Ginrin Koi Care Guide
Ginrin koi are ornamental Cyprinus carpio carrying reflective metallic scales that can overlay any colour variety. Long-lived coldwater pond fish.
Overview
Ginrin koi are not a colour pattern in themselves but an ornamental form of the common carp distinguished by reflective, metallic scales. The Japanese term ginrin (also written kinginrin) translates as gold and silver scales, and this glittering, metal-flake appearance can be applied to most other koi varieties. Koi are domesticated ornamental forms of the Amur carp, and systematic breeding began in the 1820s in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Cyprinus
- Scientific name: Cyprinus carpio var. Ginrin
- Note: Ginrin denotes a metallic scale type, not a single colour variety
Origin
Ornamental koi were developed from the Amur carp through selective breeding centred on the Nijumurago area of Ojiya and Yamakoshi in Niigata, Japan. The most popular grouping is the Gosanke, made up of the Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku and Showa Sanshoku varieties, and the ginrin scale type can be expressed on these and most others. Today koi are kept worldwide in ponds and water gardens rather than in standard aquaria, owing to their large adult size.
Pond requirements
- Minimum volume: 4000 L (about 1057 gal) outdoor pond
- Temperature: 4-26 °C (39-79 °F); coldwater, benefits from 15-25 °C
- pH: 7.0-8.5
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 25-50 years (much greater ages have been reported)
Diet
Koi are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of foods, including prepared pellets and plant matter such as peas, lettuce and watermelon. Feeding should be reduced or stopped as water temperature falls below about 10 C, because their immune systems weaken and digestion slows in cold water.
Compatibility
Koi are peaceful, sociable fish usually kept with other koi and similar pond species. Their large size, heavy waste output and need for cool, well-filtered water make them unsuitable for indoor aquaria; they should be housed in spacious outdoor ponds.
Breeding
Koi are egg-scatterers that spawn among plants or spawning media in spring as water warms, with no parental care of the eggs or fry.