Koi fish: the symbolic fish of the Orient

What at first glance may seem like a pond fish is a real institution. Koi fish are not only oriental carp: they are also a true symbol in their country of origin (China) of prosperity and good luck, but also in Japan (a country that has taken a special interest in the breeding of these fish), where the Koi fish is a symbol of love and friendship. 

The history of Koi fish is very unique and is due, fundamentally, to the fascination of the oriental world for their beauty. Such is the importance of these fish that references to them already appear in Chinese and Korean writings from the 4th century. And no wonder: according to legends, Koi fish that managed to swim upstream and up the waterfalls turned into dragons. But, far from mythology, the reality is that rice farmers are credited with having started breeding them: they realized that there were more colorful carp that were more vulnerable to predators and, moved by their beauty, they began to breed them in search of common color patterns. This became, especially in early 20th century Japan, a hobby. 

In search of this color balance, the nomenclature of these fishes responds precisely to the chromatic ranges they present: common (with orange and red colors), Ochiba (with a combination of blue and orange in their scales), Kumonryu (with a white face and the rest of the body pigmented in black) or Tancho (completely white and with a red circle on the head, which is why Japan has adopted it as its official fish).

Their kinship with the common carp means that Koi fish have some similarities in terms of breeding: they are very hardy animals (they are able to live in stagnant water in a healthy way), marked by longevity (when optimally cared for, they can live between 20 and 30 years), able to adapt to different temperatures and of medium size (they usually measure around 80 centimeters, although they can reach a wingspan of up to one meter). 

But, beyond their needs to live healthy and decorate a pond with their life, what is especially unique in this breed of fish and that distinguishes them from others is their ability to be trained: not only are they able to recognize their owner but even their character makes them companions who allow themselves to be petted and eat by the hand.