Tag Archives: Common Carp

Carp Fishing Basics

Koi Fish Carp – In A Nutshell

The colourful Koi from Japan is basically an ornamental variety of common carp. In Japanese it is called ‘nshikigoi’; literally meaning brocaded carp. Even a single look at this magnificently beautiful fish will justify its name. Koi is beautiful, colourful, adaptable, agile and sensitive to human care. What more can you ask for from a domesticated fish.

If you are planning to add the Koi colours to your pet world, then some handy information about the varieties and basics of this species would not be out of place.

The Koi fish carp is available in many colours. Some common colours are white, black, red, yellow, blue and cream. However, due to constant breeding for colour mutations and efforts of specialist breeders, Koi is now available in almost every colour under the sun. Some specific varieties have also been categorised based on the colour; e.g. Kohaku – red and white combination, Taisho sanke – red and white combo with black marks, Kinginrin – with metallic scales, Ogon – single metallic colour, Hikari moyomono – combo of 2 metallic colours, etc. Some hybrids like the Butterfly Koi and the Ghost Koi have also been developed.

Koi fish carp, has gained popularity not only because it’s beautiful, but also because it’s extremely adaptable and quite hardy. It can survive without being fed for almost a week. Average life expectancy of a Koi is 25 to 30 years. This means unlike other pets, your Koi can be with you for most of your life with proper care and keeping. It can live very well in temperature ranges of 100 to 200 C. You need to ensure that the pond neither freezes completely in winters nor does it get too warm under direct summer sun.

Koi attains sexual maturity at the age of 2. A mature Koi can grow up to 3 feet long and it takes years (as long as ten years) for it to attain its complete length. So for the initial period of a few months or a year, it can also be kept in a fish tank or aquarium. But a pond is an absolute necessity for the growing, increasing Koi, after this initial period. Apart from the difference of colour among various varieties, another difference that prevails is between the two genders. A female Koi is bigger and fatter bodied than the male. This is because she bears eggs. A male has smaller and edged fins, whereas a female’s fins are bigger, rounded and less coloured. Also, a male is more energetic and with ‘attitude’ compared to a female. However, females are quicker in becoming friends and more trusting. They will be the first to attack the food or take it from your hands.

Koi is a very healthy fish with a fairly strong immune system. However, lack of proper care and nutrition or contact with diseased fish can create health problems that can even prove fatal.

Serious fish diseases that can take a toll on your Koi’s health include:
?  Koi herpes virus – In case of an outbreak of KHV, there are no specific symptoms that can be evident. It is necessary to go for autopsy for proper diagnosis, if there are sudden deaths.
?  Aeromonas bacteria – Proper information regarding the ways to prevent bacterial infections and implementing the same is the key to dealing with this problem.
However, most common reasons for the Koi to go sick are not any major diseases but stress creating conditions like:
?Poor water quality
?  Parasites
?  Low oxygen level
?  Crowding
Proper knowledge regarding the specific requirements of Koi and maintaining the same should help you deal with these problems or rather eradicate them.
So if you love your fish more in the pond than on the platter, don’t coy away from Koi. Some responsible hard work and you shall have beautiful fun!

Nelson writes koi fish here: http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com/kio-fish-care. He has raised, studied, bred and cared for hundreds of varieties of Koi. His twenty plus years of practical experience and research are available in his latest book,<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”>http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”> Insider’s Secrets To Raising Healthy Koi: The Ultimate Guide</a>.

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Carp: Oily fish, Freshwater fish, Cyprinidae, Common carp, Crucian carp, Grass Carp, Silver carp, Bighead carp, Koi, Goldfish, Oranda, Pearlscale, Angling, Mirror carp, Carp fishing, Rough fish

Product Description
Carp is a common name for various species of an oily freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae, a very large group of fish native to Europe and Asia. Some consider all cyprinid fishes carp, and the family Cyprinidae itself is often known as the carp family. In colloquial use, however, carp usually refers only to several larger cyprinid species such as Cyprinus carpio (common carp), Carassius carassius (Crucian carp), Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp), Hypophthalmi… More >>

Carp: Oily fish, Freshwater fish, Cyprinidae, Common carp, Crucian carp, Grass Carp, Silver carp, Bighead carp, Koi, Goldfish, Oranda, Pearlscale, Angling, Mirror carp, Carp fishing, Rough fish

Carp Fishing Basics

Colorful Koi Carp

From their humble beginnings as fish food for Chinese rice farmers, these colorful Koi carp were brought to Japan in the 17th century, not only to be cultivated for cheap nutritious food for their own rice farmers, but also for their aesthetic appeal.

The colorful Koi carp are the domesticated varieties of the common carp. In fact, the word Koi comes from the Japanese word meaning “carp” which was where they were bred for the first time around the 1820’s.

Now Koi are considered to be one of the most popular fresh-water pond fish,, and can be found gracing the waters of millions of outdoor ponds all over the world.

They are not only loved for their variety of colors but also for the longevity of their lives.  The longest living Koi ever recorded in history died at the rip old age of two hundred twenty-six.

Koi come in a huge variety of patterns and colors including, red, orange, yellow, black, white, silver or even blue or green. There are potentially thousands of different types of Koi, with about 20 different popular versions. Koi are popular because of their beautiful colors and designs.

Although Koi is simply a carp, modern specimens are products of selective breeding over many generations.  Outside elements such as the environment that they live in and the diet they eat can also affect the color of Koi.

It is easy to understand the patience and skill it took for the first Japanese breeders to develop such a magnificent fish.

Koi are extremely social with other breeds of fish as long as they are not small enough to be eaten by these opportunistic

feeders.  In a smaller pond Koi may seem to school together, but in larger areas they tend to split up into small groups.

Most fish owners understand that most fish will only grow to the size of their enclosure. However, because Koi can grow to be a large fish, they require and thrive in ponds that are about five hundred gallons or more.  

It is important to keep the number of fish in a pond relative to the amount of water that the pond holds.  The depth and size of the pond is extremely important.

A pond that contains a depth of at least four feet provides enough room for the colorful Koi to thrive.  The health of the fish depends a lot upon the amount of space that Koi fish owners provide their fish with.

Koi can be kept outside in the winter. As the winter temperatures begin to drop, the colorful Koi fish will begin their winter hibernation, and their digestive systems will slow almost to a halt.

However, undigested food in their stomachs can grow rancid and could cause the fish to become sick.  Because of this, Koi should not be feed in weather less the fifty degrees Fahrenheit.

Outdoor ponds can be relaxing when the sounds of the rippling water flows through the yard but, no pond is complete without a gorgeous ornamental fish like the Colorful Koi  

Many Koi owners consider themselves lucky to be able to have these fish touch their lives and brighten up their worlds.

Don Miller has been breeding Koi for over 25 years. If you found the article on Koi Care of interest, you will also find further information and articles at the Koi Guide website
http://www.go-to1.com/koi

Carp Fishing Basics

Carp Fishing Basics ? The Fundamentals

Carp is a collective name of the fishes found in fresh waters. These fishes are natives of Europe & Asia. Lately they have been introduced to various locations around the world, though with mixed results. Carp fishes can be of various types, these are:

Common Carp: Also known as European carp and is found in Asia & Eastern Europe.
Silver Carp: These fishes are filter feeder and are difficult to catch on typical hook and line gear. Special methods have been developed for these fishes.
Bighead Carp: These are of large sizes and are equally filter feeders as the silver carps. These are also known as bighead carp and can be captured through suspension method.
Grass Carp: These fishes grow in small lakes and backwaters that provide an abundant supply of fresh water vegetation. Grass carp are strong fighters on a rod and reel, because of their vegetarian habits and their wariness.
Crucian Carp: These fishes are mostly found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout Europe and Asia. These are basically a hybrid species & thus are basically regarded as a threat to other native aquatic animals.

Lately carp fishing is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and Europe and surprisingly each week hundreds or maybe thousands of new anglers experience the pleasure of catching big carp. As the crap fishing is gaining some popularity, the industry is also growing very fast. Accordingly, many top tackle manufacturers are consistently improving products and developing new ideas to provide new methods to make carp fishing a hassle free job. Manufactures have been successful to incorporate latest technologies in fishing lines, bait and rig presentation.

Interestingly, carp fish possess a natural instinct to learn and adapt to various dangers in order to survive. Carp quickly learns the most common angling tactics used by carp fishermen. As the fish learn by association they start to recognize various baiting situations as dangerous and some may start to avoid an angler’s bait altogether! That’s why anglers are always in to inventing newer techniques to catch a carp and a little intelligent thinking is necessary to make a crap compelled to hook in to the bait.

The author writes on Marine, Fishing, Boating and related topics for many reputed publishers.

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Carp Fishing Basics

The Secrets To Successful Koi Carp Fish Care

Loved all over the world for their vibrant colors and long living, Koi carp fish are absolutely wonderful additions to an outdoor pond. They are exceptionally popular and populate millions of outdoor ponds. While today, most live to be around thirty years of age, Koi have been known to live well beyond two hundred years old, with the oldest ever having lived to be two hundred and twenty-six years of age. No doubt, Koi care can be an integral factor in the longevity of Koi fish.

Koi carp fish belong to the same species of fish as the common carp, with the Koi being considered the most domesticated. The Japanese are credited as the first breeders of the marvelous Koi fish and their efforts date to the 1820’s. Koi are known for their variety of colors and attractive patterns which includes lively colors such as blue, green, red, orange, yellow, and silver. Of course, they can also be found in basic colors such as black and white. Their color is directly affected by their environment and the care that they receive. Proper Koi care requires a great deal of consistency and diligence.

Koi carp fish may behave differently in smaller versus larger ponds. This is something to be considered when planning and preparing for Koi care. Koi usually school when they are in smaller ponds, but will separate into smaller units when they are in a larger pond. Additionally, Koi are known to be very social with a number of other fish breeds, except in situations with much smaller fish that can fit into their mouths and be eaten. Remember, Koi are opportunistic feeders. Those that are planning to raise them should consider their social activity when making preparation for their pond.

Koi carp fish are best kept in ponds that are at least five hundred gallons, as they generally become large fish as they grow and age. As fish get bigger, they may outgrow your designated space. If you see that your Koi has the potential to exceed the allotted space, then you may need to designate a larger space, or trade them out for smaller fish. Take care to give the larger fish to someone that also has a passion for Koi fish. If you are into Koi, then you should make every effort to follow proper Koi treatment and care. Your close attention to your Koi can make your experience of Koi keeping very gratifying. Your Koi can be healthy with proper care, but that will depend heavily on the space designated for them, the water quality and temperature. Koi carp fish are not cheap fish and it can become very costly if you struggle with keeping them and have to replace them. Always remember that Koi fish are naturally used to cold water; thus, when keeping Koi, you should ensure that their environment is spacious and kept in the temperature range of 61 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to Koi care, there are few major issues that can arise if owners don’t administer the proper Koi treatment to ensure their Koi fish are well cared for. Koi can remain in an outdoor pond during the winter because they are cold-water fish. They actually do very well in the colder temperatures; however, for proper Koi keeping, Koi carp fish should be kept in an outdoor pond that is more than three feet deep. During the winter season, Koi go into a hibernation phase and experience a dramatic decrease in digestive functioning. At this time they will not be able to properly digest food. If you continue to provide food, Koi can get sick because the food is not digested and will spoil in their stomachs. Therefore, when taking care of feeding your Koi, make sure that all caregivers know not to feed the fish when it is fifty degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Koi carp fish add a liveliness and brilliance to outdoor ponds that people find both enjoyable and relaxing. The presence of Koi in an outside pond can make sure of a pleasant garden experience. Owners know and can appreciate how wonderful it is to have Koi carp fish as a part of their lives.

Get your FREE 10 day Koi Carp Fish Care mini course, today. Michael C. Harris is a Koi fish specialist. For more great tips on Koi Carp fish , Koi care, pond construction and maintenance visit Koi Fish School today.