Guide to Choosing Koi Carp For the New Pond Owner

After setting up a new pond you will be eager to get some fish to keep in it. Koi are often selected as the fish of choice, particularly in Japanese themed gardens. Before stocking your pond a few minutes spent getting to know these fish is a must. Understanding their needs from the beginning is a wise move for the new pond enthusiast. Koi fish can be expensive to purchase or replace so getting it right the first time should be your goal.

Many think of koi as just being large goldfish but this is not the case at all. They are actually produced from generations of selective breeding amongst carp. In general they will grow larger than goldfish with a longer body and tail fins. For this reason they are only really suited to ponds where the length is greater than 150 centimeters. Some koi are kept in aquariums but these need to be as large as a pond to give them the space required in adulthood.

Color is another misunderstood aspect of the koi carp. While orange fish are produced there are all manner of koi colors and patterns. Each pattern and color type is named using traditional Japanese names that have become the standard for categorizing a particular koi.

Along with size and overall body shape it is the color and pattern which are key factors which influence the price. Much sought after shades with well defined patterns or single colors are at the expensive end of the price range. Less well decorated koi can be purchased that are within the price range of general pond hobbyists. Smaller fish from the current breeding season are generally more affordable than larger more mature fish.

Always aim to buy these fish from reputable sellers with a proven track record. If you are fortunate enough to be buy koi directly from the breeder look out for the following signs of a good care. Above all the water should appear clean and clear with no foam or strong odor. Further more the fish should not be to densely stocked with ample room to swim freely.

If these requirements are met take a closer look at the individual fish. The koi should have no signs of disease. Pay careful attention by looking out for lesions or bloody patches, small white spots and ragged fins. Should any of these symptoms be observed it may be best to look at other suppliers for your new koi.

This koi introduction is provided for the benefit of those setting up and stocking a new pond. Andrew Fuller writes for aquariumfishshop.com about koi fish varieties and other aquatic species.