The breeding of ornamental Koi Carp started in the early 1800’s. The Magoi (Wild Black Carp) were introduced to Japan from China originally as a food source for rice farmers.
Shiro Utsuri Koi – The Shiru Utsuri’s history began around the year 1925, when a Japanese breeder by the name of Kazuo Minemura was credited with the creation of this stunning jet black and snow-white fish. When the variety was first bred, it was too small to achieve greatness at Koi Shows but over the decades, Minemura and other breeders worked on breeding them with larger specimens and managed to successfully create a bigger fish that was deemed complete in 1991. A good specimen of Shiro Utsuri should have ice-white skin with a well balance black sumi. A prized characteristic is a clean white space as the body joins the tail (the odome.) Another desirable trait is the “m” or lightning bolt shape on their head in the sumi black pattern.
- Koi carp can grow to enormous sizes, some reaching over 4ft long in ideal conditions. They make wonderful pets and often recognise their owners, allowing them to be hand fed. They thrive in conditions between 15-25c but can survive over winter in much colder temperatures.
- In Japanese culture, Koi symbolise perseverance, courage and success, they are mentioned countless times in mythology, often cited as swimming up stream and transforming into dragons.
- Koi are Omnivores but it is recommended that when in captivity their diet should consist of Algae's and Koi pellets.
- Avg Length: 2-4ft
- Avg Lifespan: 25-35 Years
- Habitat: Ponds and Lakes