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Koi

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Cyprinus rubrofuscus

Auch bekannt als: Nishikigoi, Fancy Carp, Japanese Carp

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Beschreibung

Cyprinus rubrofuscus, commonly known as Koi, is a domesticated subspecies of the Amur carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) that has been selectively bred for its ornamental coloration and patterns. Originating from East Asia, particularly Japan, these fish are highly valued for their aesthetic appeal and are a prominent feature in ornamental ponds and water gardens worldwide. They are characterized by their robust body, often reaching considerable sizes, and a wide array of vibrant color combinations and patterns, which are meticulously categorized and judged in competitive exhibitions.

Körperliche Merkmale

Körperform
torpedo
Färbung
Extremely varied, including white, black, red, orange, yellow, blue, and cream, often in intricate patterns (e.g., Kohaku, Sanke, Showa, Utsurimono, Bekko, Asagi, Shusui, Tancho).
Schuppentyp
cycloid
Maulstellung
terminal
Besondere Merkmale
Two pairs of barbels on the upper jaw (though some varieties may have reduced barbels due to selective breeding)., Large, prominent scales (except for Doitsu varieties which have few or no scales)., Robust, elongated body, often reaching lengths of 60-90 cm (24-35 inches), with some individuals exceeding 1 meter (39 inches)., Weight can range from 5-15 kg (11-33 lbs) for mature adults, with exceptional specimens weighing more.
Rückenflosse
Single, long dorsal fin with 3-4 unbranched and 17-22 branched rays.
Schwanzflosse
Large, deeply forked caudal fin.
Brustflosse
Paired pectoral fins, typically rounded.
Auffällige Flossen
Pelvic fins are also paired and located abdominally.

Bestimmungstipps

Coloration and Pattern

The most obvious identifier. Koi exhibit a vast array of distinct color combinations and patterns (e.g., red and white 'Kohaku', black, red, and white 'Sanke').

Barbels

Presence of two pairs of barbels on the upper jaw, though these can be reduced in some ornamental strains.

Size and Body Shape

Large, robust, torpedo-shaped body, significantly larger than most ornamental goldfish.

Scales

Typically large, cycloid scales, except for 'Doitsu' varieties which have few or no scales, or large mirror scales.

Lebensraum

Wassertyp
freshwater
Tiefe
Prefers shallow to moderately deep waters (0.5-3 meters or 1.5-10 feet) in ponds and slow-moving rivers.
Umgebung
Primarily found in artificial ponds, water gardens, and slow-moving freshwater bodies. The wild ancestor (Amur carp) inhabits rivers, lakes, and reservoirs with muddy or silty bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation.
Geografische Verbreitung
Domesticated varieties are found globally in ornamental ponds. The wild ancestor (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.

Aquarieninformationen

  • Pflegeaufwand: intermediate
  • Temperament: peaceful
  • Ernährung: omnivore
  • Mindestbeckengröße: 1000 gallons (for a single adult, larger for multiple or growing fish)
  • Temperatur: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
  • pH-Wert: 7.0-8.0
  • Härte: 10-15 dGH
  • Verträglichkeit: Generally compatible with other large, peaceful pond fish like goldfish. Avoid housing with very small fish that could be seen as prey or aggressive species.
  • Besondere Anforderungen: Requires a large, well-filtered pond with good aeration. Sensitive to poor water quality. Provide ample space for swimming and deep areas for wintering in colder climates. Protection from predators (e.g., birds, raccoons) is often necessary.

Informationen zum Wildbestand

  • Erhaltungszustand: least concern
  • Saisonalität: Active year-round in temperate climates, but become less active and may enter a semi-hibernative state (torpor) in colder water temperatures during winter.
  • Marktpreis: Highly variable, from a few dollars for common varieties to hundreds of thousands for rare, high-quality specimens.
  • Kommerzielle Bedeutung: high
  • Geschmack: While edible, Koi are primarily ornamental and not typically consumed. Their flesh can be somewhat muddy-tasting if not purged properly, similar to common carp.
  • Textur: Flaky, but can be bony.
  • Zubereitungsarten: Not commonly consumed, but if prepared, methods for common carp could be applied (e.g., baking, frying, smoking).
  • Nährwert: Similar to common carp, providing protein and omega-3 fatty acids, but not a primary food source.

Wichtige Fakten

Living Jewelsinteresting

Koi are often referred to as 'living jewels' due to their vibrant colors and patterns, and their significant cultural and aesthetic value.

Longevityrecord

With proper care, Koi can live for many decades, often 25-35 years, with some individuals known to live over 100 years (e.g., 'Hanako', a famous Koi, reportedly lived for 226 years).

Symbolisminteresting

In Japanese culture, Koi symbolize love, friendship, perseverance, strength, and good fortune, often associated with the legend of Koi swimming upstream to become dragons.

Taxonomic Updateevolution

Historically, Koi were considered a subspecies of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). However, recent genetic studies have reclassified them as a domesticated form of the Amur carp, Cyprinus rubrofuscus, which is now recognized as a distinct species from the European common carp.

Winter Torporbehavior

In cold climates, Koi enter a state of torpor (reduced metabolic activity) during winter, resting at the bottom of the pond where water temperatures are more stable. They cease feeding during this period.

Sicherheitsinformationen

Sicher
  • Sicherheitsstufe: safe
  • Giftig: Nein
  • Essbarkeit: not recommended
  • Hinweise zum Umgang: Handle with care to avoid damaging scales or fins. Use a soft net or sling. Minimize out-of-water time. Avoid touching the slime coat excessively, as this can remove their natural protective layer. No venomous spines or other inherent dangers.

Ähnliche Arten

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

While Koi are a domesticated form of carp, the term 'common carp' usually refers to the wild or feral forms, which typically have a duller, more uniform brownish-green or golden coloration, and are not selectively bred for ornamental patterns. Genetically, Cyprinus carpio and Cyprinus rubrofuscus are now recognized as distinct species, with Koi being derived from C. rubrofuscus.

Goldfish

Carassius auratus

Goldfish are generally smaller, lack barbels, and have a more rounded or egg-shaped body compared to the elongated body of Koi. While goldfish also come in many colors, their finnage and body forms are distinct from Koi.

Wissenschaftliche Klassifikation

Reich
Animalia
Stamm
Chordata
Klasse
Actinopterygii
Ordnung
Cypriniformes
Familie
Cyprinidae
Gattung
Cyprinus
Art
Cyprinus rubrofuscus

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