Koi Cyprinus carpio haematopterus Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Characteristics: Small to very large size fish, depending on age. Koi are an ornamental, decorative variety of domesticated common carp. Carp were first bred for color in 1820 in Japan. There are over 20 different Koi varieties, distinguished mostly by their color patterns. Koi vary in color with different varieties being white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream. The possible colors are virtually limitless, due to specific breeding of the fish. Koi are hardy fish, and can even survive winter temperatures. However, they do require the water to have a great deal of oxygen while they are polluting it quickly. Oxygen pumps or water circulation devices are often Range & Habitat: necessary in smaller ponds. Carp are originally found in central Europe and Asia. Carp were first Behavior: domesticated in East Asia, and Koi are very friendly fish. They can even learn to recognize the person have since spread almost feeding them and take food from the hand. They live peacefully with other worldwide. Koi are generally kept fish species, and will school together if they are comfortable in their in outdoor koi ponds or water environment. Koi will stir up the sediment from the bottom of the pond, gardens. causing very dirty water. Reproduction: Koi reproduce similarly to most other fish species. This reproductive method is called spawning. The female will lay a large numbers of eggs, and one or more males will externally fertilize the eggs. Koi will produce thousands of offspring, called fry, at one time. Diet: Lifespan: up to 100-200 Wild: Omnivores eating mostly algae, insect larvae, and pond vegetation. years in captivity. Zoo: Koi pelleted fish food Special Adaptations: Koi are an Conservation: ornamental variety of common Information is only available for wild common carp. carp, and have beautiful colors. FYI: IUCN Conservation Status: Koi fish are common symbols in Chinese culture and feng shui. The koi fish Not Evaluated is said to have a powerful and energetic life force, demonstrated by its ability to swim against currents and even travel upstream. Some of the symbolism associated with koi are; good fortune, success, prosperity, longevity, courage, ambition, and perseverance. .