Ogon Koi are the metallic, single color variety of Koi held in the highest regard by enthusiasts around the world. These one-tone, yet utterly conspicuous fish belong to the class called “Hikari Muji Mono,” where Hikari means “metallic” in Japanese, Muji means “one-color,” and Mono means “ones” (in other words, the “Metallic”). only one color”). While the keen Koi hobbyist may ask the question, “what’s so special about a Koi that has only one color?”, an Ogon really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.

The forerunner of the Ogon appeared in 1921. This was a Magoi (dark colored wild carp) with a gold striped back that was bred and crossed until the first successful Ogon appeared in 1946. They have been bred on Gin ever since. Rin (shiny) scaled Koi to produce the modern, truly one-color Ogon Koi with metallic skin and shiny scales.

While the traditional Ogon used to be only gold, there are now several color variations.

Gold and Yellow: Early Ogon were golden in color, but had a tendency to turn blackish with increasing water temperatures. This trait was eventually eliminated by successfully crossing with a Kigoi or lemon yellow koi. Yamabuki Ogon are the very popular modern metallic yellow Ogon.

Platinum – Platinum Ogon are snow-white koi, with a body luster similar to that of precious metal. In 1963, Platinum Ogon first appeared as the product of crossing Kigoi (yellow koi) with Nezu Ogon, the silvery-gray Ogon we continue to enjoy today. Similarly, there was a successful cross between Platinum or Purachina as it was then known with Yamabuki Ogon to produce the highly regarded but extremely rare Cream Ogon.

Orenji or Orange – Orenji Ogon, or deep metallic orange Ogon, is the result of the successful crossing of Higoi (red koi) with the original varieties of metallic yellow koi, and later with Yamabuki Ogon.

Matsuba Ogon: While Matsuba, with their characteristic pine cone-shaped scale, are usually grouped in the Kawarimono class, their metal counterparts are in the Hikarimono class. The most commonly available Matsuba Ogon are Kin Matsuba (metallic gold) and Gin Matsuba (metallic silver). The dark centers of the scales should be clearly defined and the scales themselves should be evenly distributed over the upper body and below the lateral line.

Silver or Grey: Nezu Ogon, often warmly nicknamed Helmethead due to a distinctive dark area in the center of his head.

There are other varieties of Ogon, including the Kuro Ogon, a metallic black koi, and the Mukashi Ogon, a metallic bronze.

The Ogon tend to be large, lively and intelligent, and are easy to tame. Being easily visible, even in fairly cloudy ponds, due to their brilliant metallic sheen, Ogon Koi are understandably popular with novice koi lovers. Since the Ogon are all one color, there is an emphasis on other characteristics to help determine quality.

A quality Ogon should exhibit conformation of body shape, high quality metallic luster, uniform coloration and alignment of scales, and a clear, broad, shiny head. It is also essential to have fins of the same depth of color with a consistency of color across all fins.

When it comes to buying an Ogon, a beginner should be aware not only of quality features, but also of the most common flaws. Ogon may have a tendency to develop fat, chubby bodies along with fin deformities. Discoloration and poor head and fin shape are other faults to watch out for. Pectoral fin deformities can be reasonably common with fins that are too small, in poor condition, or absent altogether. The characteristic metallic finish should also extend to the fin areas, particularly the pectoral fins. Missing or damaged scales will also affect the quality of the Ogon, as will any scarring or tissue damage. Most of these failures are the result of poor breeding or poor environmental conditions. Make sure you know what to look for when you buy your koi and don’t be persuaded to buy until you are completely satisfied with the quality of your koi.