The koi fish, also known as the nishikigoi, is Japanese for “brocaded carp.” Japanese koi fish set the standard for all koi competitions and have some of the strictest breeding practices around. Interested in learning all about Japanese Koi Fish? Be sure to check out our Koi Health Seminar Series for more information.
History of Japanese Koi Fish
Koi, as we know them today, originally descended from the Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), that were kept across Asia as a food source. Over time, natural mutations in color were noted, and individual fish were set aside in special ponds. Breeding these mutations together over countless generations led us to the koi varieties we know today.
Types of Japanese Koi Fish
There are many varieties of koi colorations, and countless more fish who don’t fit the “traditional” patterns or are a combination of patterns. In the United States, only koi bred in Japan and shipped over are known as “Japanese Koi Fish.” Even if their parents both can from Japan, all koi born in the US are known as “domestic koi.” This is due to the very strict and rigid breeding and selection standards in Japan that are not seen in the United States or other countries. This causes Japanese koi fish to carry a premium price, with most koi show winners being Japanese koi fish.
The Gosanke
The Gosanke contains the kohaku, sanke and showa varieties of koi. These fish are the most prized, the most expensive, and typically win koi shows’ top prizes.
Butterfly Koi
The butterfly koi, also known as long-fin koi, have long, flowing extensions to all of their fins. Even their nasal folds may be elongated and look like “eyelashes,” hindering their vision. These delicate fins are prone to tears and scarring, so many butterfly koi do not have their full fins for very long.
Doitsu Koi
A German variety of koi, “doitsu” is “german” in Japanese, these koi have limited scales, usually along their sides and dorsal ridges, known as a “zipper.” It bred with regular, scaled koi, these fish can have patches of scales or very large scales. Often, when these fish lose a scale, it may look like a large hole in the side of the fish! But not to worry, these usually heal up normally.
Keeping Japanese Koi Fish
Japanese koi fish are typically kept in outdoor ponds. They are MUCH too large to be kept in indoor tanks unless the aquarium is several thousand gallons. We recommend a minimum of 250 gallons per koi. Although they start very small, these fish have the potential to be over 24″ or larger! Click here for more koi fish pond basics.
There are many myths when it comes to keeping koi in outdoor ponds:
You can’t mix koi and goldfish.
You can absolutely mix koi and goldfish. Yes, it is possible for the goldfish to carry diseases and not show signs, but there is the same risk in koi. This mostly applies to koi herpesvirus or KHV. Here are some other species that you can consider for an outdoor pond.
You can’t put plants in a koi pond.
You can absolutely put plants in your koi pond, provided you quarantine them properly. Koi are known for nibbling on plant roots and can utterly destroy them during spawning season, so unless you take protective measures, don’t get too attached. Here is a list of the best plants for koi ponds.
You don’t have to feed your koi because they eat the algae.
Koi are omnivores and although you may see them nibbling on algae, they are actually eating the bugs that live in the algae. Their common carp ancestors are big bug eaters and usually forage in the bottom of lakes and ponds throughout the day. Domestically kept koi ABSOLUTELY have to be fed regularly, although your water temperature will dictate how often. Here is more information on what to feed your koi.
“All natural” koi ponds are better for your fish.
“All natural” is also known as “lazy fish keepers.” In rare instances, with well established systems with very low bioload (fish : water), you can get away with VERY minimal maintenance. But most fish systems are synthetic ecosystems which will require human care. Here is a checklist with common pond tasks. If you don’t want to do it, there are many services that may be able to help.
Keeping Japanese koi fish can be a very enjoyable experience, and more so when you do proper planning and education. Check out our Koi Health Seminar Series to learn more about these amazing fish!
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FAQs
Koi fish are colorful, ornamental versions of the common carp. Modern Japanese koi are believed to date back to early 19th-century Japan where wild, colorful carp were caught, kept and bred by rice farmers. The word “koi” comes from the Japanese word for “carp.”
What is so special about Japanese koi fish? ›
People in Japan believe that the koi fish symbolizes wealth, prosperity, love, successful career and good fortune. Each variety is associated with one of those values. They come in a variety of colors, not just orange.
What are some cool facts about koi fish? ›
You can train koi to eat out of your hand if you're patient. Koi are prone to sunburn so it's important to shade the surface of the pond with plants like waterlilies, water lettuce, and water hyacinth. Female koi are more playful than their male counterparts. Koi have teeth, located at the back of their throat.
What does the Japanese koi fish symbolize? ›
Koi is a hom*ophone for another word that means “affection” or “love” in Japanese; koi are symbols of love and friendship in Japan among many other symbols. Koi are becoming a universal symbol of peace all over the world. By the Heian period (794-1185), koi fish were already popular and kept by nobles in Japan.
What does the 5 koi fish represent? ›
5 Koi Fish represents the 5 Blessings, which are wealth, good health, long life, love and a peaceful natural death.
Do koi fish recognize their owners? ›
Koi fish have the ability to recognize their owners and can even be trained to eat from their hands.
How can you tell a koi fish likes you? ›
Your gift of time and attention will pay off – your fish will be happy and will become your friend. Koi joy is especially evident when the fish get to see you consistently, similar to a dog wagging it's tail when their owner comes home.
Do koi fish like being touched? ›
Not only can koi fish get to know you but they can also follow you as you come close with food and make interactions creating a special bond. Petting and hand feeding koi fish allows you to engage with these vibrant and graceful swimmers in a whole new way, while also enjoying a calming and therapeutic experience.
What is the lifespan of a koi fish? ›
Lifespan. Koi have an average lifespan of 40 years. It is believed that the oldest-known koi lived to be nearly 230 years old; the age was determined by testing the fish's scales, which produce growth rings much like a tree.
How many days do koi live? ›
How Long Koi Fish Live. Japanese koi fish can live between 40 and 60 years. For non-Japanese koi fish, the average life expectancy drops to 15 years. This huge difference mostly comes down to genetics and diet before being sold.
Despite the skepticism of its peers, the koi persisted, trying day after day to reach the top. According to the legend, if a koi succeeded in climbing the waterfall, it would be rewarded by the gods by being turned into a powerful dragon.
What does 12 koi fish mean? ›
12 koi fish meaning have strong symbolic meaning Japanese, Chinese Feng Shui Meanings include: Tenacity, Courage, Wealth & Abundance.
What food do koi fish eat? ›
Koi fish eat just about anything, from small bugs and insects, to plants and algae at the bottom of the fish pond, to store-bought koi fish food. Koi will even eat people food. They love cereal, lettuce, shrimp, rice, peas, watermelon... pretty much anything we like, koi fish consider food.
What color koi fish is good luck? ›
White and black or solid black koi symbolize transformation and life changes, which can make them an especially common choice for new koi owners who are pursuing major personal or business goals. The solid black koi is indicative of good luck, so most koi enthusiasts yearn to have one in their personal koi collections.
What is the rule of the koi fish? ›
As a general rule of thumb, pond fish need 10 gallons of water for every inch of their length. So a 10-inch long fish needs 100 gallons. If you have five 10-inch long fish, your water garden should have at least 500 gallons of water.
What is the message of koi fish? ›
In Japan, the koi is a symbol of perseverance, courage, and transformation. According to Japanese legend, if a koi fish successfully swims upstream and overcomes the waterfall, it transforms into a dragon. This transformation represents a journey of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.
Why are koi fish so valuable? ›
Rarity. Most other pond fish are easier to get and are more common, raising the koi fish price range. Unlike common pond fish, koi are prized for their unique beauty and lineage, making them more expensive. This is especially true for show-quality koi.
What is the difference between Japanese koi and regular koi? ›
Most domestic Koi usually grow about 12 to 15 inches long. Japanese Koi usually grow 22 to 26 inches in long. Jumbo sized Koi grow up to 34 to 36 inches long. Does the size of the pond hinder a Koi's growth? The size of a pond will not stop a Koi from growing.
Why do koi fish live longer in Japan? ›
Japanese koi grow larger and tend to live longer than domestic koi fish. Japan has been raising koi for far longer than America. This means they've had more time to enhance the genes and make each generation better. The price for koi fish with better genetics will be higher, but they're likely to survive longer.
Why are koi fish sacred? ›
With their unhurried and graceful movements, koi represent peace and tranquility, making them a favored choice for those seeking meaningful spiritual tattoos. The Two Koi fish tattoo commonly symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and unwavering perseverance.
