Koi (Nishikigoi) are one of the most meticulously classified ornamental fish in the world. Japanese breeders developed a rich vocabulary over centuries to describe every nuance of color, pattern, and quality. Major variety groups (Go-Sanke and Beyond) The most prestigious koi fall into recognized variety categories, each with strict defining characteristics. Big three These three … Continue reading Koi colors, patterns, types and quality
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Photographing koi
Koi move through water the way light moves through glass, bending, scattering, and catching the eye in ways that feel almost accidental. Photographing them is an exercise in patience and timing, a quiet negotiation between us, the water surface, and a fish that has no interest in our composition. The challenges are real. There is … Continue reading Photographing koi
Feeding juvenile koi
Juvenile koi under 1 year old grow quickly and do best when feeding is matched to both their size and the water temperature. The right food supports steady growth, strong color, good body development, and healthy digestion, while the wrong pellet size or overfeeding can lead to wasted food, poor water quality, and stress. A … Continue reading Feeding juvenile koi
Koi spawning
Understanding koi spawning Koi spawning is one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring events in the life of a pond, a sudden eruption of energy and motion that can seem almost violent to the uninitiated but is in fact one of nature's most purposeful rituals. As water temperatures climb into the mid 60s each spring, … Continue reading Koi spawning
Conditioning koi for breeding
Conditioning Conditioning is the process of preparing our fish physically in the weeks before spawning, and it has a direct impact on egg quality, milt viability, and overall spawn success. Begin conditioning 4 to 6 weeks before your target spawning window. Feeding During this period, we can switch our fish to a high protein diet … Continue reading Conditioning koi for breeding
Selecting koi for breeding
Selection Breeding koi successfully comes down to genetics, health, and complementary traits. Before anything else, both fish must be in peak condition. Choose fish that are at least 3 years old, ideally 4 to 6 years for females. Fish should be free of disease, parasites, and physical deformities. Look for strong, active swimmers with no … Continue reading Selecting koi for breeding
Telling male from female koi
"Koi keeping is the only hobby where you can spend an hour doing absolutely nothing but watching fish swim in circles and walk away feeling like you accomplished something profound." Sexing koi is not always easy, especially with young fish. It becomes more reliable as fish mature and during breeding season. Knowing how to tell … Continue reading Telling male from female koi