A History of Koi Fish

Koi fish are a very popular variety of the common carp fish that originated in China and then spread through Japan as a domesticated ornamental fish to be used in garden ponds.

You most often find Koi used as ornamental fish in garden ponds. They are a variety of carp and their domestication originated in China and then quickly spread through Japan.

With the exception of their large size they closely resemble their relative, the goldfish. Koi are considered good luck so people love to have them in their gardens, or even tattooed onto their bodies.

The term Koi is actually Japanese even thought the fish originated in China. Koi is the Japanese word for carp, and is used for any carp, whether beautiful and colorful or dull and grey. In Japan they actually use the word Nishikigo, which means brocaded carp, for what we commonly call the Koi.

Back in the 19th century in the Niigata prefecture of Japan breeding carp became a popular hobby. Colorful carp were captured by farmers working in the fields and then bred to become the highly ornamental fish we know today. The colorful carp were actually quite vulnerable in the wild, as their color made them easy prey for a variety of predators. Their lot in life changed dramatically as they become the prized possession found in garden ponds.

The most noted type of Koi by the 20th century was the red and white Kohaku, although there were a wide variety of patterns and colors established. The popularity did not really begin to spread beyond Asia until the Niigata Koi was placed on exhibit during the annual exhibition in Tokyo in 1914.

Once it become safe and easy to transport Koi around the world keeping and raising Koi become a popular hobby all over. You will probably need to purchase your Koi fish at a store that specializes in Koi or exotic fish species, as they are not usually available from your local pet store.

More available information to help you with your yard:
Outdoor and backyard ponds
Landscaping around your pond
Pond furniture for relaxation
Home pools
Animals and pets

Koi Food Guide.com

Koi food guide

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