About Aka Matsuba Koi
Aka Matsuba is a single-colour variety within the Kawarimono classification, defined by its rich red-orange base and the distinctive “pine cone” scale reticulation that gives the variety its name. The word matsuba literally translates to “pine needle” — a reference to the dark scale edging that overlays the Hi (red) base in a controlled, geometric pattern.
A good Aka Matsuba is a deceptively difficult fish to produce. The reticulation needs to be sharp and evenly distributed across the back and flanks, without breaking up toward the tail or fading on the shoulders. The base Hi must be deep and saturated, not patchy or diluted. The head should be clean of pattern, the body straight and well-proportioned. When all of these align, the result is one of the most striking single-colour koi in the hobby.
Aka Matsuba
