| While you may purchase young, small koi, | | | | to have more intense color in cooler |
| like other species of creatures, they | | | | weather, so keep your tank temperature |
| will adapt their growth and size | | | | in a moderate zone. If you'd like to |
| somewhat, to the restrictions of space. | | | | have males and females, ask for help |
| Food and overall conditions in the | | | | from the breeder or store in sexing your |
| aquarium will also affect their growth | | | | purchases. Very young koi are difficult |
| rate, with premium food being important, | | | | to tell apart, although young adult |
| and overfeeding to be avoided both for | | | | females tend to have a fuller, cigar |
| the health of the fish, and the health | | | | type shape.Some of the more attractive |
| of the tank environment.Clean water is a | | | | varieties of koi include:Kohaku- White |
| must, as is good aeration. Large fish | | | | body and red pattern down the back. One |
| eat a lot of food and produce a lot of | | | | of the most popular varieties for koi |
| waste. If you have a 50-gallon tank, | | | | hobbyists.Tashio Sanke- White body and |
| and several fish, you may need a | | | | red patterned back, with black |
| filtration system whose capacity is | | | | accentsShowa Sanke- A three colored |
| actually over 50 gallons, in order to | | | | variety, having a black body, with white |
| keep the water as clean as possible.You | | | | and red accents, although some strains |
| might like to choose from several of the | | | | have more whiteBekko, Utsuri- Body color |
| varieties of koi, for a more interesting | | | | is non-metallic black on white, yellow |
| mix of colors, but remember that koi in | | | | or red.Love Tropical Fish? |
| their natural outdoor environment, tend | | | | |