Koi: Difference between revisions
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{{for|the Native American settlement in Lake County, California|Koi, California}} |
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[[koi fish food bought at petland and toys r us]] |
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{{JapaneseText}} |
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== they will eat right out of your hands |
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{{Taxobox |
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''they absoulutly tickle'' == said my dad |
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| name = Nishikigoi |
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[[they hate fat short men on bikes that are old]] |
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| status = DOM |
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| image = Six koi.jpg |
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| image_width = 220px |
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| regnum = [[Animal]]ia |
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| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] |
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| classis = [[Actinopterygii]] |
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| ordo = [[Cypriniformes]] |
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| familia = [[Cyprinidae]] |
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| genus = ''[[Cyprinus]]'' |
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| species = '''''C. carpio''''' |
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| binomial = ''[[Cyprinus carpio]]'' |
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| binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758) |
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}} |
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{{nihongo|'''Koi'''|鯉 or コイ|}} ({{IPA-en|ˈkɔɪ|lang}}), or more specifically {{nihongo|'''nishikigoi'''|錦鯉|extra={{IPA-ja|niɕi̥kiɡo.i|}}, literally "[[brocade (weaving)|brocade]]d carp"}}, are ornamental domesticated varieties of the [[common carp]] (''Cyprinus carpio'') that are commonly kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and [[water gardens]]. They are sometimes also called '''Japanese carp'''. |
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Koi were developed from [[common carp]] in [[Japan]] in the 1820s, and are still very popular there as they are a symbol of love and friendship. Many different colors and color patterns have since been developed; common colors include white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream. The most popular category of koi is the ''Gosanke'', which is made up of the [[Kohaku (Nishikigoi)|Kohaku]], Taisho Sanshoku, and Showa Sanshoku varieties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympickoiclub.org/aboutkoi.html |title=About Koi Fish |
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|publisher=www.olympickoiclub.org |accessdate=2009-05-01 }}</ref> |
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==History== |
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The [[carp]] is a large group of fish originally found in Central Europe and Asia. [[Asian carps|Various carp species]] were originally [[domestication|domesticated]] in [[East Asia]], where they were used as food fish. The ability of carp to survive and adapt to many climates and water conditions allowed the domesticated species to be propagated to many new locations including Japan. Natural color mutations of these carp would have occurred across all populations. Carp were first bred for color mutations in [[China]] more than a thousand years ago, where [[selective breeding]] of the [[Prussian carp]] (''Carassius gibelio'') led to the development of the [[goldfish]].<ref name="bristol">{{cite web | url=http://www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk/goldfish/info/info.htm | title=Background information about goldfish | accessdate=2006-07-28}}</ref> |
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Carp are known as ''koi'' in Japan. Of the various domesticated carp species, the [[common carp]] (''Cyprinus carpio'') is one of the more commonly used in [[aquaculture]]. It is believed that common carp were first introduced into Japan by way of China between 400 to 600 years ago. Common carp were first bred for color in [[Japan]] in the 1820s, initially in the town of Ojiya in the [[Niigata prefecture]] on the north eastern coast of [[Honshu]] island. By the 20th century, a number of color patterns had been established, most notably the red-and-white ''Kohaku''. The outside world was not aware of the development of color variations in koi until 1914, when the Niigata koi were exhibited in the annual exposition in [[Tokyo]]. At that point, interest in koi exploded throughout Japan. The hobby of keeping koi eventually spread worldwide. Koi are now commonly sold in most pet stores, with higher-quality fish available from specialist dealers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mpks.org/articles/RayJordan/KoiHistory3.shtml |title=MPKS Ray Jordan Koi History |publisher=Ray Jordan |date= |accessdate=2009-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netpets.org/fish/reference/freshref/nishi.html |title=Early Records |publisher=Netpets.org |date= |accessdate=2009-04-11}}</ref> |
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New koi variaties are still being actively developed. [[Ghost koi]] were developed in the 1980s, and have become very popular in the [[United Kingdom]]. There are a [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] of wild carp and Ogon koi, and are distinguished by their metallic scales. [[Butterfly koi]] (also known as Longfin koi, or Dragon Carp) were also developed in the 1980s, and are notable for their long and flowing fins. They are hybrids of koi with [[Asian carp]]. Butterfly koi and Ghost koi are considered by some to be not true Nishikigoi.{{fact|date=April 2009}} |
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===Etymology=== |
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The word 'koi' comes from [[Japanese language|Japanese]], simply meaning "carp." It includes both the dull grey fish and the brightly colored varieties. What are known as 'koi' in English are referred to more specifically as 'nishikigoi' in Japan (literally meaning '[[brocade (weaving)|brocade]]d carp'). In Japanese, 'koi' is a [[homophone]] for another word that means 'affection or love'; koi are therefore symbols of love and friendship in Japan. An example of this is given in a short story by Mukoda Kuniko, "Koi-san". Koi tattoos have also become a popular trend in North America. |
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==Varieties== |
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[[Image:Mango koi.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Koi varieties]] |
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Koi varieties are distinguished by coloration, patterning, and scalation. Some of the major colors are white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream. While the possible color variations are virtually limitless, breeders have identified and named a number of specific categories. The most popular category is '''Gosanke''', which is made up of the ''Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku,'' and ''Showa Sanshoku'' varieties. |
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The major named varieties include: |
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* {{Nihongo|'''[[Kohaku (Nishiki Koi)|Kōhaku]]'''|紅白}} A white-skinned koi, with large red markings on the top. The name means "red and white;" kohaku was the first ornamental variety to be established in Japan (late 19th century).<ref>{{cite book|author=Tamadachi M|chapter=Koi varieties|page=191|title=The Cult of the Koi|publisher=TFH Publications|location=Neptune City, New Jersey|year=1990|isbn=0-86622-085-2}}</ref> |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Taishō Sanshoku''' (or Taisho Sanke)|大正三色}} Very similar to the Kohaku, except for the addition of small black markings called {{Nihongo|sumi|墨}}. This variety was first exhibited in 1914 by the koi breeder, [[Gonzo Hiroi]], during the reign of the [[Taisho Emperor]].{{Fact|date=April 2009}} In America, the name is often abbreviated to just "Sanke". The kanji, 三色, may be read as either ''sanshoku'' or as ''sanke''. |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Shōwa Sanshoku''' (or Showa Sanke)|昭和三色}} A black koi with red (''hi'' 赤) and white (''shiroji'' 白地) markings. The first Showa Sanke was exhibited in 1927, during the reign of the [[Showa Emperor]]. In America, the name is often abbreviated to just Showa. The amount of ''shiroji'' on Showa Sanke has increased in modern times (''Kindai Showa'' 近代昭和), to the point where it can be impossible to distinguish from Taisho Sanke. The kanji, 三色, may be read as either ''sanshoku'' or as ''sanke.'' |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Tanchō'''|丹頂}} Any koi with a solitary red patch on its head. The fish may be a Tancho Showa, Tancho Sanke, or even Tancho Goshiki. Named for the Japanese crane (''Grus japonensis'') which also has a red spot on its head. |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Asagi'''|浅葱}} A koi that is light blue above and red below. The Japanese name means "light blue." Sometime incorrectly written as 浅黄 (light yellow). |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Utsurimono'''|写り者}} A black koi with a white, red, or yellow markings. The oldest attested form is the yellow form, called {{Nihongo|"Black and white markings"|黒黄斑|Kuro Ki Han}} in the 19th century, but renamed {{Nihongo|Ki Utsuri|黄写り}} by [[Elizaburo Hoshino]], an early 20th century koi breeder. The red and white versions are called {{Nihongo|Hi Utsuri|赤写り}} and {{Nihongo|Shiro Utsuri|白写り}} respectively. The word ''utsuri'' means to print (the black markings are reminiscent of ink stains). |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Bekko'''|鼈甲}} A white-, red-, or yellow-skinned koi with small black markings {{Nihongo|sumi|墨}}. The Japanese name means "tortoise shell," and is also written as べっ甲. The white- red- and yellow varieties are called {{Nihongo|Shiro Bekko|白}} {{Nihongo|Aka Bekko|赤}} and {{Nihongo|Ki Bekko|黄}} respectively. May be confused with the Utsuri. |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Goshiki'''|五色}} A black koi with red, white, brown, and blue accents. |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Shūsui'''|秋翠}} The Japanese name means "Autumn jade." The Shusui was created in 1910 by Yoshigoro Akiyama, by crossing Japanese Asagi with German mirror carp.{{Fact|date=April 2009}} The fish has no scales, except for a single line of large mirror scales dorsally, extending from head to tail. The name is sometimes also written as 秋水. |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Kinginrin'''|金銀鱗}} A koi with metallic scales. The name translates into English as "gold and silver scales." Often abbreviated to Ginrin. There are Ginrin versions of almost all other varieties of koi, and they are fashionable. |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Kawarimono'''|変わり者}} A "catch-all" term for koi that cannot be put into one of the other categories. This is a competition category (you cannot buy a "kawarigoi" from a pet shop) and many new varieties of koi compete against each other within this one category. Also known as {{Nihongo|'''kawarigoi'''|変わり鯉}}{{Fact|date=April 2009}} |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Ōgon'''|黄金}} A koi of one color only, but with metallic scales (''ginrin'' 銀鱗 or ''hikarimono'' 光者). The most commonly encountered colours are gold, platinum, and orange. Cream specimens exist but are very rare. Ogon compete in the Kawarimono category and the Japanese name means "Gold." The variety was created by Sawata Aoki in 1946 from wild carp he caught in 1921. |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Kumonryū'''|九紋竜}} Kumonryu is a black fish with curling white markings. The patterns are thought to be reminiscent of Japanese ink paintings of dragons. They famously change colour with the seasons.{{Fact|date=April 2009}} Kumonryu compete in the Kawarimono category. |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Doitsu-goi'''|ドイツ鯉}} A German mirror carp with only a single line of large mirror-like scales along the top. Also written as 独逸鯉. |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Ochiba'''|落葉}} A light blue koi with yellow patches, reminiscent of autumn leaves on water. The Japanese name means "fallen leaves." |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Koromo'''|衣}} Koi with patches of blue- or black-edged scales. This variety first arose in the 1950s as a cross between a Kohaku and an Asagi.{{Fact|date=April 2009}} The most commonly encountered Koromo is an Ai Goromo, which is coloured like a Kohaku, except that each of the scales within the red patches has a blue- or black-edge to it. |
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* {{Nihongo|'''Hikari-moyomono'''|光模樣者}} A koi with coloured markings over a metallic base, or koi in two metallic colours. |
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* '''Ghost koi''' - A hybrid of Ogon and wild carp with metallic scales. Considered by some to be not Nishikigoi. |
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* '''[[Butterfly koi]]''' - A hybrid of koi and Asian carp with long flowing fins. Various colorations depending on the koi stock used to hybrid. Considered by some to be not Nishikigoi. First bred in America and re-introduced back into Japan. |
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==Differences from goldfish== |
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[[Image:Koi head closeup.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Koi have prominent barbels on the lip that are not visible in goldfish.]] |
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[[Goldfish]] were developed in [[China]] more than a thousand years ago by [[selective breeding|selectively breeding]] Prussian carp for color mutations. By the [[Song Dynasty]] (960 – 1279), yellow, orange, white and red-and-white colorations had been developed. [[Goldfish]] (''Carassius auratus'') and Prussian carp (''Carassius gibelio'') are now considered different species. Goldfish were introduced to Japan in the 16th century and to Europe in the 17th century.<ref name="bristol"/> Koi on the other hand, were developed from [[common carp]] in [[Japan]] in the 1820s. Koi are domesticated [[common carp]] (''Cyprinus carpio'') that are [[culling|culled]] for color, they are not a different species and will revert to the original coloration within a few generations if allowed to breed freely. |
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In general, goldfish tend to be smaller than koi, and have a greater variety of body shapes, and fin and tail configurations. Koi varieties tend to have a common body shape, but have a greater variety of coloration and color patterns. They also have prominent [[Barbel (anatomy)|barbels]] on the lip. Some goldfish varieties, such as the [[common goldfish]], [[comet goldfish]] and [[shubunkin]] have body shapes and coloration that are similar to koi, and can be difficult to tell apart from koi when immature. Since goldfish and koi were developed from different species of carp, even though they can interbreed, their offspring are sterile.<ref name="Aquatic-oasis ">{{cite web|url=http://www.aquatic-oasis.com/articles.htm|title=Aquatic-oasis articles |publisher=Aquatic-oasis |accessdate=2009-02-26}}</ref> |
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==Keeping== |
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[[Image:Japanese water garden with carp.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Traditional [[Japanese garden]] with koi.]] |
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The common carp is a hardy fish, and koi retain that durability. Koi are cold-water fish, but benefit from being kept in the 15-25 degrees C (59-77 degrees F) range and do not react well to long cold winter temperatures, their immune system 'turning off' below 10 degrees Celsius. Koi ponds usually have a meter or more of depth in areas of the world that become warm during the summer, whereas in areas that have harsher winters, ponds generally have a minimum of 1.5 meters (4 1/2 feet). |
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Koi's bright colors put them at a severe disadvantage against predators; a white-skinned ''Kohaku'' is a visual dinner bell against the dark green of a pond. [[Heron]]s, [[kingfisher]]s, [[raccoon]]s, [[cat]]s, [[fox]]es, [[Badger (animal)|badger]]s and [[hedgehog]]s are all capable of emptying a pond of its fish. A well-designed outdoor pond will have areas too deep for herons to stand in, overhangs high enough above the water that mammals can't reach in, and shade trees overhead to block the view of aerial passers-by. It may prove necessary to string nets or wires above the surface. A pond usually includes a [[pump]] and [[filtration]] system to keep the water clear. |
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Koi are an omnivorous fish and will often eat a wide variety of foods, including peas, lettuce, and watermelons.<ref>[http://www.olympickoiclub.org/aboutkoi.html Olympic Koi, Goldfish & Water Garden Club, "About Koi Fish", 2004] outlines of Koi diet and other Koi information</ref> Koi food is designed not only to be nutritionally balanced, but also to float so as to encourage them to come to the surface. When they are eating, it is possible to check koi for parasites and ulcers. Koi will recognize the person feeding them and gather around them at feeding times. They can be trained to take food from one's hand. In the winter, their digestive system slows nearly to a halt, and they eat very little, perhaps no more than nibbles of algae from the bottom. Their appetite will not come back until the water becomes warm in the spring. When the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 °C), feeding, particularly with protein, is halted or the food can go rancid in their stomach, causing sickness. |
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Koi can live for centuries. One famous scarlet koi, named "Hanako" (c. 1751 – July 7, 1977) was owned by several individuals, the last of which was Dr. Komei Koshihara. Hanako was reportedly 226 years old upon her death.<ref>[http://www.arborman.com/koioldest.htm The World's Oldest Koi]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vcnet.com/koi_net/hanako.html |title=Hanako |publisher=Vcnet.com |date= |accessdate=2009-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japan-nishikigoi.org/ecology.html |title=International Nishikigoi Promotion Center-Genealogy |publisher=Japan-nishikigoi.org |date= |accessdate=2009-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/apr/12/animalwelfare.world |title=The Guardian |publisher=The Guardian |date= |accessdate=2009-04-11}}</ref> Her age was determined by removing one of her scales and examining it extensively in 1966. She is (to date) the longest-lived koi fish ever recorded.<ref>{{cite news | author=Barton, Laura | title=Tarzan's Cheeta, now the oldest swinger in town | newspaper=Taipei Times | date=2007-04-15 | page=9 | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2007/04/15/2003356756}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=The Story of Hanako | url=http://www.koiadventures.co.za/Home.aspx?Page=UsrGeneric.ascx&Rec=270 | publisher=Koi Adventures | date=1966-05-25}}</ref> |
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===Breeding=== |
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[[Image:Koi4.jpg|thumb|right|Koi in an outdoor pond]] |
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Like most fish, koi reproduce through spawning in which a female lays a vast number of eggs and one or more males fertilize them. Nurturing the resulting offspring (referred to as "fry") is a tricky and tedious job, usually done only by professionals. Although a koi breeder may carefully select the parents they wish based on their desired characteristics, the resulting fry will nonetheless exhibit a wide range of color and quality. |
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Koi will produce thousands of offspring from a single spawning. However, Unlike cattle, purebred dogs, or more relevantly, goldfish, the the large majority these offspring, even from the best champion-grade koi, will be unacceptable as nishikigoi (no interesting colors) or are even genetically defective. These unacceptable offspring are culled at various stages based on the breeder's expert eye and closely guarded techniques. Culled fry are usually destroyed (perhaps fed to other fish) and older culls are often sold as lower-grade "pond-quality" koi within their first year (also called "Tosai") at between 3" to 6" long. |
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The semi-randomized result of the koi's reproductive process has both advantages and disadvantages. While it requires diligent oversight to narrow down the favorable result that the breeder wants, it also makes possible the development of new colorations within relatively few generations. |
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==In the wild== |
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{{See also|Common carp}} |
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Koi have been accidentally or deliberately released into the wild in every continent except [[Antarctica]]. They quickly revert to the natural coloration of common carp within a few generations. In many areas, they are considered an [[invasive species]] and [[Pest (organism)|pests]]. They greatly increase the [[turbidity]] of the water because they are constantly stirring up the substrate. This makes waterways unattractive, reduces the abundance of aquatic plants, and can render the water unsuitable for swimming or drinking, even by livestock. In some countries, koi have caused so much damage to waterways that vast amounts of money and effort have been spent trying to eradicate them, largely unsuccessfully.<ref>[http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.asp?speciesID=4 USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program]</ref> |
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==Gallery== |
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<gallery> |
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Image:Koiswim.ogg|Small Koi Swimming |
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Image:Koi.jpg|Koi in the courtyard of [[City Hall]] in [[St. Augustine, Florida|St. Augustine]], [[Florida]] |
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Image:Six koi.jpg|Six koi (and one goldfish) living in a private pond in [[San Jose, California]] |
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Image:koi1-1.jpg|A sample of Shusui Koi |
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Image:koi2-2.jpg|Sample of Taisho Sanshoku |
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Image:KobeGarden.jpg|Koi in a [[tea garden]] in [[Kyoto]], Japan |
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Image:2_year_old_Aka_Muji.jpg|Aka Muji variety of Koi. |
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Image:2 year old Platina.jpg|Platina variety of Koi. |
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Image:2 year old Yamabuki.jpg|Yamabuki Variety of Koi. |
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Image:4 year old Sanke.jpg|Taisho Sanshoku (Sanke) bred by Momotaro Koi, Japan. |
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Image:6 year old Showa.jpg|Showa variety, Koi show level. |
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Image:Doitsu Kohaku, Doitsu Sanke, Kikusui, Yamatonishiki, Doitsu Kujaku.jpg|Kohaku, Doitsu Sanke, Kikusui, Yamatonishiki, Doitsu Kujaku. |
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Image:Eight year old Kohaku.jpg|Show Class 8 Year Old Kohaku 85 cm. |
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Image:One year old Kinki-Utsuri.jpg|Tosai Kinki-Utsuri. |
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Image:One year old shiro-utsuri.jpg|Tosai Shiro-Utsuri. |
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Image:Show winning Asagi from Nagoshi Fish Farm.jpg|2008 ZNA Prize winning Asagi from Nagoshi Koi Farm, Japan. |
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Image:Two year old Chagoi.jpg|Nisai Chagoi. |
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Image:Two year old Kohaku.jpg|Nisai Kohaku from Yamatoya Fish Farm, Japan. |
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Image:Two year old Mix.jpg|Nisai Mix of various Koi types. |
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Image:KoiDSC00093.JPG|HQ Kohaku |
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Image:Goldfish2.cropped.jpg|A group of several varieties of Koi. |
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Image:Carp.jpg|Koi in Japan |
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Image:jinmengyo.jpg|A Jinmengyo koi, known for its humanoid appearances. |
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</gallery> |
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==Notes== |
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{{reflist}} |
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==References== |
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:* {{FishBase_species|genus=Cyprinus|species=carpio|year=2005|month=10}} |
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:* {{cite book |
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| author = [[George C. Blasiola]] |
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| title = Koi: everything about selection, care, nutrition, diseases, breeding, pond design and maintenance, and popular aquatic plants |
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| location= [[Hauppauge, New York]] | publisher=[[Barron's Educational Series]] |
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| year = 1995 |
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| isbn = 0-8120-3568-2}} |
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:* {{cite book |
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| author = [[David Twigg]] |
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| title = How to Keep Koi |
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| location= New York | publisher=[[Howell Book House]] |
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| year = 2001 |
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| isbn = 0-7645-6242-8}} |
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==External links and further readings== |
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{{commons|Cyprinus carpio}} |
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* [http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/node/100 Feature article on treating sick fish, especially koi, "Surgery to Scale", ''Cosmos Magazine''] |
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* [http://www.niwascience.co.nz/rc/freshwater/fishatlas/species/koi_carp Koi in the NIWA Atlas] |
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[[Category:Carp]] |
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[[Category:Cold-water aquarium fish]] |
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[[Category:Introduced freshwater fish of New Zealand]] |
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[[Category:Fish of East Asia]] |
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[[Category:Japanese words and phrases]] |
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[[af:Koi]] |
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[[ar:كوي]] |
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[[az:Koi]] |
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[[de:Koi]] |
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[[fa:کپور گلگون]] |
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[[fr:Koï]] |
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[[id:Koi]] |
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[[it:Carpa koi]] |
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[[he:קוי]] |
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[[ms:Ikan Koi]] |
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[[nl:Japanse koi]] |
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[[ja:コイ]] |
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[[no:Koi]] |
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[[pl:Karp koi]] |
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[[pt:Koi]] |
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[[ru:Карпы кои]] |
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[[tr:Koi]] |
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[[uk:Короп кої]] |
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[[vi:Cá Chép Koi]] |
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[[zh:锦鲤]] |
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Revision as of 07:38, 7 July 2009
| Nishikigoi | |
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| |
Domesticated
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | C. carpio
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| Binomial name | |
| Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758)
| |
Koi (鯉 or コイ) (English: /ˈkɔɪ/), or more specifically nishikigoi (錦鯉, [niɕi̥kiɡo.i], literally "brocaded carp"), are ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) that are commonly kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and water gardens. They are sometimes also called Japanese carp.
Koi were developed from common carp in Japan in the 1820s, and are still very popular there as they are a symbol of love and friendship. Many different colors and color patterns have since been developed; common colors include white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream. The most popular category of koi is the Gosanke, which is made up of the Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, and Showa Sanshoku varieties.[1]
History
The carp is a large group of fish originally found in Central Europe and Asia. Various carp species were originally domesticated in East Asia, where they were used as food fish. The ability of carp to survive and adapt to many climates and water conditions allowed the domesticated species to be propagated to many new locations including Japan. Natural color mutations of these carp would have occurred across all populations. Carp were first bred for color mutations in China more than a thousand years ago, where selective breeding of the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) led to the development of the goldfish.[2]
Carp are known as koi in Japan. Of the various domesticated carp species, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the more commonly used in aquaculture. It is believed that common carp were first introduced into Japan by way of China between 400 to 600 years ago. Common carp were first bred for color in Japan in the 1820s, initially in the town of Ojiya in the Niigata prefecture on the north eastern coast of Honshu island. By the 20th century, a number of color patterns had been established, most notably the red-and-white Kohaku. The outside world was not aware of the development of color variations in koi until 1914, when the Niigata koi were exhibited in the annual exposition in Tokyo. At that point, interest in koi exploded throughout Japan. The hobby of keeping koi eventually spread worldwide. Koi are now commonly sold in most pet stores, with higher-quality fish available from specialist dealers.[3][4]
New koi variaties are still being actively developed. Ghost koi were developed in the 1980s, and have become very popular in the United Kingdom. There are a hybrid of wild carp and Ogon koi, and are distinguished by their metallic scales. Butterfly koi (also known as Longfin koi, or Dragon Carp) were also developed in the 1980s, and are notable for their long and flowing fins. They are hybrids of koi with Asian carp. Butterfly koi and Ghost koi are considered by some to be not true Nishikigoi.[citation needed]
Etymology
The word 'koi' comes from Japanese, simply meaning "carp." It includes both the dull grey fish and the brightly colored varieties. What are known as 'koi' in English are referred to more specifically as 'nishikigoi' in Japan (literally meaning 'brocaded carp'). In Japanese, 'koi' is a homophone for another word that means 'affection or love'; koi are therefore symbols of love and friendship in Japan. An example of this is given in a short story by Mukoda Kuniko, "Koi-san". Koi tattoos have also become a popular trend in North America.
Varieties
Koi varieties are distinguished by coloration, patterning, and scalation. Some of the major colors are white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream. While the possible color variations are virtually limitless, breeders have identified and named a number of specific categories. The most popular category is Gosanke, which is made up of the Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, and Showa Sanshoku varieties.
The major named varieties include:
- Kōhaku (紅白) A white-skinned koi, with large red markings on the top. The name means "red and white;" kohaku was the first ornamental variety to be established in Japan (late 19th century).[5]
- Taishō Sanshoku (or Taisho Sanke) (大正三色) Very similar to the Kohaku, except for the addition of small black markings called sumi (墨). This variety was first exhibited in 1914 by the koi breeder, Gonzo Hiroi, during the reign of the Taisho Emperor.[citation needed] In America, the name is often abbreviated to just "Sanke". The kanji, 三色, may be read as either sanshoku or as sanke.
- Shōwa Sanshoku (or Showa Sanke) (昭和三色) A black koi with red (hi 赤) and white (shiroji 白地) markings. The first Showa Sanke was exhibited in 1927, during the reign of the Showa Emperor. In America, the name is often abbreviated to just Showa. The amount of shiroji on Showa Sanke has increased in modern times (Kindai Showa 近代昭和), to the point where it can be impossible to distinguish from Taisho Sanke. The kanji, 三色, may be read as either sanshoku or as sanke.
- Tanchō (丹頂) Any koi with a solitary red patch on its head. The fish may be a Tancho Showa, Tancho Sanke, or even Tancho Goshiki. Named for the Japanese crane (Grus japonensis) which also has a red spot on its head.
- Asagi (浅葱) A koi that is light blue above and red below. The Japanese name means "light blue." Sometime incorrectly written as 浅黄 (light yellow).
- Utsurimono (写り者) A black koi with a white, red, or yellow markings. The oldest attested form is the yellow form, called "Black and white markings" (黒黄斑, Kuro Ki Han) in the 19th century, but renamed Ki Utsuri (黄写り) by Elizaburo Hoshino, an early 20th century koi breeder. The red and white versions are called Hi Utsuri (赤写り) and Shiro Utsuri (白写り) respectively. The word utsuri means to print (the black markings are reminiscent of ink stains).
- Bekko (鼈甲) A white-, red-, or yellow-skinned koi with small black markings sumi (墨). The Japanese name means "tortoise shell," and is also written as べっ甲. The white- red- and yellow varieties are called Shiro Bekko (白) Aka Bekko (赤) and Ki Bekko (黄) respectively. May be confused with the Utsuri.
- Goshiki (五色) A black koi with red, white, brown, and blue accents.
- Shūsui (秋翠) The Japanese name means "Autumn jade." The Shusui was created in 1910 by Yoshigoro Akiyama, by crossing Japanese Asagi with German mirror carp.[citation needed] The fish has no scales, except for a single line of large mirror scales dorsally, extending from head to tail. The name is sometimes also written as 秋水.
- Kinginrin (金銀鱗) A koi with metallic scales. The name translates into English as "gold and silver scales." Often abbreviated to Ginrin. There are Ginrin versions of almost all other varieties of koi, and they are fashionable.
- Kawarimono (変わり者) A "catch-all" term for koi that cannot be put into one of the other categories. This is a competition category (you cannot buy a "kawarigoi" from a pet shop) and many new varieties of koi compete against each other within this one category. Also known as kawarigoi (変わり鯉)[citation needed]
- Ōgon (黄金) A koi of one color only, but with metallic scales (ginrin 銀鱗 or hikarimono 光者). The most commonly encountered colours are gold, platinum, and orange. Cream specimens exist but are very rare. Ogon compete in the Kawarimono category and the Japanese name means "Gold." The variety was created by Sawata Aoki in 1946 from wild carp he caught in 1921.
- Kumonryū (九紋竜) Kumonryu is a black fish with curling white markings. The patterns are thought to be reminiscent of Japanese ink paintings of dragons. They famously change colour with the seasons.[citation needed] Kumonryu compete in the Kawarimono category.
- Doitsu-goi (ドイツ鯉) A German mirror carp with only a single line of large mirror-like scales along the top. Also written as 独逸鯉.
- Ochiba (落葉) A light blue koi with yellow patches, reminiscent of autumn leaves on water. The Japanese name means "fallen leaves."
- Koromo (衣) Koi with patches of blue- or black-edged scales. This variety first arose in the 1950s as a cross between a Kohaku and an Asagi.[citation needed] The most commonly encountered Koromo is an Ai Goromo, which is coloured like a Kohaku, except that each of the scales within the red patches has a blue- or black-edge to it.
- Hikari-moyomono (光模樣者) A koi with coloured markings over a metallic base, or koi in two metallic colours.
- Ghost koi - A hybrid of Ogon and wild carp with metallic scales. Considered by some to be not Nishikigoi.
- Butterfly koi - A hybrid of koi and Asian carp with long flowing fins. Various colorations depending on the koi stock used to hybrid. Considered by some to be not Nishikigoi. First bred in America and re-introduced back into Japan.
Differences from goldfish
Goldfish were developed in China more than a thousand years ago by selectively breeding Prussian carp for color mutations. By the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279), yellow, orange, white and red-and-white colorations had been developed. Goldfish (Carassius auratus) and Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) are now considered different species. Goldfish were introduced to Japan in the 16th century and to Europe in the 17th century.[2] Koi on the other hand, were developed from common carp in Japan in the 1820s. Koi are domesticated common carp (Cyprinus carpio) that are culled for color, they are not a different species and will revert to the original coloration within a few generations if allowed to breed freely.
In general, goldfish tend to be smaller than koi, and have a greater variety of body shapes, and fin and tail configurations. Koi varieties tend to have a common body shape, but have a greater variety of coloration and color patterns. They also have prominent barbels on the lip. Some goldfish varieties, such as the common goldfish, comet goldfish and shubunkin have body shapes and coloration that are similar to koi, and can be difficult to tell apart from koi when immature. Since goldfish and koi were developed from different species of carp, even though they can interbreed, their offspring are sterile.[6]
Keeping
The common carp is a hardy fish, and koi retain that durability. Koi are cold-water fish, but benefit from being kept in the 15-25 degrees C (59-77 degrees F) range and do not react well to long cold winter temperatures, their immune system 'turning off' below 10 degrees Celsius. Koi ponds usually have a meter or more of depth in areas of the world that become warm during the summer, whereas in areas that have harsher winters, ponds generally have a minimum of 1.5 meters (4 1/2 feet).
Koi's bright colors put them at a severe disadvantage against predators; a white-skinned Kohaku is a visual dinner bell against the dark green of a pond. Herons, kingfishers, raccoons, cats, foxes, badgers and hedgehogs are all capable of emptying a pond of its fish. A well-designed outdoor pond will have areas too deep for herons to stand in, overhangs high enough above the water that mammals can't reach in, and shade trees overhead to block the view of aerial passers-by. It may prove necessary to string nets or wires above the surface. A pond usually includes a pump and filtration system to keep the water clear.
Koi are an omnivorous fish and will often eat a wide variety of foods, including peas, lettuce, and watermelons.[7] Koi food is designed not only to be nutritionally balanced, but also to float so as to encourage them to come to the surface. When they are eating, it is possible to check koi for parasites and ulcers. Koi will recognize the person feeding them and gather around them at feeding times. They can be trained to take food from one's hand. In the winter, their digestive system slows nearly to a halt, and they eat very little, perhaps no more than nibbles of algae from the bottom. Their appetite will not come back until the water becomes warm in the spring. When the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 °C), feeding, particularly with protein, is halted or the food can go rancid in their stomach, causing sickness.
Koi can live for centuries. One famous scarlet koi, named "Hanako" (c. 1751 – July 7, 1977) was owned by several individuals, the last of which was Dr. Komei Koshihara. Hanako was reportedly 226 years old upon her death.[8][9][10][11] Her age was determined by removing one of her scales and examining it extensively in 1966. She is (to date) the longest-lived koi fish ever recorded.[12][13]
Breeding
Like most fish, koi reproduce through spawning in which a female lays a vast number of eggs and one or more males fertilize them. Nurturing the resulting offspring (referred to as "fry") is a tricky and tedious job, usually done only by professionals. Although a koi breeder may carefully select the parents they wish based on their desired characteristics, the resulting fry will nonetheless exhibit a wide range of color and quality.
Koi will produce thousands of offspring from a single spawning. However, Unlike cattle, purebred dogs, or more relevantly, goldfish, the the large majority these offspring, even from the best champion-grade koi, will be unacceptable as nishikigoi (no interesting colors) or are even genetically defective. These unacceptable offspring are culled at various stages based on the breeder's expert eye and closely guarded techniques. Culled fry are usually destroyed (perhaps fed to other fish) and older culls are often sold as lower-grade "pond-quality" koi within their first year (also called "Tosai") at between 3" to 6" long.
The semi-randomized result of the koi's reproductive process has both advantages and disadvantages. While it requires diligent oversight to narrow down the favorable result that the breeder wants, it also makes possible the development of new colorations within relatively few generations.
In the wild
Koi have been accidentally or deliberately released into the wild in every continent except Antarctica. They quickly revert to the natural coloration of common carp within a few generations. In many areas, they are considered an invasive species and pests. They greatly increase the turbidity of the water because they are constantly stirring up the substrate. This makes waterways unattractive, reduces the abundance of aquatic plants, and can render the water unsuitable for swimming or drinking, even by livestock. In some countries, koi have caused so much damage to waterways that vast amounts of money and effort have been spent trying to eradicate them, largely unsuccessfully.[14]
Gallery
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Small Koi Swimming
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Six koi (and one goldfish) living in a private pond in San Jose, California -
A sample of Shusui Koi -
Sample of Taisho Sanshoku -
Koi in a tea garden in Kyoto, Japan -
Aka Muji variety of Koi. -
Platina variety of Koi. -
Yamabuki Variety of Koi. -
Taisho Sanshoku (Sanke) bred by Momotaro Koi, Japan. -
Showa variety, Koi show level. -
Kohaku, Doitsu Sanke, Kikusui, Yamatonishiki, Doitsu Kujaku. -
Show Class 8 Year Old Kohaku 85 cm. -
Tosai Kinki-Utsuri. -
Tosai Shiro-Utsuri. -
2008 ZNA Prize winning Asagi from Nagoshi Koi Farm, Japan. -
Nisai Chagoi. -
Nisai Kohaku from Yamatoya Fish Farm, Japan. -
Nisai Mix of various Koi types. -
HQ Kohaku -
A group of several varieties of Koi. -
Koi in Japan -
A Jinmengyo koi, known for its humanoid appearances.
Notes
- ^ "About Koi Fish". www.olympickoiclub.org. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ a b "Background information about goldfish". Retrieved 2006-07-28.
- ^ "MPKS Ray Jordan Koi History". Ray Jordan. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
- ^ "Early Records". Netpets.org. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
- ^ Tamadachi M (1990). "Koi varieties". The Cult of the Koi. Neptune City, New Jersey: TFH Publications. p. 191. ISBN 0-86622-085-2.
- ^ "Aquatic-oasis articles". Aquatic-oasis. Retrieved 2009-02-26.
- ^ Olympic Koi, Goldfish & Water Garden Club, "About Koi Fish", 2004 outlines of Koi diet and other Koi information
- ^ The World's Oldest Koi
- ^ "Hanako". Vcnet.com. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
- ^ "International Nishikigoi Promotion Center-Genealogy". Japan-nishikigoi.org. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
- ^ "The Guardian". The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
- ^ Barton, Laura (2007-04-15). "Tarzan's Cheeta, now the oldest swinger in town". Taipei Times. p. 9.
- ^ "The Story of Hanako". Koi Adventures. 1966-05-25.
- ^ USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program
References
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Cyprinus carpio". FishBase. October 2005 version.
- George C. Blasiola (1995). Koi: everything about selection, care, nutrition, diseases, breeding, pond design and maintenance, and popular aquatic plants. Hauppauge, New York: Barron's Educational Series. ISBN 0-8120-3568-2.
- David Twigg (2001). How to Keep Koi. New York: Howell Book House. ISBN 0-7645-6242-8.
External links and further readings
