About Koi

About Koi

The early records of Koi date back to the common carp, descendants of the black fish known as the Magoi. The Magoi date back as far as some 2,500 years. Color didn't start to appear on the Koi for another 200 years. Nearing the end of the 19th century, there were many of the varieties we enjoy today.

In the 17th century, rice farmers introduced carp into their irrigation ponds to supplement their diet of rice.

Between 1804-1830, color mutations were noticed; the first colored Koi was said to be red, then white, and when bred together they produced the two color red and white Koi. These were all mutations from the original black fish, the Magoi.

In the 18th century, another mutation occurred resulting in a nearly scaleless carp with large shiny scales along the dorsal line; these koi became known as Doitsu.

Koi keeping and breeding became popular in Japan in the 1900s but didn't spread to the Western world until after World War II.

Koi Varieties


Sanke	Kohaku	Showa	Utsuri	Bekko

Asagi	Shusui	Tancho	Goshiki	Koromo

Ogon	Kin Matsuba	Gin Shiro Utsuri	Kin Showa	Kikusui

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