Black Koi: Facts About The Species

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Black Koi: Facts About The Species

Sunday, June 7th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

The Koi come in a wide array of patterns. The black Koi are distinguished from the other varieties with their own coloring, and nothing more. They can live up to 35 years, the oldest of which have lived up to 200 years! They are seen regularly in ponds located in the outdoors throughout the world.

The males are distinguished by their concave anal section, and their breeding spots on their head. They can lay up to 1,000 eggs. The babies (called as the fry) will start to emerge within 4 to 7 days, depending on the water’s temperature. It’s amazing that their color will emerge when they’re about 3 to 12 weeks old. When they were first bred in Japan from carp mutations, they only had a color or two. More and more colors appeared due to breeding, which showed a variety of magnificent patterns and colors.

These species can reach up to about a length of 36 inches, which calls a need for them to be kept in ponds that are large in size. The Magoi Koi is considered as one of the first black mutations which can reach to great sizes in length. Their color is actually deep bronze, which can be seen as black when they are being viewed from above. Due to their unique possibilities in terms of size, the Magoi blood is re-introduced to other species to maximize their growth potential.

The Karasu ("karasu" which means "crow" in Japan) is another one of those extremely old species. It is characterized by its black body and fins. It has a white or orange-colored belly.

They can also have the ability to change color which is triggered by the environmental or dietary effects. The color changes range from duller shades to brighter ones. The Matsukawabake is known for such characteristic; black in color and has areas or white on its body. Depending on the water's temperature or the season, its color can completely change. It can turn to a full white or full black, and will go back to its original color once the temperature conditions will change.

The Kumonryu (”kumonryu” which means “dragon fish”), which first appeared in the 1980’s, is considered to be as the most popular of the species. They are called as such as it is reminds people of the bodies of dragons depicted in ancient paintings (others would say they look like dragons ascending through the clouds). This can also change their colors.

Pond owners are being attracted to the Koi's colors and patterns, and there's nothing more exciting than owning a fish like the black Koi that can change their color right before your very eyes!

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