4 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Koi Fish
When you think of pets, a Koi fish is probably the last thing you have in mind. Though they are not as commonly mentioned and exposed as some of the most popular ones, they quietly live in a lot of homes all over the world. Aquarium, man-made ponds, and marine life enthusiasts share a fondness for this fish because of how beautiful it is, its striking colors, and how easily it can grow for years and years. It is common to see a place where koi fish easily breed and multiply. There is a lot more about these kinds of fishes you probably didn’t know.
Size and Variety
They grow very large up to 2 to 3 feet or even longer. A lot of factors can contribute to their growth including the size of their pool, the food they are fed, the shared space with the other fishes, age, and most importantly the quality of the water they are in. When you are planning to have some for yourself, you have to prepare the place before even looking for koi fish for sale because it might take a while to breed the kind of environment most ideal for them. Consult seasoned Koi breeders or pond builders to ensure that you are well prepared for the arrival of your new companions.
They were Developed in Japan
There is a reason why Koi fish are always associated with the Japanese as they are the ones who developed the breed more than a hundred years ago. They are called Nishikigoi which means embroidered carp. They were put in beautiful gardens and are prized based on the pattern they grow on their body and those that mean luck get priced higher. Most of the patterns are a combination of white with red specks, white with some red and black spots, and black with red and white. There are a hundred known species of Koi and each of them has its own unique Japanese name.
Upkeep and Maintenance
Koi are very friendly fishes and can be mixed with others, even with a goldfish. They can live in harmony with other Koi and they give off a beautiful combination of colors when they are actively swimming together in their pond. With their diet, they can be fed with commercial koi food or live ones such as shrimp, worms, and other insects. You can even give them fruits and vegetables. Don't be surprised if they change colors because they will constantly change as they age. You can expect them to live for at least two decades and some are known to even live past a hundred. It all depends on how well you take good care of them.
Koi are not your ordinary pet but they can provide you with the same perks as they can be your companion for a long time. The most important thing is that you are best prepared for taking care of one. Make sure you have the right environment to ensure they live a long and healthy life.