Koi fish are among the most popular pets in the world. They are ornamental fish that were originally bread from the common carp in Japan for hundreds of years. Koi have captured the imagination of artists, mystics and tattoo enthusiasts for generations. It is very easy to get carried away when considering purchasing koi carp for your pond or aquarium.
Before you get carried away, remember that koi fish live for a long time (sometimes outliving most humans.) You'll want to be careful and deliberate when picking your first koi fish and use the same judgment when picking all others as well. It is easy to be mesmerized by the colors and the brilliance of certain types of koi, so take your time and ask lots of questions.
The other really important factor to consider is the size of your tank or pond. Remember that koi fish can reach a length of three feet. As you go through the process of choosing your koi, you'll want to be sure that the environment is totally suitable for the lifetime of your pets.
Remember that color and body size influence the price of your koi selection. If you are just starting out, pick a much smaller fish and perhaps ones that are less decorated. You'll want to start with one or two to get used to the schedule of taking care of these guys. It might be very disappointing to spend a thousand dollars on koi only find out that your enthusiasm wanes after experiencing the amount of insolvent necessary to work with them.
When you go to choose your koi, take your time and observe the environment in which you are selecting the fish. Is the dealer someone who actually likes koi? Are you dealing with a reputable person? Take a look at the water and the size of the tank or pond. Is it clean and is the water clear? Is there an odd smell coming from the pond, look for foam or sludge on the sides of the tank or pond. That is a sign of badly kept pond.
Are the koi fish in good shape? Is the tank over crowded or filled with a wide variety of different fish and aquarium animals, or is the pond dedicated to koi with a few bottom feeders for natural cleaning purposes?
When you choose a koi fish, is the skin healthy and uniform in texture? Are the scales clean? Are the eyes clear and are the fins clean, in tact and free from bloody patches. Is the fish free from lesions and growths? Remember that you will be living with this fish far longer than you would a dog or a cat.
Keep your enthusiasm and interest but don't get involved without knowing what you're getting into. You will be hooked once you get started but be aware the addiction can be expensive. There are people who pay more for a single koi than you pay for your house.
Dennis is a koi fish enthusiast who finds peace in tending to his koi fish pond. You can get free practical information and personal observation on caring for koi at http://didarticles.com/koi
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