Karasugoi are koi with an overall black appearance when viewed from above. The name is associated with the crow. The belly may be a different color, so a black dorsal view does not mean that every surface of the fish must be uniformly black.
Karasugoi Photos
How to Identify Karasugoi
- A predominantly black upper body, rather than separate large black-and-white patches.
- A non-metallic appearance for the ordinary Karasugoi description.
- No defining paired white fin tips of Hajiro.
Compare Similar Varieties
Compare Hajiro when white at the pectoral fin tips forms the defining contrast. A Kumonryu can sometimes look very dark, but its Doitsu scaling and changing black-and-white pattern are different clues. Do not label every black koi Karasugoi without looking at its scales, fins, and visible sides.
Choosing and Observing Karasugoi
A dark fish can be difficult to photograph against a shaded pond. Ask for a view in neutral light and observe the outline and fin movement as well as the color. Choose a fish you will enjoy seeing in your actual pond conditions. Deep black coloration is an aesthetic trait; it cannot replace normal health assessment and quarantine.
For the complete visual directory, see koi varieties. Before purchasing, review buying koi and quarantine.