Koi fish have amazingly diverse patterns and colors. Personal preference is ultimately the deciding factor when you are choosing which Koi fish to choose to put in your backyard pond. Choosing Koi fish should follow a few guidelines to help make sure you are getting healthy fish. For people wanting to breed and sell Koi fish out of their backyard pond attention to color balance, body shape, and head shape become details that must be paid attention. Champion Koi conform to a list of elements that serious keepers, breeders, and judges look for.
Koi Body & Head Shape
This is the most influential of the 3 categories of attributes. The body, fins, and head should be free from any type of damage or deformities, such as scars, indents, bumps, or any element that throws off the overall symmetry of the Koi. The Koi fish head should be long and broad. The eyes should be set and equal distance apart and the same height. Koi fish symmetry is one of the most influential elements in selecting Koi fish.
Koi Color Quality
The color on the Koi fish should be consistent over the body of the entire fish. While Koi may have multiple colors, each of the colors should have consistent saturation and uniformity. For example if your Koi has a bright orange spots they should be equal brightness and saturation over the whole body of the Koi fish. It’s best if there is a good balance of color that supports the symmetry. Each color present on the fish should be the same shade. This means the blacks should be black, not black and grey. Keep in mind that as the Koi grow the colors will change over time.
Koi Fish Pattern
Balance is the key to visually attractive Koi fish patterns. Even distribution of pattern that is respective to the size of the fish is best. For example if a large Koi has a very small pattern it can seem as if there is something missing from the fish. In contrast a small Koi feels over whelmed if there is too much patterning present. Patterns that cover the entire fish evenly are sought after as they present a well balanced visual presentation. In addition when the nose and tail of a Koi fish are the same color it feels coordinated and the colors and pattern that exist between them feel framed.
The Choice Is Yours
These guidelines are ultimately for people interested in breeding, and competition. For your backyard pond you can choose to have whichever fish are visually pleasing to your eye. As we all know beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this is very true when it comes to fish. We all have our favorite colors and are attracted to different combinations of colors and pattern.
Koi Fish For Sale In Arizona
Phoenix’s best choice in Koi fish is located conveniently in Peoria Arizona. The Backyard Pond has everything you need to start, maintain, and upgrade your backyard ponds. From the liner and aquatic plants to the Koi fish themselves we can help you get your dream Koi pond started. Stop by our store or give us a call to get your questions answered.