Koi

Koi, or more specifically nishikigoi, are colored varieties of Amur carp that are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor koi ponds or water gardens.

The word “koi” comes from Japanese, simply meaning “carp.” It includes both the dull grey fish and the brightly colored varieties.

Koi is an informal group of the colored variants of the Amur carp. Several varieties are recognized by the Japanese. Koi varieties are distinguished by coloration and patterning and scales. Some of the major colors are white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream. The most popular category of koi is the Gosanke, which is made up of the Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, and Showa Sanshoku varieties.