The Doitsu Hariwake is a scale-less metallic koi with a smooth, mirror-like finish and vibrant two-tone patterns. Learn about this unique variety.
The Doitsu Hariwake is a captivating variety that combines the two-tone metallic beauty of the Hariwake with the unique skin texture of the Doitsu lineage. A Doitsu Hariwake with an orange or red pattern is almost always sold as a Kikusui. 'Doitsu' refers to koi that are either scale-less or have only a few large scales along the dorsal and lateral lines, a trait inherited from German mirror carp. In a Doitsu Hariwake, the absence of regular scales allows the metallic luster to appear even more smooth and intense, often resembling polished metal or porcelain. This variety is highly sought after for its clean, 'painted' look and its striking visual impact.
In a high-quality Doitsu Hariwake, the skin should be exceptionally smooth and free of any small, stray scales (which are considered a flaw). The platinum white base and the orange or yellow markings are displayed with incredible clarity because there are no scale edges to break up the pattern. This creates a very sharp 'Kiwa' or edge between the colors. The metallic sheen on a Doitsu fish often has a different quality than on a scaled fish; it tends to be more mirror-like and glossy. The large scales along the back, if present, should be neatly aligned and also possess a high metallic luster. The head and fins must be clear and metallic, matching the brilliance of the body.
Doitsu Hariwake are popular because their patterns are often more distinct and bold than their scaled counterparts. They offer a modern, sleek aesthetic that appeals to collectors who enjoy the 'mirror' effect of metallic skin. While they require the same care as other koi, their scale-less skin can be more sensitive to handling and environmental stressors, so they are best suited for well-maintained ponds. As they swim, the Doitsu Hariwake reflects light in broad, sweeping flashes, making them incredibly dynamic to watch. Whether featuring lemon yellow or vibrant orange, the Doitsu Hariwake stands out as a masterpiece of breeding, offering a level of clarity and shine that is unique in the world of Nishikigoi.
Keeping Doitsu Hariwake koi in Southern California
In one breeder's documented sunburn case, only non-metallic white fish developed sun rash. That suggests metallic skin is less prone to it, though there is no controlled study.
Summer care for every koi in SoCal
- Warm water holds less oxygen, yet koi need more oxygen as the water warms. That makes summer the season when oxygen runs shortest.
- Oxygen is usually lowest around dawn, because plants and algae use it up overnight. In summer, keep air stones, waterfalls or fountains running day and night.
- When oxygen runs short, large fish are often the first affected. The bigger and faster-growing your koi, the more aeration matters.
- Published "ideal" ranges vary between sources, from about 59–77°F to 68–78°F. Most sources treat the low-to-mid 80s °F as the point where you should cut feeding, add shade and add aeration.
- At about 82°F and above, feed less than usual. Koi can lose their appetite at 86°F and above, so offer small amounts of an easily digested food and remove anything left uneaten.
- Shade part of the pond, but not all of it, from the afternoon sun. A shade sail, pergola or floating plants will do. Don't enclose the surface so tightly that air can't move over it.
- Inland SoCal is much hotter than the coast. NOAA's 1991–2020 normals give an average July–August afternoon high of about 95–97°F in Riverside, 83–85°F in Santa Ana and 75–77°F at LAX (air temperature). Inland ponds therefore need the heat measures above sooner and for longer.
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