Koi Food For The Different Seasons By RC Moore

There has been a lot of discussion about koi food - how much to feed, how often to feed and what type to feed. A lot of time and energy is spent creating an artificial environment for Japanese koi. Some may try to create a natural environment in a koi watergarden with plants and even a gravel bottom. The koi watergarden uses both mechanical and biological filtration as well as plants to keep the water quality high. A koi only pond relies totally on mechanical and biological filtration to keep the water quality high. So what does koi food have to do with water quality? Why feed an easy to digest food in cooler water temperatures and high protein in the summer months? Why is it best not to feed koi when the water temperature is below 50°F? To answer these questions we have to consider the natural environment of koi and where they originated.

Japanese Koi Natural Environment
Koi are basically colored carp that originated from mutated carp in the Niigata prefecture in Japan. This is a mountainous region that receives substantial snow fall in the winter months. In Niigata the carp were originally raised in earthen ponds as a food source until mutated colors were discovered in the early 1800s. Selective breeding has given way to the colorful varieties we have today. Koi are omnivorous, meaning that they eat vegetable and meat matter in the form of aquatic plants, algae, crustaceans, worms, larvae and silt. The protein content in their natural environment is much higher than the koi foods that we provide today. The whiskers on koi, like catfish, are like taste buds that help them forage for foods on the bottom. Since koi do not have stomachs, whatever they eat is not stored but instead digested for the purpose of growth, color and energy. Whatever is not utilized is excreted as waste. Japanese koi are cold blooded and their metabolism is dependant on the water temperature. This metabolism peaks at just over 70°F when most of their growth takes place. At this time most of the proteins are utilized for growth and there is little waste excreted. When the water temperature falls below 70°F they are not using the proteins for growth and there is more waste excreted in the form of ammonia. This matters little in their natural environment where population densities are much less than in a modern koi pond or koi watergarden.

The Metabolism of a Koi Pond or Koi Watergarden

Just as the metabolism of koi is dependant on water temperature, so is the metabolism of the koi pond or koi watergarden. They both tend to peak and go into a dormant state at the same time. In the winter months every thing seems to come to a stand still including biological activity. It is the biological activity of denitrifying bacteria that keeps the water quality high. Plants that would utilize and remove waste are also at a dormant state. Even though the mechanical filtration is doing its job of removing debris before it has a chance to break down, there is little if anything to deal with ammonia or nitrates that can build up. This is especially true in the transition months in the spring and fall. In the fall season plants are dying back and leaves are blowing into the pond as mechanical filters struggle to keep up. Feeding a high protein food at this time could very easily cause water quality that was in balance to degrade to an ammonia soup in a very short time. Likewise in the spring when the water temperature is below 70°F feeding a high protein diet would wreak havoc on water quality. Leaves and other debris that were not caught by mechanical filtration are starting to break down as the water temperature warms. Denitrifying bacteria lags behind in the metabolism peak which is why there is often an algae outbreak in the spring that tends to go away when water temperatures go up to over 70°F.

Different Koi Food For Different Seasons

High quality koi foods that are available today are formulated to the needs of koi in an artificial environment. In a totally natural koi pond we would not have to feed our koi at all. However, in this environment the waters would be turbid and enjoying the beauty of the koi greatly diminished. Having crystal clear water allows us to enjoy and interact with the beauty of these fish. It is imperative to feed a high quality koi food that is correct for the season and water temperature. A high quality all season koi food should be high in vegetable matter, lower in protein and easy to digest. It should also include vital nutrients and minerals that koi need for color and health. This will create less waste to foul the water in the cooler months. The best koi foods meeting this criteria are Dainichi All-Season and Saki-Hikari Multiseason. A high quality summer food should contain at least 40% protein to provide for high growth. It should also have nutrients and minerals for good color and health. The best koi foods in this category are Dainichi Growth and Saki-Hikari Growth. The recommendations are as follows. Never feed koi when the water temperature is below 50°F. From 50°F - 60°F feed an all season koi food 2-3 times a week. From 60°F - 70°F feed an all season food 1 - 2 times a day. From 70°F - 85°F feed a summer koi food 3 - 5 times a day. Slow the feeding when water temperature rises above 85°F to 1 - 2 times per day. Koi tend to lose their appetite when the water gets this warm. During the fall, when the water temperature starts to fall and the daylight hours are less, koi stop growing. This is also the time when their colors become richer. Many koi keepers at this time supplement the koi diet with a color intensifier. Koi naturally put on color at this time and it is important to provide a koi food with sufficient nutrients to help this process. The main ingredients in koi food for color enhancement is spirulina algae and krill. Dainichi Premium has color enhancers along with proteins for high growth. The Dainichi color Intensifier is loaded with krill and spirulina. Saki-Hikari Color Enhancer is loaded with Spirulina. Both Dainichi and Hikari koi foods have many years of research and development built into their koi food formulas. They also have a proven track record of creating champion koi. Feeding a high quality koi food may seem a little pricey, but the benefits far out weigh the cost, resulting in better growth and color with fewer outbreaks of disease and mortalities.

For more information visit KoiPondFever.com. RC Moore Owner of KoiPondFever.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RC_Moore

Tips About White Koi By Max Lara Platinum Quality Author

The koi is a carp that has been bred for many years for color. Its breeding can be traced to Japan during the 1800s. Only two colors were bred. During the early 1900s, koi was bred with more color varieties which have increased up to today. This makes it one of the most beautiful fish on earth. There are many color variations in koi. These include, white, black, red, yellow, blue, gray and green. The most popular among the koi varieties is the white koi.

The popularity of the white koi can be attributed to its easy visibility even in murky water. Also, the fish is quite attractive due to its reflective body. Types of white koi include the kohaku, sanke, ogon and bekko.

The kohaku and sanke can perhaps be termed as the only white koi. This is because they have color markings on a white background. The ogon and bekko are not totally white koi as there are members of these varieties which have other colors.

The kohaku has red markings on a white background. These red markings cover between 50% and 70% of the body. Sanke on the other hand has red and black markings on a white background.

The ogon koi has only one color. The colors range from metallic silver to yellow. Bekko koi can be white, red or yellow with ebony black spots scattered all over its body. Therefore only those members of these types of koi with white coloration can be called white koi.

This koi fish has standards set to determine if it is a kohaku or sanke. Some of the things that these standards outline are as follows:

• The markings on the body of the fish have to be a particular color. For the kohaku it has to be red and for the sanke, the color has to be red and black.
• The red color markings for the kohaku have to cover between 50% and 70% of the body. The remainder should be white only.
• The color markings should be symmetrical. That is, when observed, the amount of color on one side of the dorsal line should be equal to the amount of color on the other side. This applies for the colors when viewed individually or together.
• The colors should be deep in hue. Light colors indicate defects and poor health.
• The edges where the colors meet the white should be clear. This is for attractiveness as well as purity of the breed.
• The body should be covered in scales.

Any koi that is bred and found to be lacking in these standards is considered defective and not a pure white koi. However, very few koi breeders know about distinguishing pure white koi and defective white koi. This has resulted in the breeding of many defective light koi.

Because of their popularity, this kind of koi can be quite expensive to purchase. They make excellent pets and a good earner for fish farmers.

Want to discover more about white koi?

Go here to download your FREE course that reveals how you can take care of your koi fish at www.kiofish.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Lara

Koi Types and Varieties By Kate Nakamura

Is it any wonder that more and more people world wide are finding themselves drawn into the aquatic realm of the Koi?

Following the historical growth in popularity in the early 20th century, from its humble origins as a humble food source in China to a captivating object of beauty in Japan, the Koi has established a special place in the hearts of many due to its ever-increasing range of color, pattern and scalation.

These days, what was once a fish with limited variety, has become a prized possession, due to an explosion in the flourishing breeding and cross-breeding programs world wide. These breeding programs have produced some of the most stunning and spectacular Koi specimens ever seen.

When the magical Koi first grabs your interest, you ought to gain a basic understanding of the Japanese Koi Jargon to appreciate the 13 classes of Koi that have been established over the years. Each of these classes (and their sub-classes) use Japanese nomenclature to define the traits of Koi.

In the simplest of terms, there are three main traits, primarily color & color pattern, brilliance and scale type. The long-term appeal of koi is that each one is unique - no two are the same. There can be brightly colored koi and koi with subtle, soft tones. You'll find koi covered from top to bottom with scales and others that are scale-less. There are koi that are metallic, or sparkling, or matte, and Koi that are mono-colored or multi-coloured.

For the amateur, the most important points to understand are:
Color and Color Pattern - in the early days there were just one or two colors available. With the passing of time and extensive breeding, there are now a myriad of colors to select from, and whilst the colors available generally include shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, white, cream, black and grey, there are the added choices of color patterning and combination. For instance, the solid foundation color might have one or more different colored markings. These markings may be spread over most of the body or develop on one part of the body only. On the other hand, the fish might be one solid color with no markings at all. The choices are astounding!

Brilliance
Non-Metallic Koi - are grouped based on their foundation color. These groups are then further broken down based on their accent colors and special features. Each color, marking type and feature has a Japanese name. Thus each koi variety name can be composed of multiple parts to specify each of these characteristics.

Metallic Koi - are grouped depending on the reflective nature of their scales. Metallic Koi are also identified as Hikari Koi from the Japanese word "Hikari" indicating "Shiny". These Koi are further divided into three groups being the Hikari Muji (mono-colored and shiny), the Hikari Utsuri (tri-colored and shiny) and the Hikari Moyo (shiny with platinum and either red or yellow).

Scale Types
Doitsu refers to either the leather-skinned or scaleless Koi, or to the mirror-scaled Koi which has noticeably large scales down each side. Doitsu can appear on both Metallic and Non-Metallic Koi but are quite rare. "Doitsu" comes from the Japanese word for "German" after the German Carp.

KinGinRin refers to those koi with extremely reflective scales. These reflective scales are very popular and have been bred into many of the varieties of Koi. Position of these scales can further divide the Koi into the KinRin (Gold) where the scales are over a red base color, or the GinRin (Silver) where the scales are on top of a black or white foundation color.

Koi Classes
Within the Metallic Koi Category there are 9 main classes and within the Non-Metallic, there are only 3. However, within each class there are frequently numerous sub-classes.

Non-Metallic Koi Classes include:

Asagi - blue back with a red belly / the blue scales of the back have white edges that produce a net appearance / the cheeks and pectoral fins are red and the head is light blue to white

Bekko - opposite to the Utsuri, the Bekko has a solid foundation color of red, white or yellow with black markings (sumi). The head of a Bekko should always be clean with no sumi markings.

Kawarimono - this class consists of all the varieties that are not able to be categorised into any of the standard koi types

Kohaku - the most popular of the koi varieties, is a two color, non-metallic koi with a white base color topped by red (hi) markings spaced uniformly over the body but not beyond the lateral line and not on the fin or tail

Koromo - literally means "robed" or "clothed". The Koromo is a cross-bred koi from Asagi and the Kohaku. It has a pure white foundation with the scale reticulation of the Asagi only noticeable in the red patterned areas

Sanke - a white base skin color with red (hi) and black (sumi) patterns scattered evenly over the body.

Showa - black base skin color with red and white markings. The earliest Showa had more black and red than white, however, more recently, the amounts of white have increased, making them more tricky to differentiate from Sanke's. Unlike the Sanke, the Showa must always have a black pattern on its head.

Tancho - named after the Tancho crane bearing a single red spot atop its head, the Tancho class of koi is made up of the Kohaku, Sanke and Showa varieties, which likewise sport a well-placed red spot (hi) on the head.

Metallic Koi Classes include:

Hikari Muji - these are Koi of one solid, metallic color. There are two sub-groups being the Matsuba, in the color of gold, silver, grey or orange and with a pine cone pattern. The other sub-group is the Ogon, yet again a solid, metallic color in either gold, silver (platinum), orange, or red and white, but without the pine cone pattern. The red and white Ogon is basically a Metallic form of the Kohaku.

Hikari Utsuri - metallic version of the Utsuri or Showa - that is, metallic red, black and white.

Hikari Moyo - multi-colored, platinum Koi with either red or yellow.

Are you looking for a realistic, user-friendly way to Create & Maintain a Stunning Koi Pond for Koi Fish Varieties to Suit your Budget, Time and Spaces? Get more tips and advice here today. While you are there, you can sign up for the Free Email Course on Complete Koi Fish Pond Construction Tips and Koi Maintenance.

This free step-by-step mini-course is designed to teach you all of the essentials on purchasing, identifying, keeping and breeding Koi fish, as well as planning, building and maintaining your Koi pond.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Nakamura

Koi Fish Data By Robert Cartledge Platinum Quality Author

Koi are the domestic variety of the frequent carp. The word "Koi" comes from the Japanese phrase meaning "carp". The Japanese began breeding Koi for the primary time from the 1820's. Right this moment, because of their popularity, Koi are available in a big number of patterns and colors like black, orange, yellow, silver, green and blue.

Outdoor Koi ponds can be relaxing because the sound of the rippling water flows through the yard. They're even more entrancing and interesting to take a look at when Koi pond house owners are in a position to efficiently mix residing plants inside their Koi ponds to be able to replicate a natural pond environment. Sadly, typically Koi and crops do not co-exist properly together. Koi can generally give their homeowners a hard time in terms of potted plants inside the pond. Some homeowners try to place potted crops throughout the pond that are supposed to sit on the pond floor. Bigger Koi might be able to knock the plant over which is able to lead to a messy pond and might create real problems for the owner. Koi may also have the tendency of "digging" up the soil.

But, that does not imply you can not have any crops in your pond at all. There are a number of solutions to fight these problems. You'll be able to wrap netting over the tops of the pots to keep the Koi from digging in them. You can even place pea gravel on high of the plants. Bigger pots can face up to the burden of river stones. With the stones on prime of the pots, the Koi fish can have a tougher time knocking them over resulting from their weight and they will be unable to get to the grime underneath the stones to be able to dig it up. Lilies are a beautiful selection to position within your Koi pond. They come in several totally different varieties contains ones that grow effectively in shallow water and ones that grow better in deeper water. Although they aren't oxygenating crops, they may be capable to present your Koi with shelter and shade. Plus, having plants in the water will attract insects. Koi fish are omnivores and can search the vegetation foliage to hunt out insects and larva to munch on.

In addition to the insects that get your hands on from crops, Koi fish enjoy many other kinds of food. It is not unusual for Koi fish owners to mention that they efficiently skilled their fish to eat out of their hands. Koi fish have the power to be able to acknowledge the one that feeds them and can method that individual throughout feeding time. In addition to pre-made Koi food, Koi fish enjoy a wide range of people meals like peas, lettuce and even watermelons. Having Koi grace the waters of an outdoor pond is really an enjoyable and unique experience. They space ready to add a large amount of enjoyment to their house owners lives and in turn are rewarded by the generosity and good care of their owners.

Robert Cartledge is a koi fish expert. For more great information on koi fish, visit http://www.koifishpondssecrets.com/. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Cartledge

Buying Koi - Six Questions To Ask By Marshall Crum Platinum Quality Author

Koi fish ponds have become one of the most popular features for home-owners today. Japanese koi fish are colorful, vibrant and make great pets. But there is a little more necessary to take care of koi than just buying a tank and getting some fish. It takes more to create a habitat than most people are aware of. You can't simply dig a hole and fill up a pond with your garden hose and just toss the fish in. When you select your fish, you should not buy just any old fish from a pet store.

If you take care and start your habitat correctly then all your future work will be cut in half. It is absolutely necessary to wait until your water is ready for fish before you go and buy them. What this means is that the pond construction must be done and the water must be the right temperature and conditioned before you put the koi into the pond. Check your water's temperature and chemical levels and make sure that the habitat is suitable before you put new fish in the water.

When the pond water conditions are right and you head out the door to buy your koi, it is a good idea to avoid the pet stores and focus on cultivated farm-raised koi to beautify your pond. Good quality fish from a dealer or breeder will cost more than you will pay in a pet store, but the extra quality is worth it.

Buying koi can put strain on even the most experienced of koi owners. If you're new to this buying ritual, it can be a downright nerve-racking experience filled with uncertainty. It is important to consider everything from the conditions of the tanks the breeder keeps the fish in to the health of the individual fish.

That's why a checklist is important to keep your mind focused on getting good quality healthy fish with vibrant colors. There are five distinct things to look for to determine the health and quality of the koi you buy. Keep these six questions in mind the next time your buy fish:

1. Are the display tanks clean?
2. Are the display tanks bio-filtered to maintain water quality?
3. Does each tank have its own filter?
4. Does this dealer quarantine new fish?
5. How long are new fish quarantined?
6. Can you obtain background information on the koi you want to buy?

Getting this information is important. Koi with good backgrounds (pedigrees if you will) cost more, sometimes lots more, than your average pet store koi. Sometimes you may find a dealer who swears that he's selling you "Japanese koi", and use that to justify a higher price. But unless you can get and confirm the background information on that fish, don't believe it.

Of course, if it really is a special fish and you have the money, then by all means consider purchasing it. These fish, to be blunt about it, are usually of a higher quality. It is your money, so buy the best quality koi fish you can and get the most for it.

Buying and raising good quality healthy fish with vibrant colors is an important part of owning a koi pond or aquarium that you can be proud of. Visit my website to get more information about raising healthy koi and a copy of the best guide to keeping koi fish that I have found. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marshall_Crum

The Celestial Colors Of Koi By Travis K. Taylor Platinum Quality Author

The bright and wonderful colors of the Koi fish are the main reason why the fish still enjoys its much vaunted popularity among the Japanese. The ability to pick and breed the best Koi and create the exciting Koi color combinations is something the Japanese take so much pride in, and it ensures that the trend will go on for sometime.

Looking for this fish need not be a daunting exercise, though it may seem so for a first timer. A healthy Koi fish has to have bright clear colors. It could be any color, but the color has to be vivid and sharp, for example, if it is a red Koi, the red has to be bright and vivid, while a black one must be a dark hue and striking.

A Koi with a dull black color, with scales or with markings or spots, is a sign of an unhealthy fish or a fish kept in filthy conditions.

Bright colors denote a well kept Koi and so a white Koi with tinges of yellow, or any color variations, would indicate it is unwell or that it has been kept under poor conditions. Therefore, when purchasing Koi, it is imperative to know that color is a sign of the health of the fish. This aids you in getting a well kept Koi.

This fish always requires good care and attention, and so, it is essential to keep track of its color changes as this will show you whether you are giving it enough care or not.

As we have seen, the Koi fish comes in a variety of very attractive colors with the most fashionable being red, black, white, off-white, blue and yellow. Both the Japanese Koi enthusiasts and breeders of this unique fish, have come up with phrases and terms that accurately describe the colors and features of the Koi and also distinguish the various types.

The most admired variety, the Gosanke, contains the Showa Sanshoki, Taisho Sanshoki, and Kohaku species of Koi.

The Showa Sanshoki Koi, also known as just Showa, is black colored with smudges of black and red. The Taisho Sanshoki Koi, simply known as the Taisho Sanke or Sanke, is white colored with vivid red and black smudges.

The Kohaku Koi is a snowy white fish with bright red marks that have distinct edges.

These red marks are supposed to cover about 60% of the Kohaku Koi's body.

There exists a wide array of Koi, and each has its own distinguished color pattern.

For example, the Ogon Koi, this type of Koi exists in a variety of colors but basically is made up of one colour. Before I confuse you even further, the Ogon Koi have different colors but do not have markings of a different color, hence the one color hue.

Then there is the Komonryu Koi, this Koi is even more magnificent, in that it changes its color with the change in season.

If your Koi exhibits a dull color as a sign of ill health, do not worry, just supply them with a marigold, plankton, shrimp, and blue-green algae rich diet. These ingredients aid in improving Koi colors and can also be added to commercially manufactured Koi foods.

Feeding your Koi with foods rich in carotenoid, such as daphnia and brine shrimp, helps improve pigmentation in Koi.

Travis Taylor is a Koi fish keeper and breeding enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby by sharing information about the different Koi Colors

His newest book,"Koi Care Secrets," teaches Koi Fish owners everything they need to know about and caring for their pets.

http://www.koicareguide.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_K._Taylor

White Koi in Your Fishpond By Robert Cartledge Platinum Quality Author

The Japanese began breeding koi from carp mutations; they solely got here in one or two colours. As the popularity of koi grew and more and more people began breeding them through the years, koi started to come in larger coloration varieties and mixtures of patterns. Right now koi fish may be seen in many alternative colours including crimson, black, inexperienced, yellow and white.

With the ability to recognize the completely different sorts of koi carp is easier when you have an understanding of the varied classifications that koi are grouped into. Every variety has sure requirements but pattern diversity is suitable in most varieties. There are a few very talked-about koi varieties. One popular selection is Kahaku koi. These are white koi with crimson markings. Another widespread koi carp selection is the Hirarimono or Ogon variety.

The first part of the phrase "Hikari" means metallic. The second a part of the word "Mono" means single colour. These koi are all one colour. Ogon koi are also very metallic in appearance. They're most commonly available and seen in yellow often called Yamabuki Ogon and within the colour white or silver which are generally known as Platinum Ogon. Regardless of the color or the range, the coloration of Ogon koi should be the identical hue from their heads to their tails and right down to the guidelines of the fins. Giant fins are desirable on the Ogon koi fish as a result of they offset the plain body.

White koi or Platinum Ogon is very unique and widespread fish on the earth of koi. Their bodies appear to shine with the same luster as treasured metal. These distinctive and lovely koi fish first appeared again in 1963, most likely from crossing Kigoi with the greyish-silver Nezu (quick for the Japanese phrase for rat, nezumi) Ogon. These kinds of koi fish are very hardy and grow rapidly. They're also common in poorly filtered ponds as a result of they stand out within the murky water. Other Ogon koi embody the Nezu, Orenji and the Fuji koi.

Most Platinum Ogon koi are bred with the Ginrin scales to make them appear even shinier. Ginrin scales are very totally different from these which can be seen on metallic koi. As a substitute of a total gleam caused by the reflective pigment of the scales, Ginrin scales have a reflective sheen over all or part of their floor making a glimmering effect that may be very similar to minimize diamonds. To qualify as Ginrin, the koi fish ought to have extra of these scales than it's possible to count because it swims previous the observer. About 20 scales is the accepted minimum.

One factor that really attracts pond house owners to fill their ponds with koi carp is the massive number of colours that koi fish come in. When viewed from the top, koi fish are in a position to present their greatest colour. Nearly all of the fish's pigments are on the highest facet of the fish. When koi fish are shown in events in Asia, they're always shown in round swimming pools and are always considered from the top.

Robert Cartledge is a koi fish expert. For more great tips on white-koi, visit http://www.koifishpondssecrets.com/white-koi/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Cartledge

kinds of koi

Among the most popular pets nowadays are fishes. But, they are not just the ordinary fishes you see in the market; they are colorful ornamental fishes that adorn most of today’s landscaped-garden ponds and aquariums. And one of the most popular choices of fish pets is Koi fish. This fish has exceptional beauty that many fish-lovers loved; not to mention, it is considered as lucky fish.

Basically, Koi fish is being considered as part of the carp family of domesticated and ornamental variations. It is widely available and domesticated in Japan as well as other country but has originated in China. And because of the Koi fish’s resemblance to goldfish, some people consider it as one but they are not. The resemblance is just because of the breeders’ effort to imitate goldfish.

Probably, you’ll also be interested in having Koi fish as your pets. It should be no problem since many fish pet stores are selling them. However, there are several Koi fish information and facts that you should know in order to have successful and enjoyable Koi petting.

The Different Varieties of Koi Fish

If you want to have Koi fish in your aquariums or ponds, the first thing you should know is the varieties of Koi fish available. This is important because you have to make sure that the breed or variety of Koi fish that you’re getting will suit the environment at your homes or where you intend to place them. In knowing their kinds or classifications, you will also know the right kind of food and other factors like water filters to use for your Koi.

Koi fish are being classified with several attributes like colors, scales, body patterns, mettalics, etc. Among the mos common colors of Koi fish are black, red, white and yellow.

The following are among the major Koi fish varieties:

• Kohaku – this is a Koi with white skin and red pattern
• Shusui – this the version of an Asagi that is partially-scaled
• Asagi – this is a variety of Koi that has red scales on the bottom part of the body and light blue scales on the top part
• Ogon – this Koi has one solid color which can be red, platinum, cream or yellow; it could be in metallic or regular color
• Doitsu-goi – this is the German Carp
• Koromo – this fish has blue-edged scales, that is neatly aligned, on some parts of its body
• Bekko – came in either white, yellow or red skin and usually has black pattern
• Hikari-Moyomono – this Koi come in colored patterns on a metallic base; and it also come in two metallic colors
• Taisho Sanshoku (Sanke) – this Koi has a red and black pattern and comes in white body color
• Goshiki - this Koi is usually black in color and has white, red, blue and brown and accents
• KinGinRin – this is a Koi fish type that has shiny scales
• Showa Sanshoku (Showa) – this Koi has black skin accented with patterns of red and white
• Utsurimono – this is the black Koi featuring patterns in red, yellow or white
• Kawarimono – considered as Koi fish’s miscellaneous type
• Tancho – a Koi with white body color and a single red patch on its head

There are many varieties and sub-varieties of Koi fish and these are just among them. You may consult some Koi fish experts or read articles in magazines and online websites about Koi fish if you want to get more Koi fish information.

Taking Care of Your Koi Fish

Another important thing, and probably the most vital, that you should know about Koi fish is how to take care of them. You must know their needs to keep them healthy and alive; any neglect in these aspects will eventually lead to your Koi fish’s death. Seasonal care of your Koi fish is very important; Koi fish have different caring needs for every season. Like, in Springtime, you should give close attention to your Koi since water temperature seems to rise and fall at this moment.

Proper feeding of your Koi is also important in taking care of them. Be sure to give them the right kind of food and to give them the right amount. When feeding, you should consider factors like the size of the pond and filter as well as the type of filter you use. It is also important to note the amount of time you have for cleanig your air filters. The season and th number of Koi fish in a pond or aquarium

is also vital for proper feeding.

These are just among the things that you ought to know before taking your Koi fishes home. Be sure to ask advice from Koi fish experts or the pet shop owner for the vital facts that you must know to keep your Koi with you longer.

info koi

Welcome to our website all about Koi and understanding how they live in ponds, their food and the many variations on one amazing fish.

One of the most popular interests of people all over the world is to have pets; dogs, cats, rabbits and even exotic animals like snakes and iguanas. But most households, especially those who have ponds at home, love to have fishes as their pets. And why not; fishes don’t only make lovely pet, they are also beneficial. Fishes can make your ponds look beautiful, colorful and interesting. Aside from these, they are also helpful as they eat mosquitoes and algae.

Now, among the most popular options when it comes to fish pets is the Koi fish. This type of fish is considered as the ornamental and domesticated variations of carp fish. Koi fish originally came from China but it is now widely available in Japan.

If you’re planning to have Koi fishes in your aquariums and ponds for the first time, the very first and most vital things that you should know are the different types of Koi fishes. Knowing what type of Koi fish you’re going to buy is essential so you’ll know what type of food to give them, how to properly take care of them, and even how much budget you should have.

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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