Black Koi Information
Koi come in all colors of the rainbow, but perhaps the most stunning of Koi are black Koi. Beyond their coloring, black Koi are just like any other Koi that can be found in ponds around the world. While some Koi can live up to two hundred years, the average Koi lives about 25 to 35 years.
Koi males can be easily identified by their concave anal section and sometimes breeding spots on their head.
When the Japanese who developed Koi started breeding them from carp, they only came in a couple colors. Through decades of careful breeding, Koi now come in many color varieties and patterns. Spawning can result in nearly 1,000 eggs. Fry, or baby fish, will hatch in four to seven days, but their color doesn’t develop until three to twelve weeks of age.
The black Koi can be nearly three feet in length...
Like all Koi, black Koi must be kept in a large pond to achieve maximum health and life span.
Magoi Koi are the first black Koi that were able to grow to a large size. They are not actually black, but a deep bronze that appears black from the surface. Because of their large size, modern breeders are introducing the Magoi into other Koi to maximize their growth potential.
Another species of black Koi is the Karasu, which means “crow” in Japanese. The Karasu are an old species with black finds and a black body. They sometimes have a white or orange belly.
Your pond environment is a crucial part of your Koi’s life. Changes in their temperature, water chemistry, or diet can result in changes in color. Koi that are malnourished can lose their shine and become dull.
Other Koi species, like the Matsukawabake, can change color.
This species has areas of white on its body and is not completely black. Depending on the water temperature, its color can change completely – sometimes from completely black to completely white. Once the water conditions go back to normal, its color reverts to normal.
The Kumonryu, a name meaning “dragon fish”, first appeared in the 1980’s and are now the most popular black Koi. They are called dragon fish because some look like the dragons in ancient artwork. Some also believe the fish look like dragons flying through the clouds. They can change color just like the Matsukawabake Koi.
Your Koi pond is the most attractive feature of your backyard and can be even more beautiful with the addition of black Koi, especially ones that change color with the seasons. They will be a valuable part of your family and bring decades of enjoyment.
