As man domesticated dogs from the wolf, Japanese farmers cultivated koi from the common carp. Bred for their striking colors, koi are cherished and considered lucky in Asian culture. More recently, keeping koi in home ponds and water gardens has become a popular hobby around the world.
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Fact File
Where to see them: Koi Pond
Length: 3 to 4 ft
Weight: 60 to 80 lbs
Lifespan: More than 25 yrs
Habitat: Ponds, rivers, and streams
Diet: Aquatic insects, crustaceans, worms, seeds, aquatic plants, and algae
Schooling Jewels The orange koi best resembles its cousin, the goldfish, though a rainbow of colorful varieties exist..
