Koi
Common Name: Koi
Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio[1]
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 length39. 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: Central & Eastern Europe into Asia38 around the Black, Caspian and Aral seas[2]
Diet: Omnivores- They will eat any food available to them
Life Span: 40 years
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: Vulnerable
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[1]
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 length39. 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: Central & Eastern Europe into Asia38 around the Black, Caspian and Aral seas[2]
Diet: Omnivores- They will eat any food available to them
Life Span: 40 years
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: Vulnerable
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
