goldfish & Koi

No pond is complete without Koi. Domestic Koi are bred in the United States and come in a wide range of colors. Being very hardy fish, they have no problem wintering in a pond so long as it doesn't freezer solid. They can grow up to three feet in length, thus Koi are best suited to ponds in excess of 1000 gallons. 

Koi have been selectively bred in Japan for many generations, perfecting the desired color and body shape. These strains are given names to differentiate them and their characteristics from others. The typical lifespan of a Koi is 25-35 years, but legends speak of koi that have lived for 200 years or longer.

In an attempt to improve their hardiness, keepers bred Koi back to a long finned variety of wild Carp resulting in the creation of these amazing fish! Watching them flow through the water is a site to behold.

Shubunkins are a mixed breed of Goldfish combining the genetics of three varieties into one. Capable of growing to 18 inches in length and living for 10-15 years, Shubunkins make for great additions to a backyard pond.

Properly named, Comet Goldfish are usually fast and active. They are characterized by their deeply forked single tailfin. Their color varieties, playful behavior, and resilience makes a pond the ideal home for a Comet.  

Two tails are better than one? Fantail Goldfish sport double Symmetrical Tailfins. They do best in large cool water aquariums or ponds but like most fancy goldfish are susceptible to extreme cold.

Some of the Fancy Goldfish are commonly  confused with one another  in adolescence. The Ryukin starts with a pointed head and mouth, the back arches up and onto the tail and the belly swells down and out.

Known for their large bubble crowns or hoods, a mature Oranda can be easily recognized. The bubble growth can grow quite large, hiding the face and even covering the eyes. This crown is particularly susceptible to the cold. 

A member of the group known as Telescope Eyed Goldfish, a Black Moor of genetic quality, should develop large protruding eyes and a dark velvety appearance as they grow. This is not always the case.

Like it's predecessor the Lionhead Goldfish, the Ranchu is a variety of hooded Goldfish that has no Dorsal Fin. It differs in the pronounced arch of the back that then drops down to the tail.