Scientific Name(s): Cyprinus carpio carpio

Common Name(s): Koi, Carp, Common Carp, Leather Carp, Mirror Carp

Family: Cyprinidae

Species Type: Cyprinids

Maximum Size: 45 inches

Life Span: 18 years

Natural Habitat: Asian Rivers

Minimum Tank Size: 800 gallons

Tank Region: All over

Possible Tank Mates: Other Koi, goldfish and frogs.

Breeding Information: Koi first become sexually mature between 1 and 2 feet in length (3-5 years in age). Look for breeding to take place in spring with the fish scattering eggs all over the pond. They will immediately begin eating the eggs. Expect well over 70,000 eggs from every mature female.

Sexing Information: Males tend to be slimmer with pointed pectoral fins. Sexually mature males are usually very easy to identify as they chase the females. Males are also generally smaller than the females. Females have more robust bodies tending to look plump and have rounded pectoral fins.

Diet: Omnivorous - does well with pellet foods designed for koi.

Temperment: Active; Koi are very peaceful with a variety of pond life. They will eat any eggs in the pond, and may accidentally eat young fry until 1 inch in length. Pond guppies and mosquito fish may be eaten by large Koi. Koi agression can be seen in the early spring during breeding, but should be limited to chasing and bumping into other Koi.

Common Diseases: None specific to species