Sunday, September 26, 2010

The Amazing Array of Koi Fish Colors


The very reason that an increasing number of hobbyists breed koi is the variety of colors they are available in. Thanks to Japanese breeders, koi fish color has evolved over the years with an amazing array of color patterns and scaling. Different varieties have been categorized and given specific names according to color patterns.

Kohaku is a common variety of white koi with red or orange markings on the back. This variety belongs to the Gosanke category. Kohaku means 'red and white' in Japanese, which is where the fish gets its name. Kohaku hi is a white koi that has wide, red markings on its body. Where the red marking is a single pattern it is known as a straight hi. Black koi with red and white markings on its body are known as Showa Sanshoku.

There are plenty of koi colors for hobbyists to choose from. Yellow, white, black, blue, orange, and dark green are popular varieties. Constant crossbreeding has resulted in many koi fish colors and varieties being developed. The butterfly kio and ghost koi are some of the recent varieties, although they are not considered as pure koi at a competitive level.

The koi fish color can change according to the food they eat or the prevailing water conditions. The color usually does not reach its peak until the koi grows to a large size. The breathtaking color patterns are a source of pride for every koi fish owner. Koi fish colors are known to reflect the state of their health. Dull colors may be a sign that the koi are not in good health. This may be due undue exposure to low quality water as well.

It is important to understand more about koi fish colors when you buy koi. Their appearance will help you sort out a healthy shoal. You also need to understand their color pattern and keep a close watch on it when you bring them home. Koi fish colors vary, and add to their value as well. Many koi fish have their own color identities. The Ogon koi come in one color which includes black, yellow, red, white, or orange. The koi fish color needs to be evenly distributed over the body without any specific markings or patterns.

Koi fish color can be enhanced by keeping them on a diet of shrimp, seaweed, plankton, and daphnia. These foods contain carotene that brings out the color in the koi. For this, it is important to understand their feeding behavior. Koi are sensitive to dietary and environmental changes, which can change their color drastically. During summer, koi need to be fed twice or thrice a day since the metabolism is at the highest during this season. During winter, they may be fed once a day or not at all since they has metabolism slowed down as they tend to hibernate. Koi are omnivorous and are open to eating a variety of food. You can feed koi fruit since it is a rich source of minerals and vitamins, which will help enhance koi fish color.

To enhance the beauty of your pond, you will most probably look for the most colorful koi. These are ornamental fish in a true sense, which will make you a proud owner. Moreover, koi are considered lucky. However, as a breeder, all you need to do is provide them with enough care.








Nelson Williams explains the beauty of koi fish color differences. Nelson has raised, studied, bred and cared for hundreds of varieties of Koi. He has become a well respected source of information for breeders and pet care professionals internationally. His twenty plus years of practical experience and research are available in his latest book, Insider's Secrets To Raising Healthy Koi.


No comments: