First of all, you will need a proper tank. Buy one from a specialist supplier and always make sure that you are buying a proper fish tank, not just a glass bowl. How big should your tank be? Well, in fish keeping, the bigger the better. And this is for a very good reason.
The bigger the tank the more water that it will hold and therefore, the easier it is to keep the water quality levels static. It is very easy to over feed a small 20l tank and send the quality of the water plummeting. Go to an 80l tank and the margin of error is a lot greater. Increase this to a 4 foot or even a 6 foot tank and you are getting a stable environment.
Lastly, if you are building a tropical tank then a lot of the plastic tanks on the market, apart from being very small, might not be safe with a heater, so have to be avoided.
That brings me nicely to the heater - essential for a tropical tank! A heater will help to keep the water temperature above a minimum level to keep your occupants happy. Different fish have different requirements, so you have to select them carefully, but for tropical fish you use a heater to maintain the minimum temperature. However, if you are starting a tank for a goldfish collection, a heater should not be used - they need the variance of temperature throughout the year to thrive.
Next, you must have some sort of filter. Under gravel filters are quite often sold with new tanks, but internal and external filters are much better. For a small tank an internal filter attached to the side of the tank just below the water level will work well and can be easily maintained. Whereas, for a large tank it is better to use an external filter, which occupies less water space and can be very easily maintained without affecting the fish.
You will also need a good lighting supply, which is usually fitted into the hood of the tank. Any tank without a tight fitting hood could end up losing fish that jump out of the water. Many fish sometimes leave the water and the underside of the hood will return them safely to the water.
Finally, you need decorations. These are not just to make the tank look nice, but they also help to make sure that the fish are happy in the tank. A few caves and hiding places for quieter fish and those, such as Bristlenose Catfish, that will breed successfully in these locations. Live plants also make an excellent hiding place and are much better than their fake plastic counterparts as they will use waste products in the water and help to keep it clean for your fish.
Now, you just need to add water and dechlorinator and let the tank settle for a while before carefully adding your first fish!
Written by Keith Lunt. If you want to know more about online pets pharmacy, just call in!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Lunt
Monday, September 27, 2010
How Do Bettas Make a Siamese Fighting Fish Bubble Nest?
If you've cared for bettas for quite a while, then it's more than likely you've seen a Siamese fighting fish bubble nest. Less experienced people may simply have written it off as a mass of bubbles that just sits at the water surface (or, far worse, a sign that your water is dirty and needs changing-or as a sign that your betta is ill!), but I can assure you that it is nothing of the sort.
Quite the opposite as a matter of fact. Because as you'll see, a nest of this sort is a sign that not only is your male betta very healthy, he is actually in the prime of health-and is, as a matter of fact, all ready to breed.
Firstly, to understand these nests you have to think back to the origins of the betta and the environment in which it lives. Bettas are fish that evolved in the little creeks and ponds and rice-paddy waters of Asia. This kind of environment is hardly renowned for being clean or particularly clear-and in some cases it may even be quite stagnant. This is the reason why bettas and other fish of their large family evolved to breathe air from the top of the water, because they evolved it to compensate for the sometimes low oxygen levels of the water.
The low amount of oxygen in the water has also spurred the development of an interesting breeding strategy for the species. Like many other gouramis and fellow betta species, the betta fish blows a bubble nest and places the eggs into it while they develop. The male betta fish, who is the one responsible for creating the bubble nest, is also the one who stands guard under it until the eggs hatch, after which he shepherds his newly hatched fry around. Eggs that sink to the bottom may not develop properly if not exposed to enough oxygen-and may also be sitting ducks for predators.
This, then, explains many things about a Siamese fighting fish bubble nest-it is made of large, durable bubbles thanks to a special mucus used by the male fish, which helps the entire mass hold together for far longer than a regular mass of bubbles would. It sits a bit above the water for maximal egg exposure to oxygen and for additional protection from predators.
So betta owners who see that their bettas are blowing these bubble nests should be proud, as it means that they have treated their bettas so well that they are ready, willing and able to breed for them!
Chris Toal has been caring for showstopping Siamese Fighting Fish for over 25 years. For more great information on Siamese fighting fish bubble nest, visit www.BettaInformation.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_M_Toal
Quite the opposite as a matter of fact. Because as you'll see, a nest of this sort is a sign that not only is your male betta very healthy, he is actually in the prime of health-and is, as a matter of fact, all ready to breed.
Firstly, to understand these nests you have to think back to the origins of the betta and the environment in which it lives. Bettas are fish that evolved in the little creeks and ponds and rice-paddy waters of Asia. This kind of environment is hardly renowned for being clean or particularly clear-and in some cases it may even be quite stagnant. This is the reason why bettas and other fish of their large family evolved to breathe air from the top of the water, because they evolved it to compensate for the sometimes low oxygen levels of the water.
The low amount of oxygen in the water has also spurred the development of an interesting breeding strategy for the species. Like many other gouramis and fellow betta species, the betta fish blows a bubble nest and places the eggs into it while they develop. The male betta fish, who is the one responsible for creating the bubble nest, is also the one who stands guard under it until the eggs hatch, after which he shepherds his newly hatched fry around. Eggs that sink to the bottom may not develop properly if not exposed to enough oxygen-and may also be sitting ducks for predators.
This, then, explains many things about a Siamese fighting fish bubble nest-it is made of large, durable bubbles thanks to a special mucus used by the male fish, which helps the entire mass hold together for far longer than a regular mass of bubbles would. It sits a bit above the water for maximal egg exposure to oxygen and for additional protection from predators.
So betta owners who see that their bettas are blowing these bubble nests should be proud, as it means that they have treated their bettas so well that they are ready, willing and able to breed for them!
Chris Toal has been caring for showstopping Siamese Fighting Fish for over 25 years. For more great information on Siamese fighting fish bubble nest, visit www.BettaInformation.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_M_Toal
Aquarium Basics - The Aquarium Air Pump
People who live a very stressful life are better off with aquariums in their home. Studies have shown that people who suffer from high blood pressure, insomnia and stress who keeps an aquarium at home have lower stress levels and lower blood pressure. They also tend to sleep better than people who don't maintain aquariums at home.
Of course, before you delve on aquariums and install one in your home, you need to know a couple of basic stuffs like properly choosing your aquarium air pump or tank that will help you maintain your aquarium with ease.
1. The tank. It is important that before you install the new tank, you have to be sure that it does not leak. However, if you're using an old tank (leak is not issue) but you need to make sure that everything is cleaned out before you put water and your new fish. Whenever possible, sterilize the tank so if there have been any sick fish occupying it, the "virus" will not be caught by your new fishes.
2. The aquarium air pump. This is a very important component of your aquarium because the pump is the one responsible in aerating the water. The bubbles released from the aquarium air pump moves the surface of the water, thus allowing the water to take in oxygen. Aquarium air pumps vary greatly in its design and pressure that is why you need to choose the right tank pump for your aquarium depending on the depth of your aquarium and the overall "landscape." Of course, you don't have to sacrifice fashion for functionality. You must also remember that the fish tank pump can fit your tank's interior design.
3. The filter. You can always opt to go filter-less with your aquarium but that would mean that you have to do regular (or at least every day) water changes. It keeps your water clean and crud out of your system. Just like aquarium air pumps, purchasing one can be pretty tricky because filters also come in different sizes and types, each performing different functions.
The lights. Aquariums are more gorgeous when they are properly lit. Opt for fluorescent lights than incandescent lights because the latter gets too hot (which are not good for plants, if you have any in your tank) and it uses a lot of electricity. On the other hand, fluorescent lights don't give off too much heat but increases the "mood" of the tank.
Walter has done a lot of research on fish aquariums and highlighted Aquarium Air Pump in this article.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Walter_V_Jones
Of course, before you delve on aquariums and install one in your home, you need to know a couple of basic stuffs like properly choosing your aquarium air pump or tank that will help you maintain your aquarium with ease.
1. The tank. It is important that before you install the new tank, you have to be sure that it does not leak. However, if you're using an old tank (leak is not issue) but you need to make sure that everything is cleaned out before you put water and your new fish. Whenever possible, sterilize the tank so if there have been any sick fish occupying it, the "virus" will not be caught by your new fishes.
2. The aquarium air pump. This is a very important component of your aquarium because the pump is the one responsible in aerating the water. The bubbles released from the aquarium air pump moves the surface of the water, thus allowing the water to take in oxygen. Aquarium air pumps vary greatly in its design and pressure that is why you need to choose the right tank pump for your aquarium depending on the depth of your aquarium and the overall "landscape." Of course, you don't have to sacrifice fashion for functionality. You must also remember that the fish tank pump can fit your tank's interior design.
3. The filter. You can always opt to go filter-less with your aquarium but that would mean that you have to do regular (or at least every day) water changes. It keeps your water clean and crud out of your system. Just like aquarium air pumps, purchasing one can be pretty tricky because filters also come in different sizes and types, each performing different functions.
The lights. Aquariums are more gorgeous when they are properly lit. Opt for fluorescent lights than incandescent lights because the latter gets too hot (which are not good for plants, if you have any in your tank) and it uses a lot of electricity. On the other hand, fluorescent lights don't give off too much heat but increases the "mood" of the tank.
Walter has done a lot of research on fish aquariums and highlighted Aquarium Air Pump in this article.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Walter_V_Jones
The Incredible Koi Fish
Discovering the beauty of Koi Fish? You are bound to have been mesmerized pretty recently if you are a beginner when it comes to Koi. Read on and you'll discover what actually makes the Koi Fish so very special.
Being one of the most beautiful creatures on earth is apparently not enough for the Koi. There are several other qualities that make both the Koi and the Koi collector special. If you strive on becoming one of those special Koi collectors, you've already taken the first step towards pet-fish bliss by deciding you want to raise and care for Koi.
Koi Fish is not just a popular collectible fish that people just started buying because it looked pretty in a tank. It is way, way more than that. The popularity of Koi almost totally transcends national barriers.
Originating in Persia, it fascinated ancient peoples and was taken from in-awe collectors from Persia to China and Japan for breeding. Scientifically name Cyprinus Carpio, the Koi is the most popular fish in Japan today and enjoys an almost god-like status. Declared their national fish, Koi is popularly believed to be a mythological creature.
There are mentions of similar fish in ancient Japanese scriptures dating back to the 4th century. It is this ancient status that now makes people speak volumes on the traditions and fables attached with the Koi. Although initially the Koi came in only three colors:, red, blue and yellow, the current variety in Koi and the respect the fish enjoys is not only because of initial beauty.
It is due to centuries of traditions and selective breeding by the Japanese that has now made sure the best varieties of Koi are available for fish enthusiasts.
Koi belongs to the large family from which Goldfish and Carp come from. The proactive selective breeding by the Japanese has made Koi different though. Selective breeding has not only made the Koi abundantly different when it comes to aesthetics but has made the fish excitingly agile and long-living.
This makes it one of the most special fish in the domesticated fish world to possess. Its ability to survive in several climates around the world just adds to its repertoire.
If you're willing to own Koi Fish however, the toughest job is not taking care of it but deciding which type of Koi you want. There are virtually hundreds of varieties you can choose from.
Through selective breeding, scientists have come up with varieties to suit different needs, ages, tastes, etc. To make things simple however, the Japanese made a classification system based on physical characteristics.
Instead of having scientific names for classification, the Koi has names based on it's beautiful qualities.
For example, Koi types like the Sandan and Yondan are named because of the island-like red spots they have on their beautiful, shiny skin. Sandan have 3 islands and Yondan have 4.
It all depends on personal preference then, which Koi you would choose. Then there are metallic types in gold and silver, types with symmetrical patterns on the skin, white Koi which are the rarest, etc.
With hundreds of varieties come dozens of ways of taking care of your Koi fish. One thing remains constant however: the amount of respect and care the Koi deserves.
With centuries of tradition and beautiful fables attached to them and nations singing praise for the fish, it is only fair that you value all that the Koi Fish is, without compromise.
Travis Taylor is a Koi fish keeper and breeding enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby by Koi Fish Information.
His newest book,"Koi Care Secrets," teaches Koi Fish owners everything they need to know about and caring for their pets. http://www.koicareguide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_K._Taylor
Being one of the most beautiful creatures on earth is apparently not enough for the Koi. There are several other qualities that make both the Koi and the Koi collector special. If you strive on becoming one of those special Koi collectors, you've already taken the first step towards pet-fish bliss by deciding you want to raise and care for Koi.
Koi Fish is not just a popular collectible fish that people just started buying because it looked pretty in a tank. It is way, way more than that. The popularity of Koi almost totally transcends national barriers.
Originating in Persia, it fascinated ancient peoples and was taken from in-awe collectors from Persia to China and Japan for breeding. Scientifically name Cyprinus Carpio, the Koi is the most popular fish in Japan today and enjoys an almost god-like status. Declared their national fish, Koi is popularly believed to be a mythological creature.
There are mentions of similar fish in ancient Japanese scriptures dating back to the 4th century. It is this ancient status that now makes people speak volumes on the traditions and fables attached with the Koi. Although initially the Koi came in only three colors:, red, blue and yellow, the current variety in Koi and the respect the fish enjoys is not only because of initial beauty.
It is due to centuries of traditions and selective breeding by the Japanese that has now made sure the best varieties of Koi are available for fish enthusiasts.
Koi belongs to the large family from which Goldfish and Carp come from. The proactive selective breeding by the Japanese has made Koi different though. Selective breeding has not only made the Koi abundantly different when it comes to aesthetics but has made the fish excitingly agile and long-living.
This makes it one of the most special fish in the domesticated fish world to possess. Its ability to survive in several climates around the world just adds to its repertoire.
If you're willing to own Koi Fish however, the toughest job is not taking care of it but deciding which type of Koi you want. There are virtually hundreds of varieties you can choose from.
Through selective breeding, scientists have come up with varieties to suit different needs, ages, tastes, etc. To make things simple however, the Japanese made a classification system based on physical characteristics.
Instead of having scientific names for classification, the Koi has names based on it's beautiful qualities.
For example, Koi types like the Sandan and Yondan are named because of the island-like red spots they have on their beautiful, shiny skin. Sandan have 3 islands and Yondan have 4.
It all depends on personal preference then, which Koi you would choose. Then there are metallic types in gold and silver, types with symmetrical patterns on the skin, white Koi which are the rarest, etc.
With hundreds of varieties come dozens of ways of taking care of your Koi fish. One thing remains constant however: the amount of respect and care the Koi deserves.
With centuries of tradition and beautiful fables attached to them and nations singing praise for the fish, it is only fair that you value all that the Koi Fish is, without compromise.
Travis Taylor is a Koi fish keeper and breeding enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby by Koi Fish Information.
His newest book,"Koi Care Secrets," teaches Koi Fish owners everything they need to know about and caring for their pets. http://www.koicareguide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_K._Taylor
How to Build a Koi Pond - Know the Necessary Elements
I just love looking at Koi fish especially when they glide through the water. And this is the main reason why I had to learn how to build a Koi pond. I am aware though that I can just visit a koi garden to enjoy this wonderful sight, but there is something within me that wanted to keep these jewels at home. I guess so that I can just slip into a relaxed mode whenever I look at them. It is also a popular belief that this breed of fish brings good luck, so why not keep them.
But building a koi pond requires some budget. Obviously, it will require some amount to build the pond of your dreams. So, make sure that you plan your pond construction project very well in order to maximize every penny that you will spend. In planning to build your own there are certain elements that need to be considered.
I remember the time when I had to build my own pond, I had to consult a professional builder and not just a landscape artist. I learned that this type of fish pond has a lot to consider. First in my list is I need to build a long-lasting pond. I found out that koi fish can live up to 30 years; so I thought, why build a fish pond that will not last as long as my fish. The factors that I took into consideration in ensuring its longevity are the correct size, depth and location. Obviously, I cannot be moving my pond every now and then. It has to stay where I will initially build it. And then for the size consideration, the contractor advised me to build the maximum size that I can afford. I had to ask him why. And he gave me a straight and practical answer. He explained that based on his experience, those clients that built a small millpond ended up spending more because they asked him to do some expansion.
Remember what I mentioned earlier about budget. Well, this is where your good judgment will come in. The size of the millpond is proportionate to the cost of construction. And most of the enthusiasts I know built the biggest that they can afford. This is for the simple reason that we cannot afford to over-crowd them because it will cause so much stress and will produce some imbalance in their ecosystem. The size is relative to the number of koi fish that you will keep. They grow big and they easily propagate, so to build a not so big pond will only be harmful to their over-all health.
When I built my koi pond, I had to choose the best location. I made sure that I will elevate it by about 2 feet from the ground so that they will not be an easy prey for some predators. I also chose a spot that will not be directly hit by the sunlight nor is under a tree. This type of fish cannot withstand high water temperature and the last thing I want to do is clean my pond every so often because of falling leaves.
The last thing that I made sure is present in my millpond is filtration. Keeping a clean and healthy habitat is essential to the lifespan of my collection. I cannot afford to be buying new batches each time just because I did not incorporate proper filtration and cleaning system in my pond.
These are only few of the basic elements that you need to keep in mind in how to build a koi pond. Anyone of these that will be missed out will surely affect the over-all health condition of your precious jewels. So, are you happy to learn about these facts? Are you now ready to build your own pond? Do check out the internet for more interesting facts so that you are sure to build the most cost-effective pond there is.
Lexie Flower is a Koi enthusiast who has helped many koi enthusiasts with all their concerns related to proper care of koi fishes. She has been caring for Koi for many years now and during this time has gained enough knowledge to share about what's right and what's wrong in proper care of Koi Fishes. If you wish to read additional and unique information about how to build a koi pond or get a copy of her FREE 'Koi Fish Keeping' mini-course then visit her site Complete Guide to Koi Care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lexie_Flower
But building a koi pond requires some budget. Obviously, it will require some amount to build the pond of your dreams. So, make sure that you plan your pond construction project very well in order to maximize every penny that you will spend. In planning to build your own there are certain elements that need to be considered.
I remember the time when I had to build my own pond, I had to consult a professional builder and not just a landscape artist. I learned that this type of fish pond has a lot to consider. First in my list is I need to build a long-lasting pond. I found out that koi fish can live up to 30 years; so I thought, why build a fish pond that will not last as long as my fish. The factors that I took into consideration in ensuring its longevity are the correct size, depth and location. Obviously, I cannot be moving my pond every now and then. It has to stay where I will initially build it. And then for the size consideration, the contractor advised me to build the maximum size that I can afford. I had to ask him why. And he gave me a straight and practical answer. He explained that based on his experience, those clients that built a small millpond ended up spending more because they asked him to do some expansion.
Remember what I mentioned earlier about budget. Well, this is where your good judgment will come in. The size of the millpond is proportionate to the cost of construction. And most of the enthusiasts I know built the biggest that they can afford. This is for the simple reason that we cannot afford to over-crowd them because it will cause so much stress and will produce some imbalance in their ecosystem. The size is relative to the number of koi fish that you will keep. They grow big and they easily propagate, so to build a not so big pond will only be harmful to their over-all health.
When I built my koi pond, I had to choose the best location. I made sure that I will elevate it by about 2 feet from the ground so that they will not be an easy prey for some predators. I also chose a spot that will not be directly hit by the sunlight nor is under a tree. This type of fish cannot withstand high water temperature and the last thing I want to do is clean my pond every so often because of falling leaves.
The last thing that I made sure is present in my millpond is filtration. Keeping a clean and healthy habitat is essential to the lifespan of my collection. I cannot afford to be buying new batches each time just because I did not incorporate proper filtration and cleaning system in my pond.
These are only few of the basic elements that you need to keep in mind in how to build a koi pond. Anyone of these that will be missed out will surely affect the over-all health condition of your precious jewels. So, are you happy to learn about these facts? Are you now ready to build your own pond? Do check out the internet for more interesting facts so that you are sure to build the most cost-effective pond there is.
Lexie Flower is a Koi enthusiast who has helped many koi enthusiasts with all their concerns related to proper care of koi fishes. She has been caring for Koi for many years now and during this time has gained enough knowledge to share about what's right and what's wrong in proper care of Koi Fishes. If you wish to read additional and unique information about how to build a koi pond or get a copy of her FREE 'Koi Fish Keeping' mini-course then visit her site Complete Guide to Koi Care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lexie_Flower
The Wondrous White Koi
Generally, Koi fish existed in a single shade. Ever since the Japanese started breeding them from carp mutations, we have more varieties of Koi fish, appearing in colorful patterns. Their popularity has increased further. Nowadays, Koi can be found easily in assorted colors. Most common and popular Koi appear in red, black, green, yellow and white.
When you understand all the different categories that koi can be grouped into, it becomes easier to distinguish the different varieties of koi. Each type has different features and color patterns diversity. Among the most popular Koi varieties are Kahaku (which are snowy white with distinct red markings) and Hikarimono (or Ogon).
"Hikari" translates to metallic and "Mono" means a single color, which means the fish are composed of a single color. Ogon koi also have a very metallic coloring. The most common Ogon koi are yellow (called Yamabuki Ogon) and white or silver (known as Platinum Ogon). Whatever their color or variety, all Ogon should be composed of a single color with no markings or spots. Large fins are preferred on the Ogon koi since they add an interesting dimension to the simple unmarked body.
White or Platinum Ogon is inimitable but therefore the most popular types of koi. Its body is as shiny as a precious metal, making them stand out in dark ponds. This dazzling Koi first appeared in 1963, as a result from cross breeding Kigoi with Nezu Ogon. (greyish silver, "Nezu" is short for the Japanese word for rat, nezumi). This Platinum Ogon is hardy and grows quickly. It is popular in unfiltered ponds since its body shines in the muddy water and can easily be detected.
Other popular Ogon fish include the Nezu, Yamabuki and Orenji koi. Nezu is short for 'nezumi', the Japanese word for rat, and are grayish-silver. They often have a dark area on their head, causing koi lovers to affectionately call them Helmet Head. Yamabuki koi are bright yellow, which makes them a popular choice for those with unfiltered ponds since they stand out. Orenji koi are just like giant goldfish - they are orange and can grow up to 36 inches long!
Many Platinum Ogon koi are reared with Ginrin scales, which make them look even shinier than they already are. These Ginrin scales are different from those present on metallic koi - instead of a shine caused by reflective pigments, Ginrin scales have a reflective sheen all over them, creating a glimmering diamond-like effect. To be eligible as Ginrin, the koi should have at least 20 of these glimmering scales.
Because of the huge range of colors koi fish come in, owners love keep them as their pond fish. Since majority of koi's pigment is found at the top of its body, the best view is to see Koi from the top angle. This is why Koi are always displayed in round pools and mostly viewed from the top when displayed in events around Asia.
Travis Taylor is a Koi fish keeper and breeding enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby by sharing information about White Koi
His newest book,"Koi Care Secrets," teaches Koi Fish owners everything they need to know about and caring for their pets. http://www.koicareguide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_K._Taylor
When you understand all the different categories that koi can be grouped into, it becomes easier to distinguish the different varieties of koi. Each type has different features and color patterns diversity. Among the most popular Koi varieties are Kahaku (which are snowy white with distinct red markings) and Hikarimono (or Ogon).
"Hikari" translates to metallic and "Mono" means a single color, which means the fish are composed of a single color. Ogon koi also have a very metallic coloring. The most common Ogon koi are yellow (called Yamabuki Ogon) and white or silver (known as Platinum Ogon). Whatever their color or variety, all Ogon should be composed of a single color with no markings or spots. Large fins are preferred on the Ogon koi since they add an interesting dimension to the simple unmarked body.
White or Platinum Ogon is inimitable but therefore the most popular types of koi. Its body is as shiny as a precious metal, making them stand out in dark ponds. This dazzling Koi first appeared in 1963, as a result from cross breeding Kigoi with Nezu Ogon. (greyish silver, "Nezu" is short for the Japanese word for rat, nezumi). This Platinum Ogon is hardy and grows quickly. It is popular in unfiltered ponds since its body shines in the muddy water and can easily be detected.
Other popular Ogon fish include the Nezu, Yamabuki and Orenji koi. Nezu is short for 'nezumi', the Japanese word for rat, and are grayish-silver. They often have a dark area on their head, causing koi lovers to affectionately call them Helmet Head. Yamabuki koi are bright yellow, which makes them a popular choice for those with unfiltered ponds since they stand out. Orenji koi are just like giant goldfish - they are orange and can grow up to 36 inches long!
Many Platinum Ogon koi are reared with Ginrin scales, which make them look even shinier than they already are. These Ginrin scales are different from those present on metallic koi - instead of a shine caused by reflective pigments, Ginrin scales have a reflective sheen all over them, creating a glimmering diamond-like effect. To be eligible as Ginrin, the koi should have at least 20 of these glimmering scales.
Because of the huge range of colors koi fish come in, owners love keep them as their pond fish. Since majority of koi's pigment is found at the top of its body, the best view is to see Koi from the top angle. This is why Koi are always displayed in round pools and mostly viewed from the top when displayed in events around Asia.
Travis Taylor is a Koi fish keeper and breeding enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby by sharing information about White Koi
His newest book,"Koi Care Secrets," teaches Koi Fish owners everything they need to know about and caring for their pets. http://www.koicareguide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_K._Taylor
Koi Colors - Is Your Fish Trying To Tell You Something?
The vibrant colors and defined patterns of a koi are what attract breeders, collectors, and competitors alike to these gorgeous fish. They come in such an enormous variety, collectors take pride in finding members of specific varieties or, even more exciting, a new, exotic type of koi. While experts have used traits to categorize koi specifically, the sheer number of possibilities in appearance makes it impossible to classify every koi. This is very attractive to an enthusiasts who want a koi with a truly unique appearance.
Beauty is not the only benefit to a koi's color. A koi can tell it's owner (or potential owner) a lot about itself through the color he or she exhibits. Koi in failing health will begin to show changes in their color and even their color patterns. Poor water quality can cause a koi's once defined markings to "blend" and their color to fade or change. This is important to know and to be able to recognize in a fish you are considering purchasing and adding to your already healthy population. It is, of course, also vital in maintaining that healthy population as you can recognize an illness or infection in its earliest (and most treatable) phases.
Your fish can even tell you if he is eating well through his color. The more caratenoid pigments a koi ingests, the brighter his color may be. Commercially prepared food is often made with this in mind. Owners will also often feed their koi shrimp, certain algaes and other foods with high volumes of caratenoid pigments to enhance their color. If your koi's color is fading you may want to take a look at his diet.
Your koi can also tell you what category he or she would compete in (should you choose) and how valuable he or she might be. Familiarity with the varieties can prove helpful in determining much about a fish.
The list of koi classifications is significant. So, let's just go over a few of the more popular, basic categories:
Kohako Koi
The Kohako Koi is said to be the father of the koi as this was the first ornamental variety established. This fish is mostly white with red or orange markings (fitting as Kohako means "red and white").
Hikari Koi
Hikari koi are popular as they exhibit a very attractive trait: they appear to shine, much like a precious metal.
Ogon Koi
While they may be orange, yellow, red, gold, platinum and even cream (very rare) each Ogon koi exhibits one solid color all over his or her body.
These are just a few of the many varieties and categories of koi fish. Awareness as to which category your fish belongs to will assist you in determining its value and its well-being. For example, an Ogon koi should be exactly the same hue throughout it's body. If you have a healthy platinum ogon (or white koi as they are commonly called), you will see that it is a pure, snowy white. If your fish shows some graying or speckles you may have a problem. The same applies to the Kohako koi. The white should be pure and the markings should be deep in color and well defined.
Learning a little about koi colors [out] and keeping an eye on your fish's appearance, you'll be able to spot ailments quickly and deal accordingly. Armed with knowledge you will be able to choose koi discerningly and care for them properly.
I'm Brook Matters. My husband Thomas, and I live in California with our two children. Tom and I created http://www.ekoifishsecrets.com as a free resource for anyone interested in the hobby of caring for koi.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brook_Matters
Beauty is not the only benefit to a koi's color. A koi can tell it's owner (or potential owner) a lot about itself through the color he or she exhibits. Koi in failing health will begin to show changes in their color and even their color patterns. Poor water quality can cause a koi's once defined markings to "blend" and their color to fade or change. This is important to know and to be able to recognize in a fish you are considering purchasing and adding to your already healthy population. It is, of course, also vital in maintaining that healthy population as you can recognize an illness or infection in its earliest (and most treatable) phases.
Your fish can even tell you if he is eating well through his color. The more caratenoid pigments a koi ingests, the brighter his color may be. Commercially prepared food is often made with this in mind. Owners will also often feed their koi shrimp, certain algaes and other foods with high volumes of caratenoid pigments to enhance their color. If your koi's color is fading you may want to take a look at his diet.
Your koi can also tell you what category he or she would compete in (should you choose) and how valuable he or she might be. Familiarity with the varieties can prove helpful in determining much about a fish.
The list of koi classifications is significant. So, let's just go over a few of the more popular, basic categories:
Kohako Koi
The Kohako Koi is said to be the father of the koi as this was the first ornamental variety established. This fish is mostly white with red or orange markings (fitting as Kohako means "red and white").
Hikari Koi
Hikari koi are popular as they exhibit a very attractive trait: they appear to shine, much like a precious metal.
Ogon Koi
While they may be orange, yellow, red, gold, platinum and even cream (very rare) each Ogon koi exhibits one solid color all over his or her body.
These are just a few of the many varieties and categories of koi fish. Awareness as to which category your fish belongs to will assist you in determining its value and its well-being. For example, an Ogon koi should be exactly the same hue throughout it's body. If you have a healthy platinum ogon (or white koi as they are commonly called), you will see that it is a pure, snowy white. If your fish shows some graying or speckles you may have a problem. The same applies to the Kohako koi. The white should be pure and the markings should be deep in color and well defined.
Learning a little about koi colors [out] and keeping an eye on your fish's appearance, you'll be able to spot ailments quickly and deal accordingly. Armed with knowledge you will be able to choose koi discerningly and care for them properly.
I'm Brook Matters. My husband Thomas, and I live in California with our two children. Tom and I created http://www.ekoifishsecrets.com as a free resource for anyone interested in the hobby of caring for koi.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brook_Matters
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