Nishikigoi, or Koi as they are more commonly known, are the national ornamental pond fish of Japan. They are relatives of the goldfish but are far more colourful and grow a great deal larger – sometimes up to 3 feet long garden ponds.
Koi originated back in 800AD where they were bred for food by isolated farmers in what is now the Niigata Prefecture, North West of Tokyo.
Eventually, colourful specimens were noticed in the early farmers. ponds and, from the 1800′s, breeding for colour became a highly competitive pastime among the Japanese peasant farming community.
These magnificent fish came to be referred to as ‘living jewels’ and are now enjoyed as much loved (and long lived) companion pets in garden ponds all over the world.
Koi Varieties
Koi Feeding
Koi Care
Water Quality
Diseases
