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Home , Bubble eye, Common goldfish, Feeder fish, Goldfish, Koi, Lionhead (goldfish)

SRAC Publication No. 7201

VI September 2004 PR

Species Profile: and

Craig A. Watson, Jeffrey E. Hill and Deborah B. Pouder*

Most people are familiar with the fancy goldfish. Koi generally have common can be abundant in beautiful and often strikingly elongated bodies, but goldfish slow-moving rivers and reser- unusual koi and goldfish used as may have bodies that are short voirs. Both are considered cool- ornamental in and and round like an egg or ball. , yet they can survive aquaria. Both are species of carp In addition to the ornamental in a wide range of water tempera- whose wild types are an unspec- varieties, both species are pro- tures. tacular grey-green or brownish duced, with much less attention to Goldfish can grow to nearly 23 color with deep bodies and unre- color and shape, as ; inches (58 cm) long and weigh 6 markable . It is believed that goldfish are also produced as bait. pounds (2.7 kg) or more. They can the koi and goldfish varieties we There are too many varieties to live 30 years or more. Common recognize today originated with describe in this profile; however, carp can grow to more than 4 feet the breeding of uncommon - many books are dedicated to the (122 cm) long and weigh 80 en-colored carp in 1,000 to topic. pounds (36 kg). 2,000 years ago. This early selec- have been known to live at least tive breeding eventually led to the 50 years. production of more than 100 vari- eties of koi and goldfish. Goldfish, auratus Marketing and economics “Fancy” varieties exhibit body (Linnaeus 1758), and common parts in unusual shapes, positions carp, carpio (Linnaeus The marketing and production or colors. For example, a goldfish 1758), are members of the family economics of koi and goldfish are may have a cap on its head—a , or family. as varied as the different strains variety called an —or Koi is an ornamental variety of of fish. At one extreme, feeder large sacs under its —a the common carp. Goldfish are goldfish are sold by the pound or Bubble goldfish. Koi and native to central , China and truck load as bait and as feeder goldfish may have various scale . Common carp are native to fish for aquaria. At the other patterns and color markings that Eurasia, particularly the rivers extreme, individual champion koi range from solid black to blue, draining into the Aral, Black and may be sold around the world red, yellow, orange, white, or any Caspian Seas. The ornamental koi and transported in private jets. combination and pattern of these variety was developed in China. In the U.S., most goldfish produc- colors. number, size and shape Japan also has had a great deal of tion (by volume) is for bait and also can be different from one influence on the development of feeders. Most ornamental goldfish variety to another, especially in koi. Both species have been wide- produced in the U.S. are at the ly introduced around the world middle to low end of the price and the precise limits of their level (examples are Black Moors, *University of Florida, Institute of Food native ranges are uncertain. Both Shibunkins, Fantails, Calicos, and Agricultural Sciences, Department of species are found in many types Comets, etc.). The most expensive Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Tropical of fresh water. Goldfish are most varieties (e.g., , Ryunkins, Laboratory. common in small, vegetated lakes;

Bubble eye

Common goldfish for bait Butterfly koi

Bubble Eyes) are primarily Earthen ponds are often used, production densities are the most imported from China. However, especially for koi and for low- to challenging systems to manage. an increasing number of U.S. pro- mid-value goldfish. con- ducers are specializing in exotic struction must be carefully Water quality varieties that can sell for as much planned in consultation with the as $5.00 per fish wholesale. appropriate agencies responsible Koi and goldfish are considered for permitting. Pond management “hardy” fish because they can sur- Most U.S. koi production also has vive in poor water quality. focused on the wholesale, large- concerns include managing dis- solved and phytoplankton However, for optimal growth, volume, inexpensive level. appearance, and However, with the growing inter- blooms, managing aquatic , controlling disease vectors such as health, maintaining good water est in expensive outdoor garden quality is essential. Unlike most ponds, more specialty producers snails, and controlling or exclud- ing predators. Aeration can make other ornamental fish, which are are raising fish that sell for hun- tropical, koi and goldfish are tem- dreds of dollars each. As the pond management easier and increase production. perate species. Their optimum prices of goldfish and koi temperature range is about 65 to increase, the size of the market Tank culture systems may be 75 °F (18 to 24 °C), although they decreases, so most of the business flow-through or recirculating sys- can survive at temperatures as low is at the lower end of the price tems. Flow-through tanks have a as 32 °F (0 °C) and as high as 95 °F range. constant flow of new water. This (35 °C), especially if the tempera- As in all of aquaculture, the key to flow dilutes and flushes fish ture change is gradual (seasonal). success is to thoroughly investi- wastes from the system. The water Temperatures outside the optimal gate the market before getting source is usually well water, but range may suppress the fishes’ into production, so that you surface water is sometimes avail- immune systems and cause understand when buyers want able. Recirculating systems reuse decreased feeding and growth. water, filtering it to remove parti- fish, how many they want, and Oxygen level should be at least 5 how much they will pay for them. cles and fish waste products such as before returning it to mg/L, though koi and goldfish Reports of someone paying will tolerate much lower dissolved $10,000 for an individual champi- the tanks. Some systems also use sterilizers, chemical fil- oxygen for short periods. Un-ion- on koi do not translate into a mar- ized ammonia and nitrite levels ket strategy. ters and pure oxygen to increase production. Flow-through systems should be kept below 0.05 mg/L. The pH should be kept as close to Culture systems are usually cheaper to build and operate than recirculating systems. 7 (neutral) as possible, though koi Goldfish and koi are cultured in However, recirculating systems and goldfish may tolerate a pH ponds, flow-through tanks, and use far less water and make it eas- between 5 and 9. recirculating systems. The man- ier to maintain temperature and agement of these systems is very administer disease treatments. different; so are the costs and Recirculating systems with high intensity of production. Koi

Ryunkin

Oranda

Brood stock offspring with a wide variety of released. The eggs are adhesive characteristics, so producers who and under natural conditions they Although koi and goldfish want high-quality brood stock are broadcast in grass and other become sexually mature at 1 year should select breeders very care- vegetation along the water’s edge. of age, fish used for commercial fully. Because of this, producers often brood stock are usually at least 2 use spawning mats in koi and years old. The larger the female, Goldfish genetics and brood stock selection are even more complicat- goldfish culture. Spawning mats the more eggs she will produce. are placed around the edges of Also, some of the more elaborate ed because of the large number of strains and varieties available. culture ponds or tanks. When characteristics of exotic varieties spawning is completed the mats do not fully express themselves Goldfish brood fish should be selected for color, body shape, are moved to another pond or until fish have reached a certain tank where the eggs are hatched. age or size. absence or presence of dorsal fins, single or multiple caudal fins, eye Spawning most often occurs dur- Brood fish should be carefully shape and orientation, and absence ing the early morning hours. Both selected for certain traits such as or presence of head growths and koi and goldfish consume their size, color, health and finnage. nostril folds. This diversity may be eggs after spawning, so brood fish This publication is too brief to one reason U.S. production has and mats with eggs should be describe all the different breeding focused on the common, less separated quickly. practices used to create certain extravagant varieties. Many producers also induce varieties, but suffice it to say that spawning so that all females and the quality of the offspring is Spawning all males will at the same directly related to the quality o time. Spawning agents such as the brood stock. Koi and goldfish generally spawn human chorionic gonadotropin In koi, the most important charac- in the spring, although they can (HCG), carp pituitary extract teristics to select for are color, be conditioned to spawn through- (CPE), and releasing hormones body shape, finnage and scales. out the year if kept in the proper (LHRH and GnRH) are all effec- Koi are typically viewed from environment. The fish spawn tive. Koi and goldfish females above, so brood fish should be from February to May (depending injected with these agents at 68 °F selected from this vantage point. on the location in the U.S.) when (20 °C) will ovulate within 12 The color should be vibrant and water temperature approaches hours. The standard dry method distinct, with no bleeding 68 °F (20 °C). To reduce sponta- of mixing the eggs and sperm is between colors in multi-colored neous breeding, male and female used (i.e., eggs and sperm are fish. Champion koi brood fish fish should be separated until mixed in a bowl and then water is command a very high price and time for spawning. added). However, because they usually are accompanied by a During spawning, females will be are adhesive, eggs must be trans- pedigree to demonstrate the puri- pursued and “bumped” by sever- ferred quickly to a spawning mat ty of their blood lines. Common, al males in shallow water. Several or some other flat surface to keep inexpensive koi will produce males fertilize the eggs as they are them from clumping. Eggs can be treated with a solution of 4 grams cost of purchasing them may Goldfish bred to have multiple of salt and 3 grams of urea per exceed the benefits. caudal fins or no can be liter of water, which allows fertil- In pond culture, some feed is eaten culled very early on, but most ization and “water hardening” by the fish and some serves as fer- other varieties (especially those without activating the adhesive tilizer for the pond, helping to pro- dependent on color) must grow layer. This procedure can be fol- duce natural foods such as , for several months before their lowed by a 10- to 20-second rinse zooplankton and . Such nat- true appearance can be known. in a solution of 0.5 grams of tan- ural foods can be very important Grading for size is done both nic acid per liter of water, which to the nutrition of goldfish and mechanically—using grader effectively eliminates the adhe- koi. Therefore, pond feeds often boxes—and by hand. Grading and siveness. These eggs can then be are not complete diets (providing culling for appearance are done hatched in upwelling jars. all the nutritional needs of fish) manually; this labor is a signifi- Eggs hatch within 2 to 9 days and may cost much less than com- cant cost of production and exper- depending on temperature. They plete feeds. In tank culture, com- tise in grading and culling orna- hatch in 46 to 54 hours at 84 °F plete feeds must be used. mental fish takes time to develop. and in 5 to 7 days at 70 to 75 °F. In systems producing the most Because the cost of feed is a sig- expensive varieties, as many as 90 The larva has a yolk sac but nificant percentage of the total begins to take feed on the second percent of the fish may be deemed production cost, feed should be unmarketable. or third day post-hatch. Koi and stored carefully to keep it fresh. goldfish are relatively large when Heat and humidity rapidly Disease they first start feeding and will degrade feeds, so an air-condi- immediately accept Artemia nau- tioned room or building is best for Koi and goldfish are susceptible to plii or other foods 200 to 300 storage. In old feeds, the levels of many infectious (parasitic, bacteri- micrometers in size. In large-scale vitamins (especially vitamin C) al, viral and fungal) and noninfec- production, eggs on mats or in may be reduced and the lipids tious (environmental, nutritional hatching jars are hatched indoors (fats) may be rancid. Never give and genetic) diseases. Poor envi- and the fry transferred to fertil- moldy feeds to fish; molds may ronmental conditions and nutri- ized ponds where natural foods produce toxins that can harm fish. tion can weaken their immune (such as plankton) are available. systems and make them more sus- Growout ceptible to disease. Feeding The market will determine the Goldfish and koi are especially Goldfish and koi are omnivorous proper time for harvesting koi and prone to anchor worm (Lernaea), and can be grown on various nat- goldfish. If fish are being pro- fish louse (Argulus), and mono- ural and prepared feeds. Most duced as small feeders or bait, genetic trematodes (Dactylogyrus producers use a standard 25 to they may reach market size in as and Gyrodactylus), as well as many 32% diet throughout the little as 3 to 4 months. Many orna- protozoan parasites such as Ich, growout period. The particle size mentals can take a full year to get Trichodina and Chilodonella. Fish should be increased from a fine are more vulnerable to parasites 1 to market size or quality. The deep meal up to about a /4 -inch pellet red color of some koi can take when water quality is poor. as fish grow. Color is not a major more than a year to fully develop. Anchor worm and fish lice are vis- factor in fish produced for feed- Orandas, Lionheads and Pompons ible to the naked eye and can be ers, bait and inexpensive orna- also need more time for develop- identified easily. The presence of mentals. However, color is critical ment of the characteristic head or monogenes and protozoans must in more expensive ornamental nostril growths. This potential be confirmed by microscopic fish. Like most fish, koi and gold- delay in return emphasizes the examination. Chemical treatments fish will have better coloration need for producers to analyze the may be necessary to treat each of when fed a diet with lots of pig- markets they wish to enter before these parasites, although improv- ments. The koi and goldfish diets developing their business plans. ing environmental conditions is that are designed to enhance the also important in decreasing the coloration of extremely expensive Grading and culling numbers of pathogens and fish are among the most expen- improving fish health. sive feeds used in aquaculture. Ornamental goldfish and koi are “Goldfish ulcer disease” or “koi Goldfish and common carp lack often sold as individuals, so grad- ulcer disease,” commonly caused true stomachs, so they benefit ing and culling are very impor- by the bacterium Aeromonas from multiple feedings each day. tant. Size, color (and pattern), fins salmonicida, can cause open sores Using automatic feeders will and body shape all help determine and may kill up to 50 percent of reduce labor costs, but the capitol a variety and the price a fish will the fish population. The disease is bring. most prevalent when temperatures diagnosed. If SVC is confirmed, Axelrod, H. R., E. Balon, R. C. range from 55 to 75 °F (13 to 24 °C) the facility will be quarantined Hoffman, S. Rothbard and G. and when fish have recently while it is determined how and to Wohlfarth. 1996. The com- spawned or been handled. Over- what extent depopulation, clean- pletely illustrated guide to koi crowding also helps spread the dis- ing and disinfecting will be for your pond. TFH ease because of fish-to-fish contact required. Publications, Inc., Neptune and poor water quality. If this or KHV is not a reportable disease. City, New Jersey. any other bacterial disease is sus- However, it can kill many—or Davis, J. T. 1986. Baitfish. Pages pected, fish should be submitted to even all—of the fish in a facility. If 149-158 in R. R. Stickney, edi- a fish health diagnostician whenev- it is confirmed, the facility should tor. Culture of nonsalmonid er possible. Only a diagnostician be depopulated, cleaned and dis- freshwater fishes. CRC Press, can confirm any bacterial diseases infected as quickly as possible. Boca Raton, Florida. that are present because other infections may have similar symp- Fish that survive KHV or SVC Geran, J. 1992. The proper care of toms. Fish also should be tested for infection may be carriers of the goldfish. TFH Publications, antibiotic sensitivities so that the virus. Fish suspected of having Inc., Neptune City, New appropriate treatment can be deter- either disease should be submitted Jersey. mined. as soon as possible for laboratory Hartman, K. H., R. P. E. Yanong, diagnosis. Two viral diseases—koi herpes B. D. Petty, R. Francis-Floyd and A. C. Riggs. 2004. Koi virus (KHV) and spring viremia of Summary carp (SVC)—are of particular con- herpes virus (KHV) disease. cern. KHV affects only koi, while Goldfish and koi have been pro- EDIS Fact Sheet VM-149. SVC affects both koi and goldfish. duced in captivity for a very long University of Florida, Institute Both viruses are highly contagious time. They trace their lineage back of Food and Agricultural and can cause significant mortality. to hardy, temperate water fish in Sciences, Gainesville, Florida. Fish infected with these viruses the carp family. Production in the Huet, M. 1972.Textbook of fish often have external parasites and U.S. is focused on bait feeder fish culture: breeding and cultiva- bacterial infections also, which can and common, less expensive vari- tion of fish. mask the presence of viruses. KHV eties that have a high volume in Books Ltd., Farnham, occurs most often when water tem- the trade. However, there is grow- England. perature is 64 to 81 °F (18 to 27 °C). ing interest in producing (and a Lochmann, R. and H. Phillips. SVC is more common when water growing market for) the fancy 2001. Nutrition and feeding of is 41 to 64 °F (5 to 18 °C). Young strains from which international baitfish. Publication number fish are more susceptible to these champion individuals may be ETB256. Cooperative diseases than mature fish, though worth thousands of dollars. The Extension Program, all ages can be affected. Fish with global trade in koi and goldfish is University of Arkansas at KHV may be lethargic, swim close complex, so potential producers Pine Bluff. to the surface, and exhibit breath- should spend considerable time ing distress and erratic behavior. investigating the market before Lochman, R., N. Stone and E. They may have dead tissue in their investing in production. Park. 2002. Baitfish: feeds and and sunken eyes Fish infected feeding practices. SRAC with SVC are often lethargic, stay References and Publication 121. near the bottom of the pond or recommended reading Penzes, B. and I. Tolg. 1983. tank, and swim awkwardly. They Goldfish and ornamental also may have exophthalmia (“pop Andrews, D. 1987. Fishkeeper’s carp: a comprehensive guide eye”), pinpoint bleeding on the guide to fancy . to the care of both new and skin, a bloated abdomen, and Tetra Press, Morris City, New popular varieties. Eugen bloody mucus coming from the Jersey. Ulmer GmbH & Co., vent. It is very important to Axelrod, H. R. 1992. Koi varieties: Stuttgart, Germany. remember that all of the symptoms Japanese colored carp— Petty, B. D., A. C. Riggs, R. of KHV and SVC can be caused by nishikigoi. TFH Publications, Klinger, R. Yanong and R. other diseases or water quality Inc., Neptune City, New Francis-Floyd. 2002. Spring problems, so both diseases must be Jersey. viremia of carp. EDIS Fact confirmed by a laboratory diagnos- Sheet VM-142. University of tician skilled in identifying viral Florida, Institute of Food and diseases. Agricultural Sciences, SVC is a reportable disease; federal Gainesville, Florida. authorities must be notified if it is Sealey, W. M., D. E. Barziza, J. T. Stone, N., E. Park, L. Dorman and Wedemeyer, G. A., editor. 2001. Davis and D. M. Gatlin III. H. Thomforde. 1997. Baitfish Fish hatchery management. 1998. Dietary protein and culture in Arkansas: golden 2nd edition. American Fisheries lipid requirements of golden shiners, goldfish and fathead Society, Bethesda, Maryland. shiners and goldfish. SRAC . Publication MP 386. Yoshiichi, M. and H. R. Axelrod. Publication 124. Cooperative Extension 1991. Goldfish guide. 3rd edi- Smart, J. and J. H. Bundell. 1996. Program, University of tion. TFH Publications, Inc., Goldfish breeding and genet- Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Neptune City, New Jersey. ics. TFH Publications, Inc., Tamadachi, M. 1990. The cult of Neptune City, New Jersey. the koi. 2nd edition. TFH Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey.

SRAC fact sheets are reviewed annually by the Publications, Videos and Computer Software Steering Committee. Fact sheets are revised as new knowledge becomes available. Fact sheets that have not been revised are considered to reflect the current state of knowledge.

The work reported in this publication was supported in part by the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center through Grant No. 2002-38500-11805 from the United States Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service.