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How to Keep Koi

by: MarkLaura | Total views: 36 | Word Count: 690

There are over a hundred different types of koi registered for show in professional breeder and amateur clubs throughout Japan and the world, though new varieties are still largely shown in Japan.

Koi may be generally grouped according to and in combinations of:

skin colour
skin pattern
scale pattern

Whichever you consider most important or if you have your heart set on a very particular fish, there is one for every taste. In more than 16 categories, now, there are over a hundred types of koi and an infinity of variety in each type.

True koi are always judged from from above, and their ponds are designed to facilitate this. From this angle, one judges the conformity and harmony of the design depending upon which type of koi you're looking at. That said, some characteristics are considered from the side such as the markings on the eyes and and cheeks.

On the other hand, many people who keep koi hybrids choose to view them from the side as well, especially those with unusual fins or scale patterns. Koi purists do not consider these actual koi.

There were once only a few colours, but with the pace of breeding development (and the financial incentive to do so) several new colours have emerged in the last 30 years with the injection of new material. These colours are arranged in in a seemingly infinite variety of combinations.

Markings are judged from above in special, bright blue pools that set off the bright, metallic colours. Outside of Japan the colours are known by their names in Japanese as well as the local language, since so much of the literature is translated from the original Japanese. For instance, colours include:

Ai - blue
Aka / Hi – red, though actually a rather dark orange that can vary somewhat
Asagi - light blue (a greyish/silvery blue)
Ki - non-metallic yellow
Orengi - orange
Shiro - white
Sumi - dark black (sometimes called "india ink")

They tend to have something of a metallic sheen unless otherwise noted. Generally these distinctions apply across the board and describe both underlying and overlaid colours. Additionally, there are a few distinct colour patterns that have special names:

Kohaku - red and white only
Ogon - one colour only
Sanshoku - any three colours regardless of the shape of the coloured areas

Just about any koi can be classified into one of the many types. However, most fish you'll be looking at as a first time koi buyer fall into a few basic categories. Many of the fish sold in the US and EU are those who've been rejected from breeding programs that are in continual pursuit of the perfect koi. Just because it doesn't conform to the accepted standard of show beauty doesn't mean they are not unique and beautiful.


Whether you already have Koi or are just starting out, ensuring you have a proper quarantine system in place is essential. You should also make your dealer has a sufficient system too!

Don’t be afraid to ask the following questions to ensure piece of mind when making a purchase:

1) Do you quarantine Koi when they come onto your premises before they are ready for sale?

2) How long do you quarantine them for before putting them up for sale? 8-10 weeks is recommended, however a minimum should be 4-6 weeks.

3) Is your quarantine system completely isolated?

4) Can I see your quarantine system? A good system will have more than adequate volume of water with plentiful supply of oxygen to help stressed fish.

5) Is there a mature filtration system on the quarantine system?

6) Ensure the Koi leave the quarantine period in a disease free, healthy state.

7) Does your system have any means of sterilisation?

8) How often is the water quality checked and water changes made?

9) During quarantining do you raise the temperature to 22-24 degrees centigrade? And how long for?

Please note:
Quarantine systems do not give 100% guarantee that the fish it contains are free from an y infectious disease or parasite. However, the longer that a fish is kept in quarantine, the greater the chances that even the most dormant disease will eventually begin to become stimulated.

About the Author

Laura Jones would like to share with other enthusiasts every aspect of keeping your first koi www.howtokeepkoi.co.uk

Article Source Pet Article Directory

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