Koi fish(original name Nishikigoi (nishikigoi) or Japanese carp is a multi-colored fish with colored spots that is specially bred at home (up to 6 selections) and assigned a certain category. It is believed that the carp from which Koi originates originated in Central Asia, in Persia. But it should also be borne in mind that the remains of ancient nishikigoi were found in Japan, which indicates that Koi naturally inhabit Japan.
Koi fish originated in China and were brought to Japan as gifts. The first mention of Koi in Japan dates back to 71 AD (it is believed that the carp was kept by the legendary Emperor Keiko). However, it was not until the 19th century that Koi mutated and acquired the coloration required to be recognized as modern Nishikigoi.
Origin of Koi
The birthplace of the Koi is the village of Yamakoshi (now Nagaoka-shi) in Niigata. In this mountainous region, settlers cultivated the mountains and built "rice terraces" to grow rice and vegetables. Ponds were created above the rice fields for irrigation. The Koi were raised in these ponds for use as food, until one day, the fish suddenly mutated, and carp of various colors and patterns swam among the black Koi.
The farmers were amazed by this, they did not eat the mutated fish, but began to grow more beautiful and unique Koi.
The mutated Koi first gained popularity among the local population, but soon people from other regions began to trade for them, and the Koi became known far beyond the area where they originated. As a result, raising Nishikigoi became a hobby for fish lovers and a business for farmers.
Koi Contents
Nishikigoi is a common freshwater fish that can live in water temperatures between 8 and 35 degrees Celsius. However, the optimum temperature is approximately 22 degrees Celsius. Koi ponds should be at least one meter deep to act as a catalyst against high and low temperatures. Although carp are omnivorous, proper nutrition is very important for the acquisition of bright colors and good development of Japanese carp. Since the fish is not able to store food, regular feeding is especially important (sometimes up to six times a day). The average lifespan of a Koi fish is about 70 years, but some specimens become much older (the oldest Koi lived 226 years).
Types of Japanese Carp
There are currently over eighty different species of Japanese carp, of which 26 are grouped together by common characteristics. The most popular are Gosanke, consisting of Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku and Showa Sanshoku. New varieties are still being actively developed. The “quality” of Koi is influenced by the shape of the body, as well as the brightness and contrast of the colors.
