The Koi Japanese Fish - Exposed

Koi is Japanese for carp, and that's exactly what they are. Their ancestors are the dull grey or brown colored common carp one can often find in the wild, and in China, the people there reared the common carp for food. But when these hardy fish were introduced into the waters in Japan centuries ago, they were bred for a specific purpose: color. Later on, these were called nishikigoi by the natives, or simply koi by the modern man. The koi Japanese fish have since come to be known as the world's most beautiful ornamental pond fish.

The measure of a genuinely beautiful koi Japanese fish lies in the quality of its color. Luster and depth of color determine the value of the koi, and are especially important in metallic varieties. This is the reason why butterfly koi aren't considered true koi - they were bred not for color, but for form. Their flowing fins are indeed eye-catching; however, this does not pass the standards of a true koi.

Food containing carotene and the algae known as spirulina will help to enhance the colors in a koi Japanese fish. Many believe that the best source of color enhancers is small bits of fresh fish. Snacks or goodies, such as worms and small prawns are mere supplements and should not be regarded as regular food, but they can be used as treats to get the koi Japanese fish to feed from your hand.

Part of the charm of koi Japanese fish is that they are energetic swimmers, causing their colors to appear more vibrant and alive. Overfeeding causes them to grow too big and move sluggishly in the water, making them lose their potential as graceful and artful creatures. Overfeeding also causes them to excrete often, and this is bad for the water. Fish waste contains ammonia and in large amounts can be extremely harmful to the koi Japanese fish. This in turn can mean a lot of inconvenience for you, not just in cleaning the tank or pond, but also in focusing your concentrated efforts in trying to cure or bring back the health of your pets.

As their colors can be more appreciated when viewed from above, koi Japanese fish are more suitable placed in a pond. However, there is another, more practical reason for doing so - koi Japanese fish grow to large lengths quickly, and keeping them in a tank or aquarium may limit their growth potential. Besides that - considering their growth rate - if one intends to rear a significant number of koi, housing them in a tank or aquarium may cause overcrowding, and stress the fish. Stress makes koi Japanese fish less immune to sickness, and they may not be as tolerant or as tough as they are supposed to be.

Koi Japanese fish are wonderful creatures and a source of both peace and entertainment for many. In Japan, they are still called nishikigoi, so one must be careful when visiting. A visitor not knowing any better and mentioning that he is fond of koi might be given the common carp on a dish, cooked to perfection and complete with garnishing. However, ask for nishikigoi and with all pride they will most definitely lead you to their garden pond.

Jake Ross is a koi fish expert. For more great information on koi Japanese fish, visit http://koifish.online-re-source.com.