7 Koi Fish Species To Know

Known as Nishikigoi by the Japanese, koi fish have mainly been kept for their aesthetic appeal and bright colors. Frequenting in many ponds and outdoor water gardens, this species of fish feed on pond plants and can also be hand fed. They can grow to over two feet long with an average lifespan of an astonishing 50 years. There are known to be close to one hundred different varieties of koi fish available today, so which one is right for you and your home? We have compiled a list of seven varieties of koi fish which may be of interest in your passion of koi fish.

Showa

Also known as the Showa Sanke or Showa Sanshoku, the showa looks very similar to the Sanke only with different color markings on its body. The showa will have red and white markings over a black body whereas the sanke will mostly have a black pattern over its body.

Ogon

The Ogon koi was first bred close to 1946 and takes on a distinctive silver edge on a dark scaled body. With a helmet shaped marking on its head, the Japanese were said to be fascinated by this breed of koi.

Tancho

With a noticeable red patch on top of their head, the tancho are an all white koi with practically no other markings. The red patch sits almost in the center of their head making them a stand out amongst koi fish.

Hikari

Having a pure yellow metallic sheen over their entire body, the hikari can appear to almost magically glitter in the light. The hikari have a big appetite which can result in a healthy size koi for your pond.

Doitsu

The doitsu kai have a jet black pattern against a white background. With a change in water temperature the patterns can also appear to change , although they actually do not.

Utsuri

One of the most successful breeds of koi fish, the utsuri can appear a bright crimson color with candy stripped black and white pectoral fins.

Chagoi

Number seven comes in as the Chagoi. This variety of koi can grow to an astonishing 30 inches in length and as with most koi is easy to look after.

Owning koi fish or having a koi pond in your garden can be both pleasing and aesthetic. Watching your beautiful koi can help you to relax and even reduce the amount of stress we have in hectic lifestyles these days. Having a koi pond could even raise the price of you real estate property if you ever wished to sell, as buyers have been known to be attracted to such beauty thus paying slightly more than the asking price on some occasions. Spending some quiet time near your koi pond can give a person the sense of calmness we all crave for from time to time. For more information about everything related to koi fish, please feel free to contact the team at Everything Koi.