Koi

by Allen Jesson

The Koi fish is often referred to as a goldfish in every day language, but it is actually not considered a true goldfish. Just like the true goldfish variants, it is a domesticated and selectively bred from of a wild Asian carp. Koi was however not developed in China; this fish is instead the result of Japanese domestication of Cyprinus carpio. The name "Koi" actually means carp in Japanese and still refers to the wild Cyprinus carpio. In Japan, the domesticated form of Cyprinus carpio is called Nishikigoi. Somehow, the word Koi made its way into English instead of the more correct name Nishikigoi, and in English speaking countries the word Koi is today only used for domesticated Cyprinus carpio.

Koi fish breeding is believed to have started at some point during the 19th century. It was most likely a way for Japanese breeders to try and repeat what the Chinese breeders had done when the goldfish was created from wild carps. Chinese goldfish was highly popular in Japan during this period. The Niigata Prefecture on the Honshu Island is the traditional centre for Koi breeding, since it was here that extraordinarily colourful wild carps were collected in the rice fields to provide a genetic base for Koi breeding. In the wild, carps affected by these naturally occurring colour mutations were always rapidly consumed by predators since their coloration offered no camouflage, but when they were brought to protected ponds they could thrive and multiply. By the 20th century, dedicated Koi breeders had managed to establish a wide range of different colour patterns in their Koi fish. One of the most popular colour variations of today - the so called Kohaku coloration - can trace its history back to these early years of Koi breeding. A Kohaku Koi will display a red and white colour pattern.

A very important step in the history of Koi took place in 1914, when Koi fish were displayed at the annual exposition in Tokyo. After this exposition, Koi fish became highly sought after in the entire country and considered very fashionable among the Japanese. Its popularity was increased even further when crown prince Hirohito began keeping Koi that he had received as a gift. When the plastic bag was invented, it made it possible to transport live fish long distances and pond keepers could import Koi fish from Japan to their own countries. Faster ships and the boom in aircraft transportation were naturally also contributing factors that helped spreading the Koi fish outside its native country.

Koi is still a very popular fish for outdoor ponds, but it can do well in an aquarium too as long as the aquarium is big enough. A high-quality Koi fish can reach a length of 3 feet and will require a large home to do well. Just like the Chinese goldfish, the Koi fish is a coldwater fish that should not be kept in tropical aquariums. It will adapt to most water conditions and can accept a pH value from 7 to 9. A pH that stays close to 8 is however recommended. Never keep your Koi in acidic water.

Allen Jesson writes for several sites including two sites that specialize in
salt
water and fresh water aquariums and href="http://www.theaquariumsite.com/">the aquarium site and Seapets, a
leading source for href="http://www.seapets.co.uk/view-subcategories/category/7.html">aquar

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