There so many people who find watching aquatic life calming, relaxing, and peaceful. Whether you prefer to have an aquarium or pond, salt water or fresh water, or even like to go watch them swim at the lake, river, or ocean, fish and other aquatic life have a graceful demeanor in the water that is most enjoyable. Koi fish in particular are one of the most commonly adored fish people keep in their outdoor pond or in an aquarium, and we at Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings would like to touch on some of the facts concerning koi fish.
Types of Koi Fish
When it comes to koi fish, females tend to be rounder and larger than the male counterparts. The history of Koi fish is quite mysterious. Many believe they are indigenous to Japan as they began breeding them in the mid-1800’s for their aesthetic appeal. Others believe they originated in China. A red and white koi, the Kohaku, is the most popular variety of koi in Japan. The most popular in the United States include the Kohaku, Taisho Sanke, and the Showa Sanke; which the latter two are red, black, and white.
Koi Fish Are Intelligent & Friendly
Being that koi fish are very intelligent, they can be easily trained like a dog or a cat to eat from your hand, and some have even been trained to eat from your mouth. Their diet is whatever they can munch on from the pond plants but koi fish are omnivorous, but are limited without any teeth. Under the optimal conditions koi fish can grow to nearly three feet in length. If the pond is too shallow and little shade is offered, they can be easily sunburned. Recently-hatched offspring called koi fry and during the mating process, koi fish will eat their eat young. As a result, during mating season, the koi fry need to be removed from the tank to be preserved.
Hanako Koi
Of all recorded history, a legendary koi named Hanako lived to be the oldest koi. Passing away in 1977, Hanako was hatched in 1751 and lived to the ripe old age of 226. This means, this little famous Japanese koi lived through the Industrial, American, and French Revolutions. Later to be alive for the formation of the United States, the invention of electricity and the automobile, and would survive World War I and II, and even lived into the Vietnam War. Though that is an extremely long lifespan, under the right care and conditions, the average lifespan of koi fish is between 30 and 40 years. The koi’s age was not visible to the naked eye, even though Hanako may have lived for 226 years. Much like the rings of a tree, microscopic growth marks cover a koi fish’s scales. They are an indication of rapid growth or even a shortage of food.
Koi Fish Symbolism
In many Asian cultures, koi fish symbolize perseverance and endurance, as well as strength and individualism. With the koi fish developing an assortment of colors, each hue has special significance.
Gold koi: Wealth and prosperity.
Metallic Koi: Success in business.
Black Koi: Patriarchal symbolism, with red matriarchal, blue for sons, and pink for daughters.
Koi Fish Chainsaw Carvings & More Carved in Las Vegas, Nevada & Helena, Montana
If you love koi fish, or know someone who does, Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings carves many types of fish, including koi! Call us today to learn more.
