The Amazing White Koi
One of the amazing lessons in life is that even the simplest of things can be the most intricate, like the white koi, for instance. The facts that make life so complex is the harmonious combination of many simple beings come in so many different colors. Carp fish, for example, seem as plain as it sounds. But it is in this breed of fish that is the manifestation of one of the beautiful miracles of Life - the Japanese koi.
Long ago, before many countries even recognized the koi, these fish were only in one or two colors. But as time passed, when these simple-colored fish joined with the other members of the carp family, we now see this fish as one of the most enchanting family of carp. The aspect that is most appreciated in them is their varying yet somehow, similar color patterns. And some even seem to glitter in the light. Today, koi fish can be seen in various colors including red, black, green, yellow and white.
But even diversity has its purpose. Appearances may not seem important in defining the inner personalities of the many animals, but when it comes to the koi, the colors may mean a lot, especially in recognizing which koi sub-group they belong to. Each variety has certain standards, but pattern diversity is acceptable in most varieties. And among the most notable of them is the Hikarimono to which the Ogon variety belongs.
But what makes this variety special is not the common attribute of color patterns. In fact, the Japanese term "hikari" means "shining", while "mono" means "one (single color)". The body is uniformly colored but comes in a glittering presentation. By understanding the name itself, one can have a better understanding about the hikarimonos. It is also said that the Ogon type are the ones where the term was aspired from.
The unique aspect of the fish's glimmer is what makes the Ogon stand out from its other koi relatives. The metallic sheen gives the single colors a new definition. This adornment is also matched with the Ogon's behavior of serenity, making it more loved by koi collectors. It is also noted that many koi collectors and hobbyists consider their koi pond incomplete without the Ogon. And among the most appreciated one, is the Platinum or Purachina Ogon.
The Platinum or Purachina ogon is actually a white ogon that becomes silver-hued because of its shimmering attribute. They are recorded to have first appeared back in 1963, probably from crossing Kigoi with the grayish-silver Nezu (short for the Japanese word for rat, nezumi) Ogon. And like its ogon counterparts, the purachina are also known to be enduring in tough environments and are relatively easy to raise. Large fins are desirable to offset the plain body.
The characteristics that make the ogon or hikarimono unique however, are not only limited to aesthetic purposes. Their luster makes it even more practical since these koi tend to stand out even in dark and murky waters. This feature of the ogon is even more enhanced by crossing the fish with the Ginrin koi, who are known for their scales that gleam when light strikes on them, but depend on the pigment of the fish's scales. To qualify for a Ginrin, a good breed of koi would have to have at least twenty Ginrin scales.
Koi fish are splendid examples of beauty, but with purpose. They may differ in many ways, particularly in appearance, but all are in some ways, for a beneficial purpose. If one would like to see these fish, it's best to visit ponds and view them from above, for it is from this angle that the fish are at their best color.
Long ago, before many countries even recognized the koi, these fish were only in one or two colors. But as time passed, when these simple-colored fish joined with the other members of the carp family, we now see this fish as one of the most enchanting family of carp. The aspect that is most appreciated in them is their varying yet somehow, similar color patterns. And some even seem to glitter in the light. Today, koi fish can be seen in various colors including red, black, green, yellow and white.
But even diversity has its purpose. Appearances may not seem important in defining the inner personalities of the many animals, but when it comes to the koi, the colors may mean a lot, especially in recognizing which koi sub-group they belong to. Each variety has certain standards, but pattern diversity is acceptable in most varieties. And among the most notable of them is the Hikarimono to which the Ogon variety belongs.
But what makes this variety special is not the common attribute of color patterns. In fact, the Japanese term "hikari" means "shining", while "mono" means "one (single color)". The body is uniformly colored but comes in a glittering presentation. By understanding the name itself, one can have a better understanding about the hikarimonos. It is also said that the Ogon type are the ones where the term was aspired from.
The unique aspect of the fish's glimmer is what makes the Ogon stand out from its other koi relatives. The metallic sheen gives the single colors a new definition. This adornment is also matched with the Ogon's behavior of serenity, making it more loved by koi collectors. It is also noted that many koi collectors and hobbyists consider their koi pond incomplete without the Ogon. And among the most appreciated one, is the Platinum or Purachina Ogon.
The Platinum or Purachina ogon is actually a white ogon that becomes silver-hued because of its shimmering attribute. They are recorded to have first appeared back in 1963, probably from crossing Kigoi with the grayish-silver Nezu (short for the Japanese word for rat, nezumi) Ogon. And like its ogon counterparts, the purachina are also known to be enduring in tough environments and are relatively easy to raise. Large fins are desirable to offset the plain body.
The characteristics that make the ogon or hikarimono unique however, are not only limited to aesthetic purposes. Their luster makes it even more practical since these koi tend to stand out even in dark and murky waters. This feature of the ogon is even more enhanced by crossing the fish with the Ginrin koi, who are known for their scales that gleam when light strikes on them, but depend on the pigment of the fish's scales. To qualify for a Ginrin, a good breed of koi would have to have at least twenty Ginrin scales.
Koi fish are splendid examples of beauty, but with purpose. They may differ in many ways, particularly in appearance, but all are in some ways, for a beneficial purpose. If one would like to see these fish, it's best to visit ponds and view them from above, for it is from this angle that the fish are at their best color.
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