Shiro Utsuri koi stand out with their crisp white base shiroji and bold, jet-black sumi markings, creating a dramatic contrast. Like the Showa variety, their sumi often appears as bands across the nose, face, body, and pectoral fin joints. Black pigment on the pectoral fins is called Motogoro, while Menware refers to a sumi band that splits the face pattern. Unlike Shiro Utsuri, Hi and Ki Utsuri have striped pectoral fins rather than solid black in the joints.
Formerly, Utsurimono were produced mostly as by-products of Showa Sanshoku breeding. Recently, however, ultra-premium Utsurimono has been bred with excellent Shiro Utsuri on one or both sides of parentage. Hi Utsuri koi continue to be born as a by-product of Showa Sanshoku koi breeding.
Shiro Utsuri Koi are easier to appreciate because of their high-contrast color patterns, unlike the Showa Koi, which is red and less monochrome; Showa Koi also lacks the clean looks Shiro Utsuri possesses. Every Shiro Utsuri possesses a unique appearance due to the placement of the sumi, which can differ significantly. The sumi markings provide additional personality, from lightning-shaped streaks to balanced banding.
At Fitz’s Fish Ponds, we work with some of the world’s leading breeders—like Omosako, Marusei, and Maruhiro—to offer Shiro Utsuri koi that stand out for their sharp contrast, balanced markings, and elegant beauty. These breeders are known for producing koi with deep sumi set against crisp, bright shiroji that brings visual impact and a serene presence to any pond. Shop our Shiro Utsuri collection online today and find the perfect addition to bring contrast and calm to your water garden.
