‘’Koi Carp’’

Majestic Beauties of
the Aquatic World
Submitted By : Group No. 1

1. Alinta Nobert – U2116002

2. Smrithy Joy – U2116003
3. Antony Rolwin Robert – U2116004
4. Athulya Prakash – U2116007
Reference:

• https://chat.openai.com/

• https://www.wikipedia.org/

• https://www.pexels.com/ ( images )
Introduction
• Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio). are ornamental
fish that have been selectively bred for their
vibrant colors and patterns.

• They are popular additions to water gardens

and ornamental ponds due to their striking
appearance.
 Conservation status
Domesticated
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Cyprinus
Species: C. carpio
Variety: C. c. var. "koi"

Trinomial name
Cyprinus carpio var. "koi"
Linnaeus, 1758
g

History of Koi Carp

History
• Originated in Japan in the 19th century.

• Koi Carp have a rich history that dates back to 19th-century Japan, where
they were initially kept for their aesthetic qualities.

• What started as a simple hobby evolved into an intricate art form through
selective breeding.
Characteristics
 Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio), often simply referred to as koi, are a
popular and ornamental species of freshwater fish that are widely kept in ponds and
water gardens. Here are some key characteristics of koi carp:

• Coloration: One of the most distinctive features of koi carp is their vibrant and
diverse coloration. They come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow,
blue, green, and white. The patterns and combinations of colors can vary significantly,
and different varieties of koi have specific color patterns.

• Patterns: Koi are known for their beautiful and intricate patterns, which include
spots, stripes, and patches. There are various recognized varieties of koi, each with its
unique pattern and color arrangement. Some common patterns include Kohaku
(white body with red markings), Taisho Sanke (white body with red and black
markings), and Showa (black body with red and white markings).
• Body Shape: Koi carp have a streamlined and elongated body, which is laterally
compressed. They have a pair of barbels (whisker-like sensory organs) on their upper
lip, which are used to detect food in the substrate.

• Size: Koi carp can grow to impressive sizes, and their growth can be influenced by
factors such as water quality, nutrition, and the size of the pond. In suitable
conditions, koi can reach lengths of up to three feet or more.

• Lifespan: With proper care, koi carp can live for several decades. Some well-
maintained koi have been known to live for more than 50 years.

• Behavior: Koi are social fish that thrive in groups. They are known to be quite
friendly and can even be trained to eat from their owner's hand. Additionally, koi are
known for their graceful and leisurely swimming movements
• Hardiness: Koi carp are generally hardy and can adapt to a variety of environmental
conditions. However, they are sensitive to water quality, and maintaining a stable and
well-filtered pond is crucial for their health.

• Diet: Koi are omnivores, and their diet includes a combination of commercial koi
pellets, live or frozen food like brine shrimp or bloodworms, and plant matter. Proper
nutrition is essential for their growth and overall well-being.

• Reproduction: Koi reproduce through external fertilization, where the female

releases eggs and the male releases sperm into the water. The fertilized eggs hatch
into fry, and the young koi undergo various stages of development.

• Varieties: There are numerous varieties of koi carp, each with its unique
characteristics. Some of the popular varieties include Kohaku, Sanke, Showa, Asagi,
Shusui, and many more.
Varieties of Koi Carp
• Different types of Koi, including Kohaku, Sanke, Showa,
Taisho Sanke, Asagi, Shusui, Utsuri, Bekko, and
more.Each Koi variety boasts unique color patterns, scales, and
characteristics.

• Understanding the distinctions between these varieties adds

depth to the appreciation of Koi.
Habitat
The natural habitat of Koi Carp is in freshwater systems, particularly in slow-moving or
still waters like ponds, lakes, and rivers. Here are some key points about the habitat of
Koi Carp:

• Freshwater Environments:
Koi Carp are freshwater fish, preferring environments with stable water conditions.
They thrive in environments with low to moderate water flow.

• Still or Slow-Moving Waters:

Koi are often found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.
They prefer calm waters with minimal current, allowing them to swim comfortably.

• Temperature Range:
Koi Carp can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer water
temperatures between 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C).
In colder temperatures, they may become less active, and in extremely hot
temperatures, they may experience stress
• Substrate and Bottom Composition:
Koi are bottom feeders, and their natural habitat often includes a substrate with
mud or sandy bottom.
The muddy or sandy substrate provides a suitable environment for Koi to forage for
food.

• Vegetation and Cover:

Aquatic plants and submerged vegetation are common in Koi habitats, providing
cover and places to explore.
Vegetation also contributes to water quality by acting as a natural filter.

• Oxygenation:
Adequate oxygen levels are crucial for Koi survival.
In their natural habitat, oxygen is often provided by natural aeration processes, such
as water movement and aquatic plant photosynthesis.
Morphology
1. Body Shape: Koi carp have a streamlined and elongated body shape, which helps
them swim efficiently in the water. However, the body shape can vary depending on
the specific breed and individual fish.

2. Fin Shape: Koi carp have various fins, including the dorsal fin, caudal fin (tail fin),
pectoral fins, and pelvic fins. The shape and size of these fins can vary among
different koi carp breeds, but they generally have well-developed and symmetrical
fins.

3. Body Size: The size of koi carp can vary widely, depending on factors such as age,
genetics, and environmental conditions. They can range from a few inches in length
to over three feet long.

4. Coloration: One of the most distinctive features of koi carp is their vibrant and
diverse coloration. Koi carp can display a wide range of colors, including red, orange,
yellow, white, black, and various combinations and patterns. The coloration can vary
depending on the breed and individual fish.
External Features –
Difference In Males
And Female
• In terms of head shape, male koi carp often have a more angular and elongated head
compared to females, which tend to have a rounder and more streamlined head
shape.

• The mouth of male koi carp is usually larger and more pronounced, while females
typically have a smaller and less prominent mouth.

• When it comes to scales, males may develop small, rough patches or tubercles on
their head, pectoral fins, and operculum during the breeding season. Females, on the
other hand, generally have smoother scales without these rough patches.

• Both male and female koi carp have barbels, which are sensory organs located on the
upper lip. However, the barbels of males are often thicker and longer compared to
females. As for the eyes, there isn't a significant difference between male and female
koi carp in terms of eye appearance. Both males and females typically have round,
protruding eyes.
Nutrition Feeding
• High-Quality Koi Pellets:
Feed Koi a nutritionally balanced pellet with a protein content of 30% to 40%.

• Variety in Diet:
Supplement their diet with occasional treats like vegetables and live or frozen foods.

• Seasonal Feeding:
Adjust feeding amounts based on the season, considering lower intake in colder
months.

• Frequency of Feeding:
Feed adult Koi once or twice a day; younger Koi may benefit from more frequent
feedings.

• Monitor Water Temperature:

Adjust feeding schedules and amounts based on water temperature.
• Avoid Low-Quality Foods:
Stay away from low-quality or generic fish foods that may lack essential nutrients.
Investing in a reputable brand of Koi food ensures better nutrition for your fish.

• Consideration for Color-Enhancing Foods:

There are specialized Koi foods that contain ingredients aimed at enhancing the
vibrant colors of Koi.
These foods often contain natural color enhancers like spirulina.

• Feeding Techniques:
Train your Koi to recognize you as the feeder. This can make feeding time an
interactive and enjoyable experience.
Use a consistent feeding location to make it easier to monitor their behavior and
feeding habits.
Breeding
Behaviour
• Surface Feeding:
Koi are surface feeders, and they often come to the water's surface to eat.
Floating pellets are ideal for easy monitoring of feeding behavior.

• Feeding Response:
Koi can quickly learn to associate their owner with feeding time.
They may gather near the feeding area or show excitement, such as splashing, when
they anticipate food.

• Social Feeding:
Koi are social fish, and their feeding behavior is influenced by the presence of other
Koi.
Dominant individuals may get to the food first, but most Koi will eventually have a
chance to eat.
• Temperature Influence :
Common carp is active in feeding when the water temperature is over 18–20 oC.
Though common carp tolerates high water temperature (around 28–30 oC) the
optimum temperature of growing is between 20 and 25 oC. During those periods when
the water temperature is lower than about 15–16 oC feeding of common carp becomes
less and less intensive. Feeding practically stops if the water temperature sinks under
about 8 oC. When the water temperature is under about 5 oC carp hibernates in groups
in the mud of deeper waters.

• At larval stage, they are not capable of external feeding. After hatching, the larvae feed
from the yolk sack. The mouth of the common carp is relatively large and opens in an
accordion-like fashion, enabling the fish to dig in the mud of the bottom. There are
two prominent barbels at the corners of the mouth,one pair on the upper lip and the
other pair at the corners of the lower lip. They function as feelers for searching for
food.
• Common carp is a typical peaceful omnivorous fish which consumes a range of
different natural foods, including planktonic crustaceans, insects (including their
larvae and pupae), the tender parts and seeds of water plants, and also fish eggs and
larvae, as well as smaller fish. It is important to note that common carp is a flexible
and opportunistic feeder that can switch from preferred to alternative diets according
to the food availability.

• Feeding Schedule:
Establish a consistent feeding schedule, as Koi thrive on routine.Regular feeding
times help maintain a healthy and predictable feeding behavior.
5 Interesting Facts
About Koi Carp
• Longevity and Symbolism:
Koi Carp are known for their longevity, with some individuals living for several decades.
In Japanese culture, Koi are symbolic of perseverance, good fortune, and success. The
legend of the Koi transforming into a dragon after overcoming obstacles adds depth to
their symbolism.

• Color Changes with Seasons:

The coloration of Koi Carp can change with the seasons. They may exhibit deeper and
more vibrant colors during the warmer months, while their colors may appear more
subdued in colder temperatures. This natural phenomenon is related to their metabolic
rate and pigmentation.

• Unique Barbel Sensitivity:

Koi Carp have sensitive barbels, which are the whisker-like projections near their
mouths.
These barbels are not only used for detecting food but also serve as a sensory organ,
helping Koi navigate and explore their environment.
• Variety in Scale Types:
Koi Carp exhibit various scale types, each with its unique appearance.
Besides the common scale pattern, there are mirror scales (larger reflective scales),
leather or doitsu scales (fewer and larger scales), and scaleless varieties like the
Doitsu and Kin-Gin-Rin, which have a distinctive glittering appearance.

• Ability to Learn and Recognize Owners:

Koi Carp are surprisingly intelligent and can learn to recognize their owners.
They associate their owners with food, and over time, they may approach the water's
surface or exhibit excitement when their owners are nearby, anticipating feeding.
Thank You