The History Of Nishikigoi

The Many beautiful koi varieties we know today are, in fact, all descendants of black fish known as Magoi. Although earlier records of koi (i.e. common carp) date back some 2500 years, their farm cultivation is much more recent. Colour mutation first appeared some 200 years ago and by the end of the 19th century many of the varieties we know today had been established. However, it was not until the 20th century that koi keeping as a hobby began to flourish. The development of road and rail links, and more particulary, the advertisement of air travel, facilitated the transportation of koi, and these beautiful fish soob attracted a huge following in the other parts of the world, particulary in the UK and also the USA. Since the first days of the culture of Nishikigoi - as fancy koi came to be known - many farmers have invested much time and effort in developing new varieties. Altough Japan still leads the world, other countries are now producing koi for there own home markets, and it is probaly the most beautiful Nishikigoi are yet to be seen.