Did you know?

Since 1914 when one of these ornamental fish was displayed at an exhibition in Tokio the breeding of koi has spread well beyond Japan. Nowadays they are kept in garden ponds all over the world. Different varieties are distinguished by coloration, patterning and scalation, of which certain varieties are traded at very high prices. The word koi that is commonly used simply means carp in Japanese. For the ornamental variety, the Japanese use the word Nishikigoi (brocaded carp).

Characteristics

ClassificationOrder: Cypriniformes; family: Cyprinids
DietInsects, worms, aquatic plants, algae etc.
OriginIn Japan Koi have been selectively bred as ornamental
fish from wild carp (Cyprinus carpio) since 1820
ReproductionLay around 400,000 to 500,000 eggs from
which young fish hatch after 4 days.