered an acquired taste. Asagi are characterized by a blue or indigo body, and their red at the base of the pectoral fins.
The red at the base of the pectoral fins is called Motoaka. Motoaka is an important factor in the beauty of both the Asagi and Shusui, as they both come from the same bloodlines.
When it is young, the entire pectoral fins are red. But as it grows, the fins start turning white from the tip. Gradually the red will shrink back to one third to one half of the fins.
Asagi offspring tend to be a spitting image of the typical Asagi koi – blue nonmetallic scales, reticulated diamond-like scale pattern, and splotches of red coloration, called hi. These appear on the gill plates, belly, and tail. These red areas can also appear on the koi’s dorsal fin. The red hue that develops in Asagi koi is less of a bright red and more of a rusty color. The hi sometimes spreads as koi age.
Asagi koi that have more red pigmentation than usual are called Hi Asagi. Another variation on the typical Asagi koi is called Taki Asagi. These koi look just like your typical Asagi, but they have an additional line of white scales between its red and blue pigmentation. Red eyes are also desired in Asagi koi.
The ideal Asagi’s back is covered in blue scales with a light blue tint near the base of the scale that blends to a darker shade in an ombre-like fashion. Contrast between the light and dark on each scale is idealized. If you have a young Asagi koi whose scales seem lackluster, don’t worry. These scales develop deeper and more intense hues as the koi grows. Generally, lighter blue Asagi are preferred over darker ones.
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