Koi can come in a variety of bright and attractive colors. The most popular is the black koi. The Japanese honed and developed the skills necessary to breed this type of fish. They studied their habits, breeding patterns, and diet.
Although there are many colorful koi, the most popular is the black koi. With its black base color, it remains the cornerstone of the species that evolved from the Chinese carp. Contrary to what their name suggests, most black koi varieties also have their own color variations. Here are some of the following:
- The Karasu, or crow. This is known to be the oldest known black koi. Although they appear to be completely black when viewed from above the water, the underbelly can actually be white or orange. They just appear black due to the pure black upper body and fins.
- The Hajiro. This type has white markings on its nose and fins.
- The Magoi. This is the original black koi. The magoi is considered by some to be more like a carp than a koi, and although it appears black when you first look at it, it is actually a dark bronze color. Of all the varieties of black koi, these can be the largest of the group. In fact, some have grown to about four feet in length.
- The Kumonryu, which first appeared in the 1980s. They are also known as the dragon fish. Many of its breeders think that the markings on the fish’s body remind them of a dragon, hence the name.
- The Matsukabake. It has the ability to change its color, just like the Kumonryu. They often have white patches on their skin as they mature.
Like all varieties of carp, the black koi can change color as it matures. Some earn Motes, while others lose theirs. Their color is primarily affected by diet, temperature, season, and health. A well-cared-for koi only changes color slightly. So if you’re worried about your fish changing color, don’t worry too much while you do your job of caring for it and meeting its needs.
The male koi can sometimes be recognized by the breeding spots that appear on his head. The anal area is concave shaped. Like most animals, males perform courtship. And since they are sociable by nature, they like to swim in small groups. Fish that swim alone are more likely to be sick or disabled. They create relationships with those they see around them, including their human caretakers.
Black koi fish spawn between the spring and summer season. Females can produce up to 1,000 eggs. When the eggs begin to hatch, a fry (named after a baby koi) will only fully emerge in four to seven days. The time it takes to fully hatch also depends on the temperature of the water. After three to twelve, the fry begin to change color. This wonderful breed of fish first appeared in a few color variations. When farmers began to notice the color mutations in their fish, they began breeding them.
The black koi, in particular, can grow up to a meter in length. That is why a large pool or pond is your most ideal living place. Usually Koi will change color from a duller shade to a brighter shade. The most interesting fact about the black koi fish is that it can turn completely black or completely white depending on the changes in seasons or changes in water temperature. When placed back in its natural, ideal habitat, its skin will revert to its original pattern.
The wide variety of colors makes the koi very attractive. It has the ability to literally change its hue before your very eyes, a characteristic that is common to some of the black koi species. Taking care of this type of koi fish can be fun. His ability to be chameleon-like entertains most of his breeders. When you look at them swimming around the pond, they look like sparkling jewels in the sunlight. Apart from their beauty, many believe that koi fish bring good luck and endless fortune.
