By Koi fish are a popular and colorful type of Amur carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus). These fish are often kept in outdoor ponds or garden water features. People often buy live koi fish online as they have a long history in Asian culture, going back thousands of years. Their bright colors and active swimming patterns bring life and beauty to any pond.
1. The Name Koi Fish Means ‘Brocaded Carp’ in Japanese
The word “koi” is a casual name for this type of carp. In Japan, they are often called Japanese koi or by their Japanese name, nishikigoi, which means “brocaded carp.” In Japanese culture, koi fish are known to represent good luck, success, and prosperity.
The first public display of koi fish took place in Tokyo in 1914, which helped make them more popular throughout Japan. Around that time, people in Niigata, Japan began carefully breeding koi, and these fish soon spread to other parts of the world.
2. Koi Fish Are Commonly Kept in Outdoor Ponds
You might wonder where koi fish live. While wild koi live in seas like the Aral, Black, and Caspian Seas, pet koi are usually kept in outdoor ponds. These ponds often have decorative features like rocks and waterfalls, making them enjoyable to look at and pleasant for the fish.
Koi are freshwater fish that do well in temperatures between 64°F and 75°F. They can survive in cold water as low as 33°F. A pond that is at least 8 feet deep allows for different water temperatures in layers, which helps the koi stay comfortable.
In winter, koi can stay in the pond if it is deep enough. Ice can form 18 to 24 inches deep, so a deep pond keeps the fish from freezing. When the water gets below 40°F, koi become inactive and settle at the bottom of the pond. Their movement slows down, and they barely swim.
A pond heater can be used to warm the water and help the koi make it through winter. If your pond freezes over, you can cut a hole in the ice and add an air pump to help them survive. Another option is to move the fish indoors to a pond in a garage or basement.
When choosing fish for your pond, keep in mind that small koi will grow. It is important to know how large they will get so you can plan your pond size. Most koi grow to be 14–18 inches long and need about 250 gallons of water each, no matter their size when you first get them.
3. Koi Fish Can Live a Very Long Time
Because koi require care and attention, many people wonder how long they live. With proper care, koi fish can live between 25 and 50 years. Some have even lived much longer. The oldest known koi lived to be 226 years old.
The health and life of your koi can be improved with clean water, a healthy diet, and proper care. There are many kinds of commercial koi food that provide all the nutrition koi need. It’s also helpful to take your koi to a vet when needed.
Not every vet treats fish, so it is important to find one who does. The American Association of Fish Veterinarians (AAFV) is a good resource for finding a vet who is trained to care for koi.
4. Koi Fish Prices Can Vary Widely
Koi fish prices depend on many things. Small koi usually cost between $8 and $50. Some koi can cost more than $100. The most expensive koi ever sold was auctioned in Japan for $1.8 million at the 2017 All Japan Koi Show.
Several factors affect the price of a koi fish:
- Genetics: Koi with prized family lines cost more.
- Type: Popular types include Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa.
- Pattern: Fish with clear, even patterns or bands along their backs are usually worth more.
- Size: Bigger fish are more expensive.
- Where They Come From: Koi from overseas often cost more than those bred locally.
- Number Bought: Buying in large numbers can lower the price per fish. However, be sure your pond can support all the fish once they are fully grown.
5. There Are Many Types of Koi Fish
There are more than 100 types of koi fish, which are grouped into 16 categories by the Zen Nippon Airinkai, a group that manages koi breeding and judging.
Koi are sorted by their colors, patterns, and scale types. Breeders are always working to create new types by selective breeding.
The three main colors used in many koi are:
- Red (Hi)
- White (Shiro)
- Black (Sumi)
Other common colors include yellow, orange, blue, and cream. Some koi even have a shiny silver or gold look, known as gin rin. Koi can be one color, two colors, or a mix of several colors. Many koi are tri-colored.
6. Koi Fish Can Grow Quite Large
So, how big can koi fish get? Some koi can grow up to 3 feet long, depending on their type and environment.
In general, each koi fish needs about 250 gallons of pond water. For larger koi, such as show-quality fish or adult females ready to breed, 500 gallons per fish is a better amount.
Koi fish are more than just colorful pets. They have a deep history, come in many varieties, and can live long lives with the right care. Their beauty, behavior, and presence in a garden pond can bring joy and peace for many years.
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