Aka Matsuba Koi 67cm Sansai – Maruhiro (EK7059) | Japanese Koi UK

Aka Matsuba Koi 67cm Sansai – Maruhiro (EK7059) 

A truly imposing 67cm Sansai Aka Matsuba hand-selected alongside Maruhiro-san during our February 2026 visit to Maruhiro Koi Farm in Niigata, Japan. Following selection, this exceptional koi completed quarantine and development at Elite Koi and now forms part of our exclusive Elite Collection.

This impressive Aka Matsuba immediately commands attention through its powerful body frame, deep lacquered pinecone reticulation and rich, glowing beni. The beautifully even matsuba scaling creates remarkable depth across the body, while the intense orange-red skin radiates throughout the fish from head to tail. The combination of size, skin quality and uniform reticulation creates a koi with undeniable authority in the pond.

Variety Insight

The name Matsuba translates to "pine needle" in Japanese, referring to the distinctive dark centre within each scale that resembles the needles of a pine tree. Aka Matsuba combines this traditional matsuba reticulation with deep red colouration, creating a variety admired for its bold appearance and striking scale definition.

Collectors seek Aka Matsuba for their ability to create impact from a distance, with the reticulated pattern becoming increasingly impressive as the koi matures and gains size.

Breeder Insight

Maruhiro Koi Farm has earned a reputation for producing koi with exceptional skin quality, powerful body structure and excellent growth potential. Their larger koi often display remarkable consistency in scale definition and body conformation, making them highly desirable among enthusiasts seeking koi capable of becoming true centrepieces.

Having been personally selected with Maruhiro-san during our February 2026 buying trip, this koi represents a direct example of the quality and standards we look for when sourcing premium Japanese koi for the Elite Collection.

Future Potential & Pond Presence

At 67cm and Sansai age, this koi already possesses substantial pond presence. The powerful frame, broad shoulders and excellent body balance suggest further development may still be achievable under the right conditions.

The quality of the matsuba reticulation is particularly noteworthy, displaying exceptional consistency from shoulder to tail. As this koi continues to mature, the contrast between the scale centres and surrounding skin should remain a defining feature.

This is a koi that naturally becomes a focal point within any collection.

Collector Assessment

Pond Presence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Future Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Collector Appeal: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✨ Comes with an Elite Koi Identification Certificate verifying breeder, variety, size and reference number.

Koi Details

Variety: Aka Matsuba
Breeder: Maruhiro
Size: 67cm
Age: Sansai
Reference: EK7059

🏆 Part of the Exclusive Elite Collection

🇯🇵 Hand Selected with Maruhiro-san in Niigata, Japan – February 2026

🚚 UK Nationwide Delivery Available

📦 Professionally packed in specialist koi transport boxes

💧 Fully quarantined and health checked in our biosecure facility

Elite Collection