Kin Kabuto (Golden Kabuto) – Takatatsu Koi Farm
Kin Kabuto ('golden helmet') is the gold counterpart of Gin Kabuto: a dark koi with gold-edged scales and a dark head.
Origin and history
It belongs to the Hikarimuji, the single-colored metallic koi. The line began with the Ogon, developed by Sawata Aoki and his son Hideyoshi. They spent years selecting from a Kigoi with a golden stripe along its back, and the first true Ogon was established in 1946. Metallic koi were then crossed into almost every other variety, creating the Hikari groups. Kabuto is one of the older Ogon-line varieties.
Color and pattern
The body is dark, each scale edged in bright gold, forming a shining net. The head is dark, giving the 'helmet' look.
In your collection
Single-colored metallic koi are the beacons of a pond. They show up in any water and are often the first fish visitors notice. With no pattern, judges focus on luster (especially on the head and pectoral fins), body shape and neat, even scales. Metallic koi also tend to be hardy and fast-growing.
What collectors look for
- Even gold edging
- A dark, defined helmet
- Strong luster
- Neat scales
