Shusui Koi

How To Care For Shusui Koi

The Shusui koi is a striking and highly sought-after variety of koi, known for its unique coloration and beautiful, streamlined body. It is a member of the Asagi family, with a similar blue body but distinct differences in its pattern and appearance. The Shusui is considered one of the more unusual koi varieties due to its scaleless body (referred to as "doitsu" or "German type"), which gives it a smooth, sleek, and metallic look. This scaleless feature, combined with the vibrant blue coloration and red markings, makes the Shusui a standout koi in any pond or aquarium.

The primary characteristic of the Shusui koi is its striking color pattern. The fish has a pale blue (asagi) body that serves as the canvas for its bold red (hi) markings. The blue color typically covers most of the body, but in the Shusui variety, the fish’s scales are largely absent, giving the body a smooth appearance. The red markings usually appear on the back, sides, and lower fins, often as evenly distributed patches of orange or red, which contrast beautifully with the blue body. The markings on a high-quality Shusui koi should be sharp and clean, enhancing the overall balance of the fish’s appearance.

The Shusui koi is characterized by its sleek, streamlined body shape. While it lacks the full set of scales found on many other koi, it still retains a smooth texture due to its doitsu nature. This scaleless trait makes the Shusui koi particularly unique, as it exhibits a shiny, metallic sheen on the skin, which is accentuated by the fish’s red and blue coloring. The fish typically grows to 18-26 inches (45-65 cm) in length and can develop an impressive size with proper care. A well-maintained Shusui koi will have a glossy, almost reflective appearance due to the smoothness of its skin and the richness of its colors.

Shusui koi are known for their calm and friendly demeanor. They are peaceful and social fish, making them an excellent addition to community ponds where they can interact with other koi and non-aggressive species. Shusui koi, like other koi, require a clean and well-maintained environment to thrive. The water should be kept between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) with a pH range of 7.0 to 7.5. They are hardy and adaptable, though they do best in outdoor ponds where the water quality can be kept optimal with the aid of a good filtration system and regular water changes.

Shusui koi are omnivores, and their diet should consist of high-quality koi pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They will also enjoy grazing on algae and pond plants, which can help maintain the health of the pond’s ecosystem. It is important to avoid overfeeding, as koi are known to produce a significant amount of waste, which can affect water quality.

One of the best features of Shusui koi is their longevity. With the proper care, these fish can live for 20 to 30 years or longer, making them a cherished and lasting addition to any pond. The Shusui koi’s unique, scaleless body, paired with its elegant blue and red coloration, makes it a striking centerpiece in any koi collection. Whether you are a seasoned koi enthusiast or a beginner, the Shusui koi is sure to bring beauty, tranquility, and grace to your pond for many years to come.