Kohaku Koi Care Guide
Kohaku is a white-bodied koi variety with red markings, a coldwater pond fish bred from Cyprinus carpio requiring a large outdoor pond.
Overview
Kohaku is a koi variety described as a white-skinned fish with large red markings on top; the name means "red and white". Koi are colored varieties of carp kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and water gardens. Kohaku was one of the first ornamental varieties established in Japan.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Cyprinus
- Scientific name: Cyprinus carpio var. Kohaku
- Note: Kohaku is a selectively bred color variety of the domesticated carp Cyprinus carpio
History
Systematic breeding of ornamental carp began in Japan's Niigata Prefecture in the 1820s. Kohaku emerged as one of the earliest established ornamental varieties, with its modern form fixed in the late 19th century.
Pond requirements
- Minimum volume: 4000 L (1057 gal)
- Temperature: 4-26 °C (39-79 °F); benefit from a 15-25 °C range
- pH: 7.0-8.5
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- Pond depth: at least 1 m, or 1.5 m in harsh winters
- Lifespan: 25-50 years
Diet
Koi are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of foods. The parent species Cyprinus carpio consumes benthic organisms and plant material in the wild. In ponds koi accept prepared foods as well as items such as peas, lettuce and watermelon.
Care notes
Koi are coldwater fish whose immune function becomes very weak below 10 °C. They reach a large adult size and produce a heavy bioload, so they require a spacious, well-filtered outdoor pond rather than an indoor aquarium. They are not suited to planted setups, as carp dig and consume vegetation.