The History of Koi Fish
Koi are bred all over the world, and are considered the most popular freshwater ornamental pond fish. The
Koi, known as Nishikigoi, is the mascot of Japan as well as the representative of its culture.
"Nishiki" is Japanese for a very colorful piece of cloth. "Goi", or
Koi, is Japanese for carp. As the hobby became more and more popular around the world, people referred to them simply as
Koi.
Take a peek at our new Koi
Protector.
Contrary to popular belief, Koi did not originate in Japan, but from parts of Eastern Asia and China. They were introduced
nearly 2,500 years ago in their black form and were known as Magoi (black koi). Known to be an excellent source of nutrition, they were kept in the rice paddies to provide food during the winter. Some were brought nearer to the homes and kept in their own ponds making them easier to farm, and possibly as a form of decoration.
Peaken your Koi's color by providing proper nutrition with Koi
Floating Food Sticks.
Nearly 700 years later in the Niigata region, color variations of the fish began to appear. These red mutations were separated from the Magoi and selectively bred together, creating new and beautiful color varieties.
The next reference to the colored carp came around 1800 with solid red, white and yellow fish being selectively bred. These were the only varieties of Koi until nearly 1830, when selective crossings of red and white fish produced the first
Kohaku. More varieties followed including the Asagi and Higoi up until the late 1800's when many of the modern varieties became recognized.
At about the same time, the Leather Carp was introduced from Germany (eventually called Doitsu, meaning German). This is an almost completely scaleless carp, with skin resembling smooth leather. A cross between the Doitsu and the Asagi produced the Shusui.
 It was not until 1914 that the colored carp were seen outside of Niigata when a batch were sent to the Great Tokyo Exhibition, and some of these were made a gift to the Emperor
Taisho's son. During the 1920's the Kohaku and Sanke became established, followed in the 1930's by the
Shiro, Bekko, and Showa.
The Koi hobby today boasts over 100 amazing color varieties. Every Koi is unique, and the patterns that are seen on a specific Koi can never be exactly repeated. The judging of Koi at exhibitions has become a refined art, which requires many years of understanding the relationship between color, pattern, size and shape, presentation, and a number of other key traits. Collecting
Pond Koi has become a hobby enjoyed by millions of enthusiasts around the world.
Koi's take special care and Backyard Style carriers a number of products
specifically meant for Koi fish like the Ultima
II Pond Filter
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ClearChoice Small Pond Bio-Filter PF-1 - 1200 GALLONClean scene. Maintain a healthy and clear pond with this powerful pond filter. It removes contaminants and ammonia using its advanced trickle flow and bio-ring technology. It's ideal for use in water gardens up to 1200 gallons or koi ponds up to 500 gall
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Fish Feedometer for PondsThis handy fish feedometer makes feeding your fish easy and convenient in the spring or fall when you are unsure about when to feed your fish. The green light indicator will let you know when it is safe to feed your fish. Use with goldfish or koi.
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Tetra Pond KoiVital 16.9 oz. Formulated to contain essential trace elements and vitamins. Recreates “natural” conditions in which Koi and goldfish thrive. Promotes greater vitality and improved circulation in Koi. Induces spawning in Koi and other cold-water fish.
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Koi Growth Fish Food 9.52 ozA high protein diet containing essential amino acids that help younger fish grow. Ideal for late spring and early summer feeding, when water temperatures are 50°F and above.
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