Koi, referred to as nishikigoi in Japan, are a variety of ornamental carp that have become the favorite residents of fresh-water ponds all over the world.  They are bred to develop a beautiful body shape, vivid colors, and unique patterns.  Mature Koi commonly grow to between 24" and 36", and live 50 to 75 years!  Some Koi have reached nearly 4' and at least one Koi has been reported to have lived in excess of 200 years.

Unfortunately, the development of beautiful shapes, colors, and patterns have caused Koi to have a weak immune system, so avid Koi Keepers take special care to have a large volume of well-filtered water.  The most common mistake that is made by new pond builders is to think that Koi are hearty, and can live in small ponds with shallow water and a little bit of filtration.  The best environment for Koi is to provide them with a minimum of 1000 gallons of water, with a minimum depth of 4 feet, a large filter, and good circulation and oxygenation.

Developing Koi standards of quality has been perfected by Japanese breeders, and these standards are the qualities that Koi are judged by all around the world.  There are Koi Clubs world-wide for people who appreciate the beauty of Koi and want to learn and share information with others.  Many clubs host Koi Shows where Koi are brought in and judged for their quality.  The most prestigious of these shows, the All-Japan Show, had to cancel it's January 2004 show due to concerns about a devastating virus that has become commonly known as KHV (Koi Herpes Virus).  The All-Japan Koi Show resumed the following year, and is still the pride of the Koi community in Japan.

The study of the KHV virus has become one of the most important goals in the Koi World, new information and testing procedures have become common-place by most Japanese breeders, and quarantine and heating procedures are performed by the most reputable dealers (like us).

• Koi Health
• Koi Herpes Virus
• About Ponds
• PSKoi Articles