About Koi
- Category: Koi Knowledge
- Published: Saturday, 08 February 2014 13:44
- Written by Caribmain
- Hits: 5475
Nishikigoi or "Koi" as they are more commonly known are a popular ornamental variety of the
Common Carp(Cyprinus carpic) that are bred and kept for decorative purposes in ponds and aquariums all over the world. When one considers the fact that Koi has developed into one of the most beautiful and expensive ornamental fishes in the world, with the color possibilities virtually endless, it is remarkable to think that the elaborate specimens we see today developed from the lowly Common Carp, which was originally kept as a food fish.
To find out about leading Nishikigoi Breeders Click here
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Showa
Koi with red and black markings on the white ground -
Kohaku
Koi keeping begins and ends with the Kohaku -
Sanke
Created during the era of Taisho in Japan -
Shiro Utsuri
This beautiful Koi's variety comprises of Red, Yellow and Black -
Sanke Tancho
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Tancho Kohakus
Koi with only red pattern appears as a single red dot on the head -
Asagi
The Asagi is one of the oldest breeds of Koi
The origin of Koi dates back to about 200 years ago in Japan, where the Japanese rice farmers practiced keeping common carp was quite drab colored, the farmers began to discover that they could selectively breed the fishes with naturally occurring color variations to produce a variety of unique colors and patterns. By the 20th century a number of color patterns had been established, and when the Koi were exhibited at an annual exposition in Tokyo, national interest in Koi keeping exploded throughout Japan. When Emperor Hirohito was presented with Koi fishes for his Imperial Palace moat in 1914, Interest in these remarkable creatures grew even further, and owning Koi fishes became something of a status symbol in Japan.
Today, Koi keeping has become a world-wide hobby, popular with both pet owners and breeders alike. With over 80 stunning color patterns and new varieties still being developed, it is no wonder that these magnificent and impressive creatures are referred to as the "Living Jewels" and the "Kings of Ornamental Fish".