Top Ten Facts About Koi Fish!

Koi, also known as Nishikigoi, are a variety of carp that have been bred in Japan for decorative purposes since the 1800s. Here are the top 10 most interesting facts about these amazing fish:

Fact 1: Origins and Selective Breeding

Koi descended from common carp that were selectively bred for their colors and patterns. The first koi varieties like Kohaku (red and white), Sanshoku (red, white, and black), and Hikarumuji (yellow/gold and white) emerged from breeders in the Niigata region of Japan in the early 1800s.

Fact 2: The Meaning Behind the Name

The word “koi” comes from the Japanese word for “carp.” In Japanese, it’s also a homophone for another word meaning “love” or “affection,” so beautifully colored koi are symbols of love, friendship, and appreciation in Japan.

Fact 3: Longevity of Koi Fish

Koi can live an incredibly long time – some for over 200 years! One famous scarlet koi named Hanako was reportedly 226 years old when it passed away in 1977, making it one of the longest-lived fish ever recorded.

Fact 4: Color Varieties and Breeding Innovations

While the classic koi varieties have vivid reds, whites, blacks, blues, and orange colors, new varieties continue to be developed like the striking metallic Ogon (yellow) koi. There are now over 100 different color varieties of koi.

Fact 5: Symbolism in Japanese Culture

Koi are an integral part of many Japanese traditions and symbolize perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Carp streamers called koinobori are flown annually for Children’s Day on May 5th.

Fact 6: Size and Growth

These hardy fish can grow very large, with some prize koi reaching over 3 feet (0.9 meters) in length. The largest koi ever reported was over 4 feet (1.2 m) long and weighed a massive 90 lbs (41 kg)!

Fact 7: Koi as Invasive Species

Due to people releasing them into waterways, koi have been accidentally or purposefully introduced into environments around the world and are considered an invasive species in many areas outside their native Japan.

Fact 8: The Value of Koi

The finest, highest-quality koi bred from champion bloodlines can fetch extremely high prices from collectors. In 2018, a prized 3.3-long Supuringu Koi was sold for a record $1.8 million!

Fact 9: Global Hobby

Keeping, admiring, and breeding koi has become a beloved hobby worldwide, with koi shows, competitions, and clubs where enthusiasts can show off their prized fish.

Fact 10: Hardy and Disease-Resistant

While koi have brilliant colors that almost look delicate, they are quite hardy and disease-resistant fish when properly cared for. With the right water conditions, they can resist many parasites and infections.

Is the Koi Fish Your Spirit Animal?

If the koi fish is your spirit animal, you likely possess traits like perseverance, strength of purpose, and the ability to push through adversity. The koi’s journey upstream and its determination to overcome obstacles are symbolic of pushing past challenges to achieve your goals. As your spirit guide, the koi motivates you to never give up, even when faced with difficult currents in life. You have an abundance of energy and vigor to power through rough times. The vibrant colors of the koi also suggest you are blessed with beauty, good fortune, and the ability to achieve prosperity through hard work and persistence. Let the koi fish inspire you to swim against the current while remaining calm, focused, and unwavering in pursuing your dreams.

If you don’t know what your spirit animal is, take our free quiz!