Koi
Common Name: Koi
Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio
Physical Description: Koi fish are domesticated versions of their wild European Carp counterparts. They have been selectively bred for their bright ornamental colors, including red, orange and white, and can grow up to 3 feet in length. Carp grow based on the space they have, so in a small pond may not reach their full-size potential.
Habitat: They live in freshwater bodies of water. Koi will migrate long distances to their preferred breeding grounds, flooded meadows, and stagnant marshes.
Range: They are native to central and eastern Europe, and Asia, around the Black, Caspian and Aral seas2.
Diet: They are omnivores. They will eat any food available to them.
Lifespan: They live 40 years on average.
Social Structure: Koi fish are capable of sharing habitat with other species and can live in schools of fellow Koi fish. They will breed every year upon reaching sexual maturity.
Status: Their wild counterparts are considered vulnerable1 by the IUCN.
Other: Tip from the Zoo: Don’t release your pets into the wild! The Koi fish can survive being released and can damage a local ecosystem. Pets are a lifetime commitment, and you should arrange other care, or hold onto them for life.
1 https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/6181/12559072
2 https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/japanese-koi
Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio
Physical Description: Koi fish are domesticated versions of their wild European Carp counterparts. They have been selectively bred for their bright ornamental colors, including red, orange and white, and can grow up to 3 feet in length. Carp grow based on the space they have, so in a small pond may not reach their full-size potential.
Habitat: They live in freshwater bodies of water. Koi will migrate long distances to their preferred breeding grounds, flooded meadows, and stagnant marshes.
Range: They are native to central and eastern Europe, and Asia, around the Black, Caspian and Aral seas2.
Diet: They are omnivores. They will eat any food available to them.
Lifespan: They live 40 years on average.
Social Structure: Koi fish are capable of sharing habitat with other species and can live in schools of fellow Koi fish. They will breed every year upon reaching sexual maturity.
Status: Their wild counterparts are considered vulnerable1 by the IUCN.
Other: Tip from the Zoo: Don’t release your pets into the wild! The Koi fish can survive being released and can damage a local ecosystem. Pets are a lifetime commitment, and you should arrange other care, or hold onto them for life.
1 https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/6181/12559072
2 https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/japanese-koi
