Fin's Fish Guide
The Koi (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Originally from the basins of the Black, Caspian and Aral Seas; wild populations mainly in the Danube basin.
Description
The koi is a farmed colour form of the carp, bred in Japan since the nineteenth century into fish of white, red, orange, yellow, black and blue, often in fixed patterns with their own names such as kohaku and showa. Koi descend from the Asian Amur carp, which some taxonomists treat as a separate species (Cyprinus rubrofuscus). They are widely kept in ponds and can live for more than thirty years and grow to about 90 cm. Released or escaped koi turn up in Dutch canals, town moats and lakes, where their striking colours make them easy prey for herons. In behaviour and diet they are ordinary carp.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Koi?
The Koi has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Carp in striking colours and patterns (white, red, orange, yellow, black), with the four barbels and long dorsal fin of every carp; some forms have mirror scales (doitsu).
Where does the Koi live?
The Koi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Originally from the basins of the Black, Caspian and Aral Seas; wild populations mainly in the Danube basin.
How big does the Koi get?
The Koi grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 31 cm.
Is the Koi dangerous to humans?
No, the Koi is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Koi edible?
Yes, the Koi is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Koi and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cyprinus
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Koi is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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