How To Buy The Right Japanese Koi Fish

When choosing the right Japanese Koi fish, there are many factors to consider. But “the right” fish means different things to different people. A Koi fish that is absolutely perfect for you might not be a good match for your friend. And never, ever decide on a fish by a photo alone. Be sure to meet your new little friend in person. That’s the only sure way to make sure that you end up with “the right” fish.

In order to land the Koi fish pet of your dreams, here are some guidelines and tips that you should know before stocking that Koi pond.

First Things First – All About the Koi Fish

In 17th century Japan, the Koi fish originated. What started out as a relatively average brown carp soon morphed into the Koi fish you see today with distinctive patterns and colors. This was a result of selective breeding. The average lifespan for a Koi fish is 20 to 30 years, they can grow up to two or three feet long, and can weigh as much as 35 pounds. They are eaten as a delicacy in some parts of Asia but are prized for their ornamental value in other parts of the world.

Considering Buying a Koi Fish?

So you’ve decided to buy a pet and have further determined that it should be a Koi fish. While choosing a coy simply because of its color is done more frequently than we’d like to admit, it’s not necessarily the best way to choose. There are any number of factors that should be considered so that you are assured a healthy new little pet. The following are some categories for concern and/or attention.

Skin Quality

The kind of Koi fish you choose is going to have an influence on how you judge their skin quality. Overall, the skin should be shiny and bright. All Koi fish do not have scales. There are no visible scales on the Doitsu Koi, but any Koi fish you choose should be bright and clean.

Body Shape

What does a healthy Koi fish look like?

• They should be beautifully symmetrical
• They should have a thin body with a streamlined shape
• A healthy coy will have a broad, long head

The body of a healthy Koi fish should not have any deformities: i.e., scars, indents, bumps, or unusual lumps. Any of these could be the first sign of a problem. Additionally, make sure that there is no kind of damage on their fins, such as fraying. The fins on a healthy Koi fish should be in superb condition.

And Finally – Colors and Patterns

Now we get down to the fun part. There are more choices than one can imagine when it comes to colors and patterns. Let’s talk about the appearance of the patterns and colors themselves.

Regardless of which color or pattern you choose, the following should apply:

• No faded areas
• Colors should be strong, rich, and deep
• Pattern and color should, throughout the fish, be even

Keep in mind that as the fish gets older, patterns and colors develop and change.

As mentioned before, many individuals choose their Koi fish because they simply like the way it looks. There are those, however, that are particularly selective when it comes to precise color patterns. Some of the most popular choices are listed below.

They are known by their Japanese names:

• Goshiki – these fish are comprised of white, black, dark blue, blue, and red. While the scales are blue with other colors patterned in, the body is commonly white.
• Hariwake – orange or yellow patterns across a platinum body.
• Asagi – red in the pectoral fins and belly, pale blue head, reticulated, blue-gray scales on the body.
• Bekko – with spots running down the back, the background is white, red, or yellow.

Things to Remember

In order to thrive, your Koi fish is going to need a high quality of water and will feel at home best in a pond that has a minimum 1000-gallon capacity. Take great care to protect your fish from predators such as birds. To keep your Koi safe (outdoors), consider purchasing bird netting.

At Everything Koi, we carry everything from pond equipment and water garden products to everything you’ll need for fish and plant care. Let us be your go-to location when you need supplies for water features, lakes, ponds, and more. Contact us today for assistance.