Black Koi

The gorgeous Koi fish first came from the carp mutations. At that time they only came in one or two colors. Not a lot of choice then. Throughout the upcoming years with more breeding done, the color varieties and patterns grew and emerged.

The Black Koi can grow as big as thirty six inches in length. Because of the size and length they do need to be kept in bigger ponds. Another variety of Koi is the Magoi. It is one of the first all black mutations and can also grow to a very large size. They are really not black at all but a beautiful deep bronze color. However when looked down upon they appear to be black. Because of their potential to grow to this size breeders use the Magoi blood with other species to accelerate and capitalize on the growth potential.

There is even one species of Black Koi fish nicknamed the “crow”. The actual name of this Koi fish is Karasu. The Karasu is another very old species. This variety has black fins and a black body. They can also have an orange or white belly.

Koi fresh water fish also have a penchant to change their color due to the effects of their diet or their surroundings. These color changes usually involve the fish going from a duller color to much brighter bold shading. One specific species of Koi known as the Matsukawabake has the capability to change its color. However it is the Black Koi that usually has areas of white on its body. Koi fish can change their color entirely due to changes in water temperature or even the seasons. They can also turn completely white or black.

Amazingly enough Koi will return to its original pattern once the conditions change again. The Kumonryu is the most popular of the Black Koi species and first appeared in the 1980’s. Their name means “dragon fish”. They received this name because some people were reminded of the bodies of great dragons depicted in very old paintings. Others also thought they looked like dragons rising through the white clouds in the skies. Like the Matsukawabake these Koi can also change their color.

These are a few of the reasons that attract pond owners to Koi fish. Their broad assortment of patterns and colors the Koi come in is amazing to behold. Even more attractive to Koi owners is their ability to own a fish that will literally change colors before their eyes!

Black Koi