Nishikigoi
........ is the Japanese name for koi,
which translated means 'BROCADED' carp, and were developed by the Japanese 200
years ago. It is believed that koi orginated in Persia and spread throughout
the ancient world long long ago. Koi were first found described in a chinese
book that was written during the Western Chin Dynasty, 265-316 AD, where they
were described as red, white, blue and black.
It was mainly the emperors that owned Koi and later became a status symbol to own Koi.
In Japan koi breeding is recorded as early
as the 17th century, where they were orginally bred for protein supplements.
They are often referred to as being the
'living jewels' because of their beauty, gracefullness and colour.
It is still not sure what happened to koi
between the 2nd and 17th century, but many suspect that koi were gradually
spread around the orient, and possibly to the middle east.
Koi are a variety of the common carp
(cyprinas carpio). Their fossels have been discovered in South China dating
back approximately 20million years ago. It is been said that some varieties
which are known for their hardiness, can live for long periods of time, simply
wrapped in wet moss and kept damp.
Koi fish are a great hobby to have, and
are consisdered a great stress reliever. Koi are very intelligent and
can be taught to eat out of your hand, and are sometimes referred to 'pigs' of
the fresh water, as they will eat just about anything you throw at them.
Koi can also hear quite well and will
respond to voices especially the voices of their owners. It is said that most
fish can hear up to about 1000hertz while koi can hear 3 times higher which
very often goes along with intelligence of creatures.
Koi appreciate in value rapidly as they grow.
When they are still small, the die more easily and to grow a Koi to a size of
70 cm is a costly exercise. The are often measured and priced according to their size,
then colour, pattern and body shape and the presence/elegance plays a role.
Koi first took hold in South Africa in the
70's where there were attempts both formally and informally to breed these
beautiful creatures, which at first were rather mediocre, due to lack of
experience, the picture however has since changed and South Africa now stands
in the same shoes of those of Japan, Korea and Malaysia, due to the dedication
and perserverance of our own highly acclaimed koi keepers and breeders.
Even some of the home bred Koi in South Africa is often excellent quality.
Koi keeping can become quite an obsession
with koi keepers and rightly so, their colours, personalities and values are
so impressive, that it does become an obsession to get better and better and
more beautiful koi.
Koi start as small fry, and generally
reach about 50% of their adult length at 24 months, and usually grow as large
as the pond they're in, but many other factors can affect their growth for
example
oxygen, water temperature, water quality, and type of food(high protein) and amount of food.
The bloodline of the Koi also plays a major role. Some Koi just don't grow to
the Jumbo sizes(75 - 90 cm) despite perfect pond conditions. The larger and deeper the pond, the better.
The average lifespan of a koi ranges
between 20 - 30yrs, although it has been recorded that a koi can live very
much longer, especially in colder climates.
Koi eat just about anything, remember they
are 'PIGS' but they can go without food for at least 10 days.
Koi are social creatures and can
get along with most fresh water fish eg: goldfish, tilapia, obviously carp and tropical fish, providing
they are not to small to be eaten or too aggressive.
They love the attention of human beings and are actually extremely curious.
Once you've experienced koi and having
your own koi, it is difficult to give them up, as they become part of you 'the
koi keeper" and becomes a fantastic "pet".
HAPPY KOI ING...!
