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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