If you’ve ever looked at your koi and thought, “Wow, you’re so stunning you should win awards,” then welcome to the wonderful world of koi shows. These events are part art exhibition, part beauty pageant, part Olympic judging — except the athletes swim in circles and don’t complain about the scorecards.
Koi shows celebrate the finest Nishikigoi on the planet, and preparing your fish for their debut is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Let’s dive into how competitions work, what judges look for, and how to get your koi ready for the spotlight.
1. What Exactly Is a Koi Show?
Think of a koi show as a glamorous red-carpet event… for fish. Breeders, hobbyists, judges, and koi enthusiasts gather to display koi in temporary show vats where they are evaluated on beauty, balance, color, and overall quality.
Shows range from:
- Local club shows — friendly, educational, great for beginners
- Regional shows — more competitive, more varieties represented
- Major national shows — where legends are made
- The All Japan Koi Show — the Super Bowl of koi competition
These events are serious business… but still a ton of fun.
2. How Judging Works: Beauty by the Rulebook
Koi are judged by certified experts who have trained for years — sometimes decades — to evaluate fish across dozens of varieties.
Koi are judged on four major elements:
1. Body Conformation
The shape, size, and proportions of the koi. Think “fish elegance.” Strong bodies are essential.
2. Skin Quality
Shine, clarity, and depth of color. The fish should look like polished gemstones.
3. Color & Pattern
The crispness of edges, balance of markings, saturation of pigments, and harmony of the pattern.
4. Overall Impression
The “wow factor” — the presence and grace the koi has in the water.
Judges don’t just look at a koi; they experience it.
3. Size Classes and Varieties
Koi compete against similar fish in categories that keep things fair.
Koi shows usually include:
- Size classes (based on length)
- Variety categories (Kohaku, Showa, Sanke, Ogon, Doitsu, etc.)
- Special awards like Best in Variety, Baby Champion, Jumbo Champion
Then there’s the holy grail: Grand Champion — the best koi in the entire show.
4. Preparing Your Koi: The Pre-Show Glow-Up
Your koi needs to look—and feel—its absolute best. Think of it as prepping for a magazine photoshoot.
A. Health First
- Ensure strong immunity and zero signs of disease
- Check for parasites and treat if needed
- Observe swimming behavior and appetite
A stressed or weak koi should not compete.
B. Diet: Feed for Color and Strength
In the weeks leading up to a show, many keepers add:
- High-quality color food (spirulina, carotenoids)
- Premium growth food
- Occasional treats for conditioning (shrimp, worms)
But don’t overfeed! You want glowing skin, not a bloated champion.
C. Clean Water = Happy Koi
Water quality is where champions are made.
- Keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate near zero
- Ensure strong filtration and aeration
- Perform regular water changes
- Avoid sudden temperature swings
The cleaner the water, the brighter the fish.
5. Transporting Your Koi Safely
Transportation is one of the most stressful parts of a show — for both you and your koi.
Transport basics:
- Use heavy-duty koi bags double-bagged
- Fill 1/3 water, 2/3 pure oxygen
- Keep the bags cool and dark
- Use insulated containers to prevent temperature swings
A calm ride means a calm koi when showtime arrives.
6. At the Show: What to Expect
Once you arrive, your koi is carefully placed into a blue show vat. Each vat contains only your fish to avoid cross-contamination.
During the show:
- Judges observe each Koi entry
- Visitors admire the fish (and take photos!)
- You get to chat with other koi lovers about ponds, genetics, and whose fish splashes the most
Shows are social, educational, and full of stunning koi to admire.
7. After the Show: Acclimation and Recovery
When the competition is over, it’s not time to relax just yet — your koi needs careful re-acclimation.
Post-show steps:
- Float the bag to match temperatures
- Avoid dumping show vat water into your pond
- Quarantine for 2–4 weeks if possible
- Watch closely for stress signs
A show is exciting, but it’s also tiring for your koi. They deserve a spa weekend afterward.
8. Why Show Koi? The Joy Behind the Competition
Koi shows aren’t just about trophies. They’re about:
- Celebrating the art of koi keeping
- Meeting other hobbyists and learning from experts
- Improving your knowledge of koi quality
- Seeing rare and breathtaking varieties
- Sharing your pride in your fish (yes, they’re basically your kids)
Winning is great — but the true reward is the community, the education, and the joy of appreciating koi beauty at its highest level.
Showing koi is a thrilling adventure that blends preparation, passion, and a touch of glamour. With healthy fish, good conditioning, careful transport, and a bit of show-day magic, your koi could walk (swim?) away with ribbons, trophies, or at least a lot of admiration.
Koi shows are where your fish get to shine, where you get to connect with fellow koi lovers, and where the beauty of Nishikigoi is celebrated like fine art.