Tag Archives: Koi Carp Fish

Carp Fishing Basics

The True Story Of The Black Koi Carp Fish

Koi enthusiasts are aware of the great variety of colors and patterns associated with Koi Fish, and Black Koi are not much different to other Koi varieties outside of their coloring. Koi have been know for their incredible extended life span of up to two hundred years, but on average, with proper care and diet, they generally live between twenty-five to thirty-five years. If you have ever wondered how to distinguish the female from the male Koi, the one with the concave anal section is the male. Males Koi might also be recognized by a display of breeding spots or markings on the head. Black Koi fish, like all other Koi, spawn between spring and summer and can yield a result of as many as 1,000 eggs. Fry is the term used for baby Koi. Fry tend to begin emerging within four to seven days. This depends largely on water temperature. Then only after about three to twelve weeks of age do Fry begin to color.

These magnificent fish only came in a few color variations when the Japanese began breeding them from carp mutations. But throughout the years, with more breeding came more color variations and combinations of patterns, marking Koi Fish as a beautiful breed of fish indeed.

Black Koi specifically can mature to a length of thirty-six inches. For this reason, as it is with all Koi, it is a necessity to maintain a large pond for their environment. If a large pond is not manageable, then it is best to keep only a few Koi at a time. One of the first all black mutations, the Magoi species, can mature to an even larger size. In actuality, Black Koi are a rich bronze color but they look black when observed from above. The possibilities in Mogoi size brought about the reintroduction of their blood into other species. This is to maximize and hasten the potential of their growth.

A particular species of Black Koi fish is the Karasu. Karasu is the Japanese meaning “crow”. Like other Koi fish, the Karasu is an extremely old species. It is typically characterized by black fins and a black body, and can also be marked with a white or orange belly.

The environment and their diet directly affect Koi fish color. Typically, Koi will change color going from a duller or brighter shade. It is the Matsukawabake Koi species which posses the ability to change color, and it is the Black Koi that generally displays white areas on its body. However, this Koi Fish can turn completely black or completely white according to season changes or changes in water temperature. But, when conditions change this Koi Fish amazingly returns to its original pattern.

The most popular of the Black Koi species is the Kumonryu, which first appeared in the1980’s. Markings of the Kumonryu reminded some early observers of the bodies of dragons depicted in ancient paintings, while others imagined the fish to look like dragons ascending through white clouds in the sky, thus the meaning of Kumonryu “dragon fish”. These Koi have the ability to change their color in the same manner as the Matsukawabake.

The large variety of colors that Koi come in has been one of the attractions that draws pond owners to Koi, and an even bigger attraction is the idea of owning a fish with the ability to literally change color right before your very eyes. This characteristic is common in some of the Black Koi species.

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

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.