Butterfly Koi

Descrição

The Butterfly Koi, or Koi Borboleta, is a variant of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) selectively bred for its exceptionally long, flowing fins, which resemble the wings of a butterfly. While sharing the genetic lineage of traditional Koi, its distinctive finnage sets it apart. These ornamental fish are highly prized for their aesthetic appeal in ponds and water gardens.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

torpedo

Coloração

Highly variable, exhibiting the full spectrum of Koi color patterns including Kohaku (red and white), Sanke (red, white, and black), Showa (black, red, and white), Ogon (single metallic color), Utsurimono (black with white, red, or yellow markings), and many others. The colors are vibrant and distinct.

Tipo de escama

cycloid

Posição da boca

subterminal

Características distintivas

Exaggeratedly long, flowing fins (dorsal, caudal, pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins are all elongated)., Often possess barbels around the mouth., Large, robust body typical of Cyprinus carpio.

Nadadeira dorsal

Single, tall, and greatly elongated, often trailing gracefully.

Nadadeira caudal

Deeply forked and exceptionally long, often appearing as two distinct lobes that flow.

Nadadeira peitoral

Large and elongated, resembling wings.

Nadadeiras características

All fins are significantly longer and more flowing than those of traditional Koi, giving them a 'butterfly' appearance.

Dicas de identificação

Habitat

Tipo de água

freshwater

Profundidade

Prefers deeper waters in ponds (minimum 0.9-1.2 meters or 3-4 feet) for thermal stability and protection from predators.

Ambiente

Primarily found in artificial pond environments, water gardens, and large aquariums. In their ancestral wild form (common carp), they inhabit slow-moving or still waters of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs with muddy or vegetated bottoms.

Distribuição geográfica

Originating from Japan through selective breeding, Butterfly Koi are now distributed globally wherever ornamental fish are kept. Their wild ancestor, Cyprinus carpio, is native to Central Asia and Eastern Europe but has been introduced worldwide.

Informações sobre aquário

• Nível de cuidado: intermediate
• Temperamento: peaceful
• Alimentação: omnivore
• Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 250 gallons (for a single adult, larger for multiple or growing fish)
• Temperatura: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Nível de pH: 7.0-8.0
• Dureza da água: 10-15 dGH
• Compatibilidade: Compatible with other peaceful, large pond fish such as other Koi varieties, Shubunkin, and large goldfish. Avoid housing with aggressive species or very small fish that could be prey.
• Requisitos especiais: Requires excellent water quality, robust filtration, and ample space due to their large adult size and waste production. Ponds should have adequate depth (at least 3 feet) for overwintering in colder climates. Their long fins can be susceptible to damage in crowded or poorly maintained environments, or from sharp pond decorations.

Informações no ambiente natural

• Estado de conservação: least concern
• Sazonalidade: Breeding typically occurs in spring when water temperatures rise. Feeding activity is highest in warmer months and significantly reduced in colder temperatures.
• Preço de mercado: Varies widely based on size, coloration, fin development, and lineage, ranging from tens to thousands of dollars.
• Importância comercial: high
• Sabor: Not typically consumed due to their ornamental value; however, as a carp, the flesh can be earthy or muddy.
• Textura: Flaky, somewhat coarse.
• Métodos de preparo: Not applicable for ornamental varieties.
• Valor nutricional: Not typically consumed for nutritional value; similar to common carp, it would be a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Fatos principais

Espécies similares

Classificação científica

Reino

Animalia

Filo

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordem

Cypriniformes

Família

Cyprinidae

Gênero

Cyprinus

Espécie

Cyprinus carpio

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