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Language of Koi – Kumonryu Change is Good!

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July / August, 2010

Joe Pawlak

Kumonryu variety changes its pattern over time.

Seeing is believing as they say and the Kumonryu (koo – mon –roo) variety of koi is probably the most fascinating of them all. If there was ever a fun koi this is it, a magician of sorts in your own backyard.

The most exciting part of the changing pattern of a Kumonryu is that you just never know what you’re going to see the next time you look in your pond.

This doitsu (scaleless) or German type koi exhibits an ever-changing color combination of white and black. Patterns and shades of color vary from solid white or solid black to interesting almost Orca whale type markings.

Legend has it that the Kumonryu name was derived from a dragon transforming into a cloud racing through the sky. Kumonryu means “Nine Crested Dragon.”

Variations of Kumonryu are the Beni Kumonryu (red and black) and the Kikokuryu (metallic Kumonryu). The Beni Kumonryu is a cross of Kumonryu and Kohaku. One train of thought is that breeding a Shusui and Matsukawa Bakke will give you a beautiful Kumonryu.

What you see is not what you get. The unstable sumi (black) provides the basis for the pattern changes. If you like change and surprise this is the koi for you. I like to have a few in my pond to see how each of them progress over the same period of time.

This ever-changing beauty is a unique addition to your pond and will have your friends asking where they can get one. There is nothing typical about this koi. Just when you thought last month’s pattern was fantastic it changes to something even greater.

Snow white and midnight black combinations with unique patterns make this a spectacular koi. The snow white and blue-like colors will astound you (the blue being the up and coming sumi). You end up having a magical surprise each time it changes.

Adding this koi variety to your pond will give you years of fun and pleasure.

Co-Author Cindi Streb is the Executive Administrator, Blackwater Creek Koi Farm

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