Is It True that Certain Koi Fish Bring Good Luck?
Many people believe that having orange Koi fish or any type of Koi fish will attract good luck and spiritual benefits. What many people do not know is there are several different types of Koi fish to choose from. There are over 100 types of Koi fish, and many of them have the traditional orange coloration you desire in Koi fish.
The best way to ensure orange Koi fish is to go to a breeder that has them or specializes in a breed that is more likely to have orange coloration. To identify the types of Koi there are, you will need to look at the patterns, colors, and body shapes. Once you have an idea of what you want, you can find the best breeder and fill up your outdoor Koi pond.
Building Koi ponds can be a fun task, and filling it up is even more thrilling. Being a pond hobbyist has allowed me to dive deeply into this subject and help others build their dream ponds. Orange Koi are not the rarest color of fish you can find; black patterned Koi fish can be one of the most challenging colorations to find among Koi carp.
Some Koi will have orange coloration while they are young and grow up to be a darker red color. You will need to find out the exact variety of Koi you are getting and ensure they will grow into orange colored Koi fish.
If you're looking to buy orange koi fish, our service providers page has local and online listings of stores that sell koi fish. You'll be sure to find the right orange-colored koi for your pond.
Types of Orange Japanese Koi Fish
When you first build your outdoor pond and start looking to fill it you will notice that there are many different types of Koi fish and they will come in different colors. You will see Japanese Koi fish come in white, orange, mixed patterns and more. Here are Koi varieties that you will find have orange coloration.
Hikari Muji
If you are looking for one solid-colored orange fish, this is the best breed to go for. Hikari means shiny, and that is exactly what this orange fish would look like. Shiny and orange, giving your pond a nice aesthetic and appeal. The fish that is all orange in this category is called Orenji Ogon. It is deep orange and stunning to look at.
Kohaku
If you are looking for an orange patterned Koi fish but think more than one koi fish color would make your pond look majestic, this is the best choice. Kohaku koi fish are known to be one of the first Japanese Koi fish varieties developed with two colors. Young Koi of this variety will start out a deep orange-red color, as they grow bigger, white scales will appear. There are two kinds of Kohaku koi: a white and red fish with a yellow nose and a white with red and orange patterned. The white, red, and orange fish can be harder to maintain though it is the preferred look for this type of Koi.
Taisho Sanshoku
Sanshoku means three colors; this fish typically has white, red, and black markings. The red markings can appear a bright orange because of the vibrancy. They may appear to be a fiery orange color that closely resembles red as well. The main difference in this fish is the appearance of the black color.
Showa
If you want a fish that has more black around the body’s base, this is the perfect Koi. This one is different from the Sanshoku because instead of small black markings, this is primarily black with white and orange areas. The darkness of the black scales truly makes the white and the orange-red regions pop with vibrancy. You will see the black marking on the front and back of its body, not just the front, making these fish totally unique in the Koi world.
Tancho
One of my favorites for orange Koi is the Tancho, or Tancho Showa, fish. Although these are not entirely orange, they have such a vibrant color they look amazing in Koi ponds. This fish is entirely white, but on the head of each will be an alarmingly bright red-orange marking. Tancho Showa is a great fish that is sleek, slim, and picturesque when it comes to Japanese Koi fish.
Utsuri
This fish is incredibly unique because it is two colors, black and orange. Some of these Utsuri Koi may have white markings on the tips of tails and fins similar to other koi colors. You can quickly identify these for their black bodies and brightly colored markings. They can come in red-orange, white, and yellow markings.
Bekko
When you look for Bekko Koi, you will notice several varieties. The most common is called Shiro Bekko, known for the white Koi body and markings. However, there is one variety called Aka Bekko, which is a red-orange body with white or black markings. Unlike other types of Japanese Koi fish, there are no markings on the face and they will stay plain.
Asagi
These fish are not commonly found in many Koi ponds, but they are marvelous to observe. If you want your pond fish to look unique, this is the best type for you, including the orange markings. Across the Asagi Koi body will be a blue net-like design. Over their heads, tail, and fins, they will have bright orange markings. The orange-red markings spread upwards from their bellies. Asagi Koi will have the most prominent orange coloring.
Koromo
This type is an amazing fish with the colors of Kohaku fish which is red and white, but the patterns of the Asagi Koi. Koromo is a fantastic fish if you want several colors of Koi. You may even find these in the color indigo if it suits your taste.
What Are Koi Fish?
You may think Koi fish are unique or hard to find, but the truth is they are not. They are a common carp that is vibrant and colorful. Modern Koi date back to the 19th century when fishers caught and bred colorful Carp.
Koi actually is the Japanese term for Carp. Now, the most noticeable difference between the Carp we typically think of and the Koi fish we want in our ponds is the fish's coloration.
Carp tend to be a muddy brown color, while Koi can come in many colors with various markings. There is a variety of carp called the Grass Carp, which blends the brown color of a traditional carp with the outline and fine scales of the Japanese Koi.
The next big difference between the two fish now is their body shape. Carp are smaller and leaner, while Koi tend to hold weight in their midsection. Genetic variation created this difference through breeding over a long period. Koi fish, on average, weigh more than Carp. However, Carp can grow way bigger than Koi, given the right circ*mstances, such as a clean, oxygenated habitat and plenty of food.
FAQ
Can you eat Japanese Koi fish?
Any freshwater fish like the Amur Carp or Koi fish can be eaten without causing any harm to the body. However, many people consider Koi fish and ponds as pets and choose not to eat them. Overall, the taste of Carp or Koi is very mild, like a white fish such as Cod. You may find some people still eat their fish all over the world, as it fits in with many world culinary tastes.
Are Koi fish expensive?
Koi fish are a type of Carp, but believe it or not, they are expensive to buy. They are now some of the most expensive fish in the world. Koi can cost an average of $10-$380 per fish. The lower costing Koi may come from a pet store, while the higher costing fish may come from a breeder. Any breeder with a very special Koi can even charge upwards of $10,000.
Orange Japanese Koi fish can be one of the best types for a Koi pond. They are brilliant, bright, and lively fish. They are also brilliant; you can teach them to eat out of your hands or even mouth.
Is a Koi fish pond expensive to start and maintain?
The average cost of a Koi pond is $11,000, but it can cost more or less. It can cost as low as $450 and as high as $100,000 or more. Pond maintenance can also be a very hefty fee. It can cost between $2,940-$3,150 each year just to maintain.
Many hobbyists and pet owners have loved koi because they are lively fish that can brighten up your whole yard. If you take good care of your pond and fish, they will maintain the bright orange color you desire.
When is the best time to start a Koi pond?
You should never start a Koi pond in the winter. Koi ponds should begin when it is above 40°F for more than a week, and there should be no snow. If there is still ice, snow, or brutally cold days, it is the wrong time to start a Koi pond.
