Asagi Koi Care Guide
Asagi is one of the original koi varieties of Cyprinus carpio, recognised by a blue-grey netted back and red markings on the flanks and cheeks.
Overview
Asagi is an ornamental colour variety of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, developed in Japan. It is recognised by a light blue to blue-grey net-like pattern over the back, with red (and occasionally pale yellow or cream) colouration below the lateral line and on the cheeks. Asagi is one of the original koi varieties and played a foundational role in the development of other strains.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Cyprinus
- Scientific name: Cyprinus carpio var. Asagi
- Type: ornamental colour variety (Nishikigoi) of the common carp
History
Systematic ornamental carp breeding began in the 1820s in the Nijumurago region of Niigata Prefecture, Japan, the hub from which most other Nishikigoi varieties were later bred. Records from 1843 mention Asagi among the coloured carp varieties of the period. The Asagi line was also used to create the Shusui variety in 1906 by crossing it with a German leather carp.
Pond requirements
- Minimum volume: 4000 L (pond, not aquarium)
- Temperature: 4-26 °C (39-79 °F); thrives around 15-25 °C
- pH: 7.0-8.5
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 25-50 years
- Pond depth: 1 m or more, with 1.5 m for harsh winters
Diet
Koi are omnivores and, as with the parent species Cyprinus carpio (trophic level about 3.1), feed on a wide variety of foods, including benthic organisms and plant material. In ponds they accept varied foods such as peas, lettuce and watermelon in addition to prepared diets. Feeding should stop when water temperature drops below about 10 °C, as the immune system becomes very weak in cold water.
Tank requirements
Asagi koi grow large (roughly 60-90 cm) and are pond fish rather than aquarium fish; the common carp can reach up to 120 cm and a reported maximum age of 38 years in the wild form. They require spacious ponds with strong filtration and are not suitable for typical indoor aquariums.
Conservation status
The parent species Cyprinus carpio is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2022). Asagi is a domesticated ornamental variety and is not assessed separately.