16 types of koi carp for an aquarium

Today, koi carp are used in more than just outdoor ponds. These fish can bring a touch of elegance to any aquarium with their striking hues and graceful movements. You’re in for a treat if you’ve considered adding koi to your tank. Koi come in a variety of varieties, each with a distinct charm that makes them suitable for life in an aquarium.

We’ll look at 16 distinct koi carp varieties in this post that would look great in your aquarium. There is a koi to fit any taste and tank design, from the vivid reds and oranges of the Kohaku to the graceful patterns of the Shiro Utsuri. We’ll explore their unique characteristics, maintenance needs, and what makes each type unique.

Knowing these 16 varieties will help you make an informed decision and make sure your koi flourish in their new home, regardless of your level of experience with aquariums or level of inexperience with fish keeping. Let’s examine these stunning fish in more detail to choose the ideal addition to your aquatic haven.

Koi Carp Type Description
Kohaku White body with red patterns.
Taisho Sanke White body with red and black patterns.
Showa Sanke Black body with red and white patterns.
Shiro Utsuri Black body with white patterns.
Hi Utsuri Black body with red patterns.
Ki Utsuri Black body with yellow patterns.
Asagi Blue-gray body with red patterns.
Shusui Blue body with red patterns, scaleless.
Tancho White body with a red spot on the head.
Goshiki Blue body with five colors of patterns.
Yamabuki Bright yellow body.
Ogons Metallic body in various colors.
Hikari Muji Single color metallic body.
Hikari Matsuba Metallic body with a pinecone pattern.
Hikari Futsurin Metallic body with unique, scattered patterns.
Kawarimono Non-standard, mixed patterns and colors.

Description

A variety of ornamental freshwater fish belonging to the carp family. The average body size of pond dwellers is 90–100 cm, and 130 cm is less common. Koi carp in aquariums typically measure 20–30 cm, however some species can reach up to 70 cm.

Breeders assess koi carp based on their appearance. Body parts need to follow specific ratios.

Body parts

The majority of species have blunt noses and big, wide heads. Strong development is present in the pectoral fins. The dorsal fin region of the body is tapering. The body appears proportionate and even when viewed from above. When it comes to the skin, breeders look for bright colors, healthy skin, and well-defined spots that are distributed evenly across the body. The body pattern ought to be appropriate for the size of the carp.

How long do koi carp live

Decorative carp are long-lived fish that can reach up to 35 years in captivity and up to 100 years with proper care. Records exist of people living to be 220 years old.

Types

Koi appear interesting and varied. colors that are predominant in the hue:

  1. red;
  2. cream;
  3. black;
  4. white;
  5. cream;
  6. blue.

Over 80 breeds are known to exist. 16 groups of koi carp are created based on shared traits.

  1. Kohaku. White fish with red-orange spots.
  2. Taisho Sanseku. White koi with red and black spots.
  3. Showa Sanseku. Black carp with red and white speckles.
  4. Utsurimono. Black carp with colored spots.
  5. Bekko. Body color: red, orange, white or yellow. Dark spots are evenly distributed on the body.
  6. Tante. Distinguishing feature – red spot on the head. Especially prized is a smooth round spot. Color varies.
  7. Asagi. Koi with bluish and gray scales on the back and a red or orange belly.
  8. Shusui. A type of mirror carp with two rows of large scales from head to tail.
  9. Koromo. Koi with red and black-red spots. Outwardly resembles kohaku, distinguished by spots with dark edging.
  10. Kinginrin. Carp of different colors with pearl and golden shimmer. The shine is achieved by the special structure of the scales. There are individuals of golden and silver shades.
  11. Kawarimono. Characteristic of carps that do not belong to the existing breed standards.
  12. Ogon. The color of the Ogon is uniform, there are fish of yellow, orange, red and gray colors.
  13. Hikari-moemono. Koi with a metallic sheen and various colors.
  14. Goshiki. Black carp with red, yellow or blue specks.
  15. Doitsu-goi. Varieties without scales or with rows of large scales, like mirror carp.
  16. Kumonryu. The name translates as "dragon fish". Black koi with white spots.

There are instances where koi are kept in illuminated city fountains as well as in handcrafted ponds. Aquariums that require regular and high-quality maintenance can accommodate koi carp. You cannot function without costly equipment. Seawater purity is a requirement for Japanese carp. Water characteristics:

  1. temperature 15–30 degrees;
  2. pH 7-7.5, during the treatment of fish, an increase in the indicator to 8 is allowed;
  3. hardness 1–7.

Don’t let the water’s parameters change suddenly. On the body, cuts and minor ulcers may develop if cared for improperly. Gill rot and other infectious diseases can be fatal as a result of low water quality. A decrease in appetite and general lethargic state are indicators of the disease’s onset. Koi are prone to ichthyophthirius, a condition in which the skin is parasitized by ciliates. Fish that are infected experience swelling where the parasites have penetrated their skin. treated with a malachite green or table salt solution.

Pond size

Since koi are active fish, they require a large amount of space to grow normally. A minimum of five liters of water should be present for every centimeter of the fish’s body. Remember that fish grow during the course of their lives. Fish kept in 500-liter aquariums are called koi.

Decoration

When designing an aquarium, highlight the vibrant creatures within. Fish appear better on a plain background. Fish enjoy moving decorations and tilling the ground. Consider the color scheme in advance. Vibrant fish look amazing against a dark background.

Try to keep the number of plants and accessories to a minimum. Too many will take up room in the aquarium and divert attention from the koi. Select soil with fine gravel or sand.

Equipment

From the necessary equipment:

  1. Filter. For a large aquarium, you need a powerful filter. Choose external devices. They are more powerful and provide high-quality filtration. You may need several devices for normal filtration.
  2. Compressor. Koi carp require oxygen saturation of the water. Purchase two different devices for filtration and aeration. Do not entrust aeration to the filter.
  3. Lamp. For the brightness of the color of the koi, intense lighting and compliance with the daylight regimen are required.

Vegetation

Avoid putting in plants in the ground because carp will trample them. A few hanging pots should be positioned in the aquarium, 15 cm or less from the bottom. Arrange plastic plants.

Finding the ideal koi carp can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many varieties to choose from. Koi carp are a stunning addition to any aquarium. To assist you in making a decision, we will examine 16 distinct varieties of koi carp in this post, emphasizing their distinctive patterns, colors, and traits. This guide will give you a clear understanding of what each type has to offer and how they can improve your aquarium setup, regardless of how experienced you are with aquariums.

Care

The composition and standard of food, as well as the water’s purity, are important considerations for brocade carp and other aquatic inhabitants.

Feeding

Koi eat everything. Mix the live and dry food together. Food should not be left on the ground; carp should consume it in five minutes or less. No more than 3% of the aquarium fish’s total weight should be added to the dish. Feed in tiny portions two to three times a day. Appetizing food

  1. cereals;
  2. lettuce leaves;
  3. dandelion;
  4. worms;
  5. cyclops and daphnia crustaceans;
  6. shrimp;
  7. chicken eggs.

In cold weather

Make sure carp have a cozy winter. Carp become less hungry and mostly eat algae as the weather gets colder and they get ready for hibernation. Never let the water in a pond drop below 4 degrees. Instead, drill multiple holes in the ice and add an aerator and heater. An aquarium makes winterization easier.

Compatibility

Koi and many other fish species get along poorly. Select neighbors who share your traits and dimensions:

  1. goldfish;
  2. ancistrus;
  3. plecostomus.

The compatibility with other brocade carp is still the greatest. Tiny occupants will be consumed.

Carp are lively and serene fish. They are shy fish until they get used to the aquarium, but they quickly become lively fish.

Breeding

Rarely do carp breed in aquariums. A large tank is required for koi breeding at home. Reproduction takes place at 20 degrees in the spring and summer. Select the most attractive producers. When an individual reaches 23 cm of maturity, the male and female are different:

  1. powerful pectoral fins;
  2. less weighty body;
  3. narrow head shape;
  4. the appearance of growths on the gills (tubercles).

Feed live protein food to koi carp during breeding, and change the water more frequently. Recall that parents frequently fry and eat eggs. Get a container ready to hold the eggs. One week after the eggs are laid, the fry start to show. The fry attach themselves to the ground or plants because of their unique structure, and they remain there until they hatch. Once the young ones are able to swim on their own, they will sometimes swim to the water’s surface and begin eating. Ensure that the water is clean and well-aerated.

Selecting koi fish for your aquarium can be a thrilling undertaking. With so many varieties of koi available, it’s critical to choose the ones that complement your aquarium’s design as well as your tastes. Every one of the sixteen varieties we covered has its own special qualities and elegance, ranging from the vivid hues of the Kohaku to the intricate designs of the Shiro Utsuri. Knowing these distinctions enables you to make an informed choice, guaranteeing that your koi will flourish and improve the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium.

Although koi are usually thought of as belonging in outdoor ponds, they can actually adapt quite well to aquarium life provided their needs are satisfied. Their well-being depends on having enough room, suitable tank mates, and appropriate water conditions. You can get up close and personal with the graceful beauty of koi by choosing fish that complement the environment of your aquarium and giving them proper care.

Never forget that the secret to a great aquarium setup is striking a balance between aesthetics and your koi’s practical requirements. Plan and study slowly, and don’t be afraid to ask knowledgeable people or seasoned hobbyists for advice. If you take the proper care of your aquarium, it can turn into a magnificent display for your selected koi, giving you and your fish years of enjoyment.

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Anton Popov

A professional aquarist with over 15 years of experience. Main specialization - marine aquariums and creating optimal conditions for keeping rare species of fish and corals. I am fond of aquascaping, actively participate in international competitions. I love to share knowledge and experience to help others create the beauty of the underwater world at home.

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