Mary Allen
Koi carp are the most expensive ornamental fish ever. Keeping them in your own garden pond requires a lot of passion and dedication because they are the result of centuries of breeding and care.
The origins of the koi lie in China, where the carp were bred two thousand years ago, not only for consumption but also for decoration, because even then wealthy people wanted to decorate their ponds and lakes with the most magnificent fish possible.
However, it was the Japanese who first began breeding koi in the early 19th century in such a way that their strong color patterns were shown to their best advantage. Like so much in Japanese culture, koi breeding has developed into an art form of its own, for which incredible care, experience, and attention to detail are the measures of all things.
The aim is to breed koi, or Nishikigoi as they are called in Japan, that show flawless and clearly defined color patterns, asymmetrical body structure, and even and undamaged scales. Since each koi is a very individual creature, there are countless characteristics to look out for in order to distinguish a high-quality specimen from a more ordinary specimen.
“A single dark spot in the wrong place can make a huge difference in price,” says Bernd Schmolzing, Chairman of the Board of the Fordergemeinschaft Leben mit Heimtiere e.V. (FLH).
There are many different varieties of Japanese Koi. Anyone who gets involved in keeping koi will not only be rewarded with their beautiful appearance: the ornamental carp radiate an incomparable calmness, and they often pass this on to their owners. After getting used to it and with a little patience, the fish even eat out of your hand and like to be touched. They are sociable animals that need the closeness of conspecifics. That’s why you should never keep them alone, but always in groups.
An artistic pond with koi is an investment, whether it is decorated in a classic European or Japanese-Asian style. In any case, the body of water should already be created when the koi carp are purchased so that they quickly feel comfortable when they arrive in their new home.
Suitable planting and pond hygiene must be considered beforehand. You don’t buy koi spontaneously, also because they are so valuable. However, you don’t have to invest five-digit amounts right away; young specimens are available at affordable prices. Schmölzing: “But be careful with offers on the Internet: If you buy koi, you should do so from a specialist dealer and take a close look at them beforehand. Koi are very sensitive animals and if they are too calm or have a coating on their skin, an illness could be the cause.”
Specialist dealers who specialize in koi carp also know exactly under which conditions the animals feel comfortable, which special food is best suited and what conditions the pond must-have.
Koi are considered lucky charms in Japan. Her strength and her ability to swim against strong currents in nature make her a symbol of determination and perseverance. At the same time, their beauty and flawlessness are no coincidence, but the result of elaborate and loving breeding. If you want to keep these jewels from the Far East in your garden, you should treat them with respect, then nothing stands in the way of a harmonious and long-term relationship.