Koi

Kumonryu

Kumonryu are scaleless (doitsu) koi with patterns of grey or white combined with black. Probably the most intriguing variety of koi, Kumonryu will completely change their pattern many times throughout their life. They can go anywhere from solid white to solid black, or any conceivable combination in between.

The Kumonryu was fully recognized in 1994 with a category of it’s own at the All Japan Combined Nishikigoi show. The Kumonryu, which means “Nine Crested Dragon”, is a most fascinating koi in that it’s sumi (black) is basically unstable and can appear or disappear without any warning. The Kumonryu is of the Doitsu (German) lineage, and has either large mirror scales along the dorsal and lateral line ,or no scales at all. It’s snow white base with jet black sumi patterns sometimes remind us of Killer Whales.

 

Because the sumi is unstable, the Kumonryu’s pattern can change at the drop of a hat, from all white, to completely black, with every imaginable variation in between. Although it is still uncertain what exactly causes the changes, contributing factors can be : water temperature, water change, water quality, ph change, diet, sexual maturity, stress and so on and so forth.

The ever changing nature of the pattern is probably what makes this koi such a joy to own. When the sumi pattern is under the white waiting to emerge, it can give the skin a bluish hue. I have seen Kumonryu with patterns that changed so slowly that they seemed almost stable, and others that underwent radical changes within the course of a few weeks.

When selecting a Kumonryu for your pond, concentrate on finding a koi with good body conformation and pay attention to deformities of the tail and pectoral fins which often occur in this variety. It should be noted here that Judges will often overlook minor irregularities of the pectoral fins in Kumonryu. In view of the fluid nature of the pattern, it is more important to pay more attention to the depth and quality of the sumi. Ask your dealer what bloodline he usually has in stock or can recommend, as bloodline is ultimately the single most determining factor in any koi development.

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KOI Type: Koi: Kumonryu
Pond Supply/Pond Fish: KOI Fish For Ponds
Source: Sunland Water Gardens
Author: Jacklyn Rodman
Also See: Pond Fish; KOI

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Koi: Kumonryu