TANCHO

General Description

'Tancho' is the term applied to a Kohaku, Sanke, or Showa whose only red marking is a round patch of red on the head. Tancho koi are highly-prized among hobbyists, especially the Japanese, because they resemble Japan's flag and national bird.    No other red marking must appear anywhere else. The red patch must be as round as possible, and should not reach the shoulder nor the nose of the fish.   

Appreciation Criteria

Color

All color criteria applicable to non-Tancho Kohaku, Sanke, or Showa are applicable to the Tancho type.

Pattern

All pattern criteria applicable to non-Tancho Kohaku, Sanke, or Showa are applicable to the Tancho type with the addition of one rule:  no other red marking must appear on the koi except for the round patch on the Tancho's head. The head patch must be as round as possible. It must also be centered between the eyes, and must not extend to the nose or to the shoulder of the koi.

Body

Please see separate article on The Ideal Koi Body.

Tancho Kohaku (left) and Tancho Sanke (right) Photos' source: www.koi.com