Koi (鯉, English /ˈkɔɪ/, Japanese: [koꜜi]) or more specifically nishikigoi (錦鯉, [niɕi̥kiꜜɡo.i], literally "brocaded carp"), are ornamental varieties of domesticated common carp (Cyprinus carpio) that are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor koi ponds or water gardens.
Koi varieties are distinguished by coloration, patterning, and
scalation. Some of the major colors are white, black, red, yellow, blue,
and cream.
The most popular category of koi is the Gosanke, which is made up of the Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, and Showa Sanshoku varieties.[2]
The word koi comes from Japanese, simply meaning "carp". In Japanese, koi is a homophone for another word that means "affection" or "love"; koi are therefore symbols of love and friendship in Japan.
Common carp were bred for color in Japan in the 1820s, initially in the town of Ojiya in the Niigata prefecture on the northeastern coast of Honshu island. By the 20th century, a number of color patterns had been established, most notably the red-and-white Kohaku.
Koi ponds are ponds used for holding koi,
usually as part of a landscape. Koi ponds can be designed specifically
to promote health and growth of the Nishikigoi or Japanese Ornamental
Carp.
The architecture of the koi pond can have a great effect on the
health and wellbeing of the koi. The practice of keeping koi often
revolves around "finishing" a koi at the right time. The concept of
finishing means that the fish has reached is highest potential. Koi
clubs hold shows where koi keepers bring their fish for judging.
Kohaku (紅白 (kōhaku "red and white")) is a variety of ornamental koi (carp).
The Kohaku has a white (shiro) body, with red (aka) markings, or 'hi',
across the body. The Kohaku is one of the gosanke; the ‘Big Three’,
consisting of Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa.
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