When pond owners ask for the “friendly koi,” you can be relatively certain that they are requesting a Chagoi. The Chagoi, (chah-goy), is a non-metallic, brown-colored, scaled koi. It is known for several unique qualities, with friendliness and social behavior being most notable. It is a fast-growing variety that can reach enormous length and girth.
Earthy Appearance of Chagoi
all variations of Chagoi, including gin rin.
Another appealing characteristic is its docile and calming nature. The gentle demeanor encourages skittish or shy koi to come out from the depths and surface feed to become social and more interactive. This positive influence on existing fish helps create a relaxed and serene atmosphere. Chagoi are beloved in the koi-keeping community for these endearing qualities, which make them stand out despite their relatively simple appearance.
While Chagoi do not exhibit the vibrant colors and patterns of other koi varieties, their multitude of earthy tones is admired for an understated elegance and natural beauty. Modest earth tones represent stability, wealth and reliability.
Chagoi range in color from the basic solid brown-tea color to tan, olive or a reddish-brown color, sometimes called ‘root beer.’ Some have also been seen with a very deep color close to black. The array of hues can vary in intensity, and each one is admired for the simplicity and powerful ambiance it brings to a koi pond.
The variety generally has reticulation, or a net-like appearance on the rim of its scales, giving the impression that each one has been outlined with a lead pencil.
This feature is often very faint on young fish, if present at all. In fact, young Chagoi can be unimpressive and easily overlooked.
A significant netting effect, as well as fukurin, becomes quite impressive on large high-grade Chagoi. Fukurin is the presence of skin seen between the scales, creating a lace-like effect.
A New Dimension
Dazzling gin rin scales add a splash of pizzazz to Chagoi. Gin rin adds an opulent dimension to a rather ordinary looking koi, as the scales give off fabulous gold, copper or bronze sparkle.
If your Chagoi is lacking scales altogether, or if scales are present only along the spine, you have a Doitsu Chagoi. A Doitsu type can also have scales along the lateral lines on the koi’s sides. Doitsu Chagoi are extremely rare and so very impressive.
Chagoi with all scale variations are produced at Kloubec Koi Farm located in Amana, Iowa. In addition, each is available in long-fin style, commonly called Butterfly Koi.
What to Look For in a Chagoi
When viewing a Chagoi for purchase, first evaluate the body conformation.
A broad head and wide shoulders are good indicators of growth potential.
Next, consider the color. Look for even coloration from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. However, pectoral fins with light tips are becoming very popular.
Consistent and blemish-free coloration is the key.
Review the scales and look for neatly aligned scales without deviation. Scale alignment is essential in evaluating quality, with straight rows and uniformity being ideal.
Chagoi scales can present with two different features, reticulation and fukurin. Scale reticulation is a dark edge on the scale rim producing a net-like appearance. Reticulation is usually faint on young koi, and fukurin develops on very large, older specimens.
Both qualities can greatly impact the visual interest and value of Chagoi.
Ideal Personality
Being a non-metallic, scaled koi of single brown color with no pattern sounds pretty boring —that is, until you get up close and personal with a voluptuous and glorious Chagoi. What the Chagoi lack in typical koi beauty they more than makes up for with personality. Some koi-keepers form an emotional attachment to their Chagoi and feel that its presence brings balance and good luck to their backyard oasis.
The addition of a Chagoi can help to calm a pond full of scared or nervous koi. Chagoi have a relaxed, easy-go-lucky personality and are usually the first fish in the pond to approach humans, especially at feeding time. The openness and lack of fear around people make Chagoi quickly tamed and easy to hand feed. In fact, most Chagoi haven’t met a human they don’t like. With a big appetite and eagerness to feed frequently, Chagoi tend to grow to a massive size.
The Show Champion
Koi shows are a great opportunity for Chagoi owners to display their prized pet fish. Many earn champion placement as well as other major awards at American koi shows each year.
Chagoi is placed in the Kawarigoi class. It competes against other non-metallic koi such as Kigoi, Benigoi, Soragoi, Midorgoi, Kumonryu and Ochiba Shigure. A butterfly Chagoi will be placed into the butterfly group and will compete against other long-fin varieties. Fin structure, condition and proportion relative to body size are critical for judging long-fin koi.
With body confirmation an important aspect of the koi-judging process, the Chagoi earn high marks with their immense size and mass. They compete for much more than a mere “Miss Congeniality” honor, as each show participant is evaluated on deportment (movement in the water) as well as color, pattern and overall quality.
The Friendliest Koi
Chagoi are known for their big body shape as well as a big personality. They add a dimension of simple elegance to the koi pond with their subtle coloration and beautiful body shape. A Chagoi added to your koi collection may soon become your favorite fish.
Many koi varieties including Chagoi, traditional fin and butterfly fin are raised at Kloubec Koi Farm. All stock is hand fed daily, so every koi is healthy, vigorous and on the fast track to hand-feeding and interacting with humans. These koi are ready to settle into their new home and delight your customer!
Read more Language of Koi articles.
