Doitsu Sanke Koi

Koi of the Doitsu variety have few to no scales. Doitsu goi are old, yet new — they were developed more than 100 years ago, but many new varieties keep coming from Doitsu varieties. Because of their characteristics, they can be crossed with almost any koi variety. Like the diamond-scaled Ginrin, Doitsu has contributed to the increased varieties of koi. Doitsu Kohaku, Doitsu Showa, Doitsu Sanke and Doitsu Shiro Utsuri are just a few of these varieties.

Doitsu refers to the scalation, or in this case lack of. Doitsu means scaleless or in some cases, scaleless body, but rows of oversized scales on the top and side of the koi. They are not as common, but you will find that most koi varieties are available as doitsu. It is not exclusive to Sanke. One advantage of doitsu is the sharpness, kiwa, of the pattern.  Sanke is pronounced sawn-kay. It is a white koi with red patches like a Kohaku and black spots on the upper half of the body. Black stripes occasionally are seen on the pectoral fins or tail. Sanke generally do not have black on the face.  Another more formal name for Sanke that you will often hear is Taisho Sanke. They are also part of the classification – Gosanke. Gosanke includes the varieties Kohaku, Sanke and Showa.  Doitsu Sanke are very striking with their smooth scaleless skin. The red and black markings will jump out at you. You are looking for lacquer-like black, bright white skin and balanced red patches