In the 17th Century, Japanese rice farmers stocked their paddies to supplement their diets in the isolated Niigata region. Colour mutations were first noticed in the 1800′s. Many of the colour varieties we see today were established during this period. Breeding “fancy” KOI was restricted to the Niigata region until the beginning of the 20th Century. In 1914, 27 KOI were sent to the great Tokyo Exhibition to promote the economic plight of the poverty stricken Niigata region. They were awarded a second prize, and 8 KOI had it’s first recognition. At the end of WW II, with the advent of commercial air travel, the export and transportation of KOI all over the world was possible.

Breeding and keeping KOI outside of Japan has increased tremendously from the 1980′s to the present. Most countries are now producing KOI for their own markets. It is possible that the most beautiful KOI have yet to appear !

People purchase KOI for many reasons. Some for their decorative garden ponds, others for commercial properties and enterprises. For whatever reason, all enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the KOI. With all the color combinations, each KOI may be enjoyed as an individual. Under the right conditions, they can grow 30″ or more, and have a possible lifespan of 100 years!
People have trained them to take
food from the hand.