Japanese Koi Fish Breeding By Simon Church

Koi are domesticated ornamental varieties of the common carp Cyprinus carpio. They are not goldfish, just very closely related to goldfish, and the style of breeding and ornamentation has become very similar, probably through the efforts of Japanese breeders to emulate goldfish.

If you travel to Japan and tell friends that you like koi, your friends might invite you to eat the dull grey fish that inhabits the waters of the islands, as in Japanese, the word koi simply means 'carp'. If you tell them you appreciate Koi, they may lead you and your camera to the pond in the garden. This article is about Nishikigoi, and uses the English word koi to refer to the colourful fish.

While a Chinese book of the Western Jin Dynasty mentions carp with various colours, Koi breeding is generally thought to have begun during the 19th century in the Niigata prefecture of Japan. Farmers working the rice fields noticed that some carp were more brightly coloured than others, they would capture them, and raise them. This would have invariably saved their lives as normally the brighter coloured fish would be more likely eaten by birds and other predators.

By the 20th century, a number of colour patterns had been established, most notably the red-and-white Kohaku. The outside world did not become aware of the degree of development until 1914, when the Niigata Koi were exhibited in Tokyo. Some of them were also presented to Crown Prince Hirohito. At that point, interest in Koi exploded throughout Japan.

Nishikigoi have been called the national fish of Japan. Today, Nishikigoi are bred not only in their place of origin, Niigata, but all over Japan, and are exported all over the world. Nishikigoi continue to gain worldwide popularity as the ultimate pond or garden fish.

As Nishikigoi were developed in Japan, the language of Nishikigoi is Japanese. Japanese is used not only to name the varieties, but also for many of the terms used to describe their colours and traits.

Koi varieties are distinguished by colouration, patterning, and scalation.

Kohaku are white koi with red markings. Probably the most common variety. The hi should be deep red with well defined edges (kiwa) where it meets the white which should be pure and bright. A tancho kohaku is a white koi with a red spot on its head. An inazuma kohaku has a continuous red marking from the head to the tail, but with variation (inazuma means 'lightning strike'). A nidan (two) kohaku has two red markings, a sandan (three) kohaku has three red markings, and a yondan (four) kohaku has four red markings.

Taisho sanke (known as sanke), hi (red) and sumi (black) on a white background. A maruten sanke has a separate red spot on the head with normal markings on the body. A tancho sanke has a red spot on the head and a white body with black markings.

Showa sanshoku (known as showa), red and white markings on a black background. A hi showa is a predominantly red showa. A kindai showa has a predominantly white pattern. A tancho showa has a red spot on the head and a black body with white markings.

Bekko are white, red or yellow koi with black (sumi) markings. Shiro bekko is a white koi with black markings. Aka bekko is a red koi with black markings (aka is another word for red). Ki bekko is a yellow koi with black markings (rare variety).

Utsurimono are often confused with bekko but are mostly black with white, red or yellow markings. Shiro utsuri is a black koi with white markings. Hi utsuri is black with red markings. Ki utsuri is black with yellow markings (rare variety).

Asagi are blue-grey koi with red along the sides and belly and in the fins.

Koromo literally means 'robed'. This describes the hi pattern, outlined in a darker colour, which varies with the variety. Ai goromo is a kohaku whose scales have blue borders. Sumi goromo have solid black on the hi markings. Budo goromo have sumi overlaying the hi giving a purple/maroon colour.

Kawarimono accomodates all non-metallic koi that do not fall into the above groups:

Karasugoi is a black koi with white or orange belly. Hajiro is a black koi with white tips to its tail and pectoral fins. Hageshiro is a black koi with white tips to its fins and white head and nose. Kumonryu is a doitsu koi which is black with white markings on its head, fins and body. Aka matsuba is a red koi with black centres to its scales, creating a pine cone effect. Goshiki are white, red, black, blue and dark blue, giving a purplish appearance. Kigoi is a yellow koi. Chagoi is a light brown/olive koi. Soragoi is a blue-grey koi. Midorigoi is a green koi. Benigoi is a deep red koi. Shiro muji is a white koi, aka muji is a red koi. Ochiba shigure is blue-grey with a brown pattern.

The Hobby of keeping Koi spread worldwide after shipping of Koi became both fast and safe for the fish. Koi are now commonly sold in most pet stores, with higher-quality fish available from specialist dealers.

This article was produced by Simon Church for Asia Dragon. Visit us at http://www.asiadragon.co.uk where you will find Oriental furniture, traditional and contemporary Indian furniture, Chinese furniture plus Oriental rugs, and soft furnishings. We also have a vast range of beautiful Chinese dresses, fashion accessories and Japanese kimonos as well as calligraphy, intricate Chinese artwork and ornaments plus much more.

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Japanese Koi Fish - A Brief History By Kenneth L. White

I know a lot of people will tell me that I have my information wrong, but yes the Japanese Koi can be traced back to China. Apparently because of their survivability, the koi were bred for food. And from China they eventually made their way to Japan.

Because of the various colors that the Japanese saw from the fish, the koi were eventually cross-breeded to increase and to take advantage of their colors. This in turn led to the first time that Japan and the world discovered the many varieties of the colored fish at a Japanese expo. That was in 1914.

After that, first Japan and then the world became hypnotized by this fish and the hobby exploded.

There are numerous varieties of koi, arguably the most beautiful, in my opinion, is the Longfin Koi. This particular koi fish is known by it's long flowing fins, long barbells and pompom nostrils. These particular fish are interbred with the wild Indonesian Longfin river carp and the traditional koi. Believe it or not, there is a increasing majority of hardcore koi owners that do not like the Butterfly Koi or Dragon Koi, as it is commonly referred.

They feel like that this particular breed is inferior to traditional Koi. When it comes time to judge them in the annual competitions, Butterfly koi are not allowed. Matter of fact, the Butterfly Koi is not a very popular fish outside of the United States. But in America, they are very popular. Hence their other nickname, the "American Koi." They even have their own club, the AKCA. The American Koi Club Association.

The Japanese Koi is an amazing and beautiful fish. But just like any other fish, they require care. Care that I cannot offer you here. But I can direct you to a website that will give you the most comprehensive information on koi fish. This website can help you with all of your koi fish needs. It can give you the answers to this hobbies most asked questions. Questions about koi fish care, filtration, quarantine, and pond maintenance. These and other questions can be answered when you visit http://koifishcare.info

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History of Koifish By Nikoletta Benko

The word 'Koi' comes from Japan, but Koi fish originated from China. The koi word means carp, the exact term is the Cyprinus carpio. You probably heard that word: Nishikigoi, this is a more specific term for colorful carp.
Koi has a lot of color varieties and they are related to goldfish. Koi caring and breeding is very simple.

Koi keeping become popular in the 19th century. Farmers working the rice fields noticed that some colored carp, captured them, and raised them. By the 20th century, a number of color patterns had been established. Niigata Koi were exhibited in an exposition in Tokyo in 1914. After that the hobby of keeping Koi spread worldwide. Koi are now commonly sold in most of the pet stores.

You can differentiate the varieties by color and pattern. Koi pond have many different colors: white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream. The variations are limitless, breeders determined different categories. The most popular category is Gosanke.

Some example from the koi varieties:

Kohaku: a white-skinned Koi, with a red pattern

Taisho Sanshoku (Sanke): a white-skinned Koi with a red and black pattern

Showa Sanshoku (Showa): a black-skinned Koi with a red and white pattern

Bekko: a white, red, or yellow-skinned Koi with a black pattern

Ghost koi: "Hybrid" of Ogon and wild carp. Not Nishikigoi.

Butterfly koi: Long-finned version of all others. Not Nishikigoi.

Kois live in the wild in every continent except Antarctica. Some places in the world Koi keeping is illegal, and some other places people tried to eradicate them. Koi increase the turbidity of the water and it can cause damage to the environment.

This beautiful fish has place in the world and a lot of people has passion for these ponds.

You can find some additional information on Koi Fish at koi fish picture site. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nikoletta_Benko

The Colorful Koi Fish By Bob Wright Platinum Quality Author

Koi fish are carp that have been bred by the Japanese for a long time, and are specially bred in Japan for their color. They are known to be a docile fish. Koi fish are a great hobby. They are pretty playful fish and like to hide in different things in your pond whether it is between plants or "hanging around" the pump.

These are considered valuable and live a long time; they are not goldfish, but are a different species of carp, and are found in virtually every Chinese and Japanese garden where there is a pond. They are considered some of the most beautiful ornamental fish in the world. They are also rather relaxing to watch and enjoy whether you realize it at the time or not, and are part of the ancient Chinese culture, and is where the concept of Yin and Yang comes from. Koi fish are grown for ornamental reasons.

Japanese and Chinese gardens are often found to be usually quite lifeless; paths, ponds, stones, stones, bridges, pavilions, stones... There are also some plants of course, but not as many as in Western gardens. Koi fish are considered some of the most beautiful ornamental fish in the world. Believed to have originated in Persia, they are more closely associated with China.

Koi fish are now grown in Candaba not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its great potential as dollar earner, and are omnivorous and are not particularly picky about what kind of koi food and sometimes they even enjoy the little bit of fresh lettuce or vegetables you might have lying around. Koi fish are omnivorous, they eat a variety of animal and plant foods. Most manufactured koi foods available in todays market are nutritionally balanced in order to keep your koi healthy and happy. They are specially bred in Japan for their color. A prize example can be valued in the $100,000 range. These fish are grown for ornamental reasons. The breeding of them first became popular among rice farmers of Japan. They are typically thought to swim up stream against the current, symbolizing strength and individualism. Koi fish are actually a variety of the common carp.

They are truly living jewels in your garden pond and really make your garden pond come alive. Koi fish are considered valuable and live a long time; they are not goldfish, There are several different varieties of koi.

Bob Wright has produced more interesting and informative articles on Water Ponds. They can easily be found here>http://waterponds.net/Koi_Ponds.html

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The Japanese Koi Carp Lived Through a Remarkable Transformation By Jessica Arons

Japanese Koi carp have a very remarkable history. People from all over the world keep Koi fish in their ponds because these fish are beautiful and bring color and excitement to it. Their history is however quite a mystery. The migration stages of the Koi are baffling to say the least, and not many facts seem to be known. How did they evolve is a question many pose today. The gaps that appear in their timeline of evolution keep the world wondering where they originally came from. What happened that made the Koi into one of the worlds most desired pond fish?

Koi is Japanese for carp. That is a fact that is readily available. The Latin Cyprinus Carpio means the same thing. The waters around china and the Caspian Sea seem to be the more likely original habitats of the Japanese Koi carp than the waters in Japan, regardless of the name. Twenty million years ago china must have had Koi because the fossils that were found testify of that. Chinese bred Koi introduced the first types of color mutations. The goldfish is a result of selective breeding of the Prussian carp. There were no goldfish in Europe until the sixteen hundredths, so Japan was ahead in time with introducing them in the fifteen hundredths.

The facts about Koi are not as clear. Some reports of the past talk about Koi fish in the possession of a Japanese emperor as early as 200 AD. Chinese invaders could have brought Koi fish to Japan very early. Even today nobody has figured out the real history of the Japanese Koi carp from the second to the seventeenth century.

The agricultural farmers of the Ojiva in the Niigata province seemed to have had Koi. According to historical records they were breeding them and selling them for food until irregularities in the colorful pigmentation made them decide to keep those that were different as pets. They started to breed them with the Koi of their neighbors and the famous Japanese hobby was born. The Tokyo Taisho expedition in the nineteen twenties was the official introduction site of this hobby in Japan. The Japanese immediately loved the vibrant patterns and colors of these Koi fish. This hobby of the farmers and of the lower working class became the pastime of the upper class and status symbol overnight. Japanese Koi carp owners were suddenly all over the country and the hobby became very widespread. The result was more and more color mutations. The mutations became more and more exciting. The Koi fish one sees today is a result of that sudden emergence. Today the Japanese Koi are magnificent and the whole world knows about it.

Many garden ponds around the entire world now have Koi fish. The grace of the Koi is remarkable. The evolution history of these pets is quite a myth, and still today nobody seems to know the truth about the origin of the Koi fish.

Jessica Arons specializes in Koi fish care and is currently working with the Koi Fish School team. For more great tips on Japanese Koi Carp visit The Koi Fish School today.

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What Are Koi Fish? By Kao Lee Platinum Quality Author

Have you ever heard of a Koi fish? A Koi is a descendant of the carp, although the Koi is more colorful than its more common ancestor is. Japanese people bred the Koi some 200 years ago and named the fish Nishikigoi. Some people who see Koi fish have the mistaken belief that a Koi is nothing more than a large goldfish. Actually, goldfish are only distantly related to the Koi.

Koi fish were bred to display and enjoy. What can be better for your personal relaxation and enjoyment than fantastically colored Koi, swimming gracefully in your personally designed water garden which is teeming with colorful and gorgeous aquatic plants.

Not only are Koi fish great for your own personal Koi pond, you can also breed and raise them to compete in Koi shows throughout the world if you wish. Another option is to breed and raise Koi to sell in a commercial enterprise. One Koi can sell for hundreds of dollars. They may very well be worth the time and expense your are willing to expend on them.

Koi are most often found in outdoor fishponds, which are designed to be as gorgeous as the Koi themselves. Many Koi fishponds sport elaborate water gardens that add greatly to the beauty of the surrounding landscape. But the plants do more than add color and variety to the pond. They actually provide protection to the fish from predators such as cats and other prowling carnivores. However, Koi water gardens are of necessity distinct from other outdoor fish water gardens because Koi eat some of the typical plants found therein.

You must know how to care for a Koi pond. Any Koi pond, whether indoor or outdoor, should be sufficiently oxygenated, pH balanced, and filtered with recirculated freshwater to keep the fish healthy. The fish should be fed more often in the summer than in the winter. Once a day is usually sufficient in the winter, but they should be fed twice per day in the summer.

An average sized Koi might grow to be 24 to 36 inches long. Most Koi live 25 or 30 years. However, on rare occasion, a well cared for Koi can live more than 200 years.

You should know many more things about raising Koi for a home fishpond or competition. There is also much to learn before creating a proper Koi pond and water garden. There is insufficient room in this small space to provide all the facts you need for such an enterprise. Check out all available literature so you can raise the healthiest, prettiest Koi fish and keep them in the most exultant pond you can imagine.

Koa Lee is a major importer of Japanese Koi Fish. You can find out for information about KOI at Koi.

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How to Choose Koi Fish By Jemma Wu Platinum Quality Author

Those two reasons alone make them enough to fall in love with Koi fish. If you are considering purchasing Koi for your garden pond then this article is for you.

The first thing that's recommended for you to do is to acquire as much information as you possibly can about Koi fish. This information could be acquired from your local pet shop owners, a reputable breeder and even online.

The staff of the breeder and pet shops should be knowledgeable about Koi fish and should be able to answer lots of questions for you. One of the questions you may need to ask is if the Koi Fish are imported or from a local source? Of those two choices the imported Japanese Koi fish is usually going to be the highest quality.

If it is at all possible for you to visit fish farms, where Koi are raised, that would be an excellent thing for you to do. While there check the conditions at the farm. See how well the fish are being taken care of, how they are maintained and the overall general cleanliness of the farm. The Koi fish farms ponds water should be clean and odorless; their supplies for sale should be of excellent quality.

As you probably already realize Koi fish come in unique stunning color patterns with no two Koi ever being exactly alike. Each Koi has all of their own unique colors and markings. Did you know however that the young Koi will change as they grow more mature? As they mature and grow their colors will usually darken so remember this when shopping for your new Koi fish.

Koi fish are generally very social creatures and will normally be seen socializing and swimming with other Koi. If by chance you see one or two swimming alone off to themselves then I would recommend avoiding these fish. Chances are they are not healthy fish.

A healthy Koi fish will swim effortlessly and glide through the water with ease. They should have no jerking type motions and no twitching when swimming. Their gills should move at an even pace and rhythmically together. If you do happen to notice that they are only breathing through one gill or if they have any redness around their gills this is also a sign that they could have an infection called gill flukes. This would be another sign that they are not healthy Koi.

When observing a healthy Koi's body it should be gently tapered, well defined and thick. There should be no visible signs of damage, any ulcers or spots of discoloration on the fish. Their scales should lay flat against the fish with no lesions of any kind.

Experts cannot agree on the amount of Koi fish that should be kept in a garden pond. The best answer really is that it would depend upon the size of your pond as well as the efficiency of the filtration system.

Your garden Koi pond should be at least 1000 gallons big with a minimum water depth of 4 foot. As excited as you are to go out and purchase your new Koi it is very important to make sure your pond has been built and has an excellent filtration system already working. After these things have been accomplished then your pond is ready for all of your new Koi fish.

Jemma Wu is a Entrepreneur, Author and Koi fish hobbyist. To learn more about Koi Fish check out the website at http://www.KoiAnswers.com/ or sign up for the free mini Koi Fish email course and learn the secrets of the Koi Fish Hobby and maintaining healthy pond life.

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Koi Fish By Don M Miller

It's easy to understand why many people mistakenly believe that the colourful Koi fish that we know today is a species of Goldfish.

However, they are not goldfish, but a different variety of carp that can be found in virtually every Chinese and Japanese garden where there is a pond.

This beautifully coloured fish originates from the common carp 'cyprinus carpio', that were originally cultivated by Chinese rice growers thousands of year ago, in small pond fisheries purely as a cheap food source.

With cross border travel with its neighbours, the cultivation of koi carp flourished under the Chinese Qing Dynasty and Japanese Edo period. It was during this period that the Japanese began to breed Koi fish, not as a food source, but specifically for both their colour and form.

In the 1800's, with the widespread popularity of owning these colourful fish, the incentive for the refinement of existing varieties of Koi grew even stronger in Japan, with the development of new colours and patterns

In Japanese mythology, koi carp are thought to swim up stream against the current, symbolizing strength and individualism. According to Japanese legend if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon.

Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.

Dragon Carp, Butterfly Koi, or Long fin Koi, are a type of ornamental koi fish notable for their elongated finnage. However, they all originate from the 'cyprinus Carp (which includes numerous wild carp species as well as the domesticated variety called 'Nishikigoi')

Nishikigoi' are most often referred to as 'koi' by those who speak English, probably due to the fact that "koi" is easier to say. Regardless of what we call them, they are still basically the same carp that have been bred for colour rather than food

Colourful Koi fish are now bred all over the world, not only for their aesthetic beauty but also for a great potential as a dollar earner. To date, Koi are considered to be the most expensive ornamental fish in existence. A prize example can be valued in the $100,000 range and live a long time.

As garden ponds become more and more popular in the west, one of the favourites is one containing koi fish. They are considered some of the most beautiful ornamental fish in the world, and are truly living jewels in your garden pond and can really make your garden pond come alive.

To get the most pleasure from your koi fish however, you will need to create the ideal environment for such wonderful tiny creatures to enjoy, with various koi pond plants and other pond animals

Creating a Koi pond is a marvellously satisfying hobby that will not only provide you with years of enjoyment, but can also have a calming affect on you after a hectic day at work.

Your efforts will be rewarded not just with magnificent Koi fish, but you'll see beauty and tranquillity within you and your home.

Koi Guide | If you found the article on' Koi Fish' of interest, you will also find further information and articles at the Koi Guide website http://www.go-to1.com/koi

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Types of Japanese Koi Fish By: Mary Murtha

Types of Japanese Koi Fish

By: Mary Murtha

Koi fish are a form of carp fish originally from Japan. They are very similar to goldfish, and some experts believe kois were an attempt by Japanese breeders to imitate goldfish. Raising koi fish was not introduced worldwide until 1914, and before that date it was solely a Japanese affair. During this time period, shipping became faster and safer and so the threat of fish death was very low. The hobby of raising koi exploded.

Different types of koi fish are classified by their patterning, scalations and coloration. Koi fish come in many different colors. A few of the main ones are blue, yellow, purple, white, and black. On the scales of a koi, it is possible to see a metallic gleam. This is what's called Gin Rin. Also, there are types of koi that have no scales. Scaleless kois are usually called Doitsu. Doitsu fish were made by crossbreeding Nishikigoi and German mirrored carp.

Although there are endless variations of koi fish, there are some varieties in specific categories. An example of a popular type of koi is the Gosanke. Fish that fall into this group are Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku and Showa Sanshoku varieties. The main groups of named koi are Kohaku, a white and red striped fish; Taisho Sanshoku, a white fish with red and black design; Showa Sanshoku, a black fish with a red and white design; Asagi, a fish with blue scales on top and red scales on the bottom; Shusui, a similar fish to Asagi with less scales; Bekko, a white, yellow and red fish with a black design; Utsurimono, a black fish with a yellow, red and white design; Goshiki, a black fish with touches of brown, blue, white and red; Ogon, a fish that's all one color ( can be red, orange, platinum and yellow); and KinGinRin, a fish with shiny scales.

Today, there are fourteen types of koi and they have been bred especially to draw attention to their visual appearance. A lot of koi are bred in the US, but some koi come from Japan, China and Israel. There is a wide range of prices for purchasing koi, starting at $3 for baby koi and skyrocketing up to $20,000 for a prize fish.

Really, to pick a good fish you want to start with a good koi dealer. They can give you advice on color and sizes that will fit how much you can spend and how much experience you already have with koi. Usually dealers will sell inexperienced owners fish that range between three and five dollars. Then they can trade in for bigger fish once they have more experience.

About the Author

For more information about Koi, Koi Pond or koi Fish, please visit Azlan and Irda website at http://www.myownkoipond.com