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GEMS OF THE WATER continued GEMS OF THE WATER continued GEMS OF THE WATER con't. next column GEMS OF THE WATER con't. next column Illustration by L. S. Crain, Southern Pines. Joe Granato, owner of Star Ridge Aquatics, LLC Gems of the Water by Joe Granato As the heat of summer approaches, the water garden has transformed into a beautiful aquatic oasis. The water surface is covered in rich, green lily pads and dotted with brightlycolored water lily flowers. Look closely, and you will see the real gems of the water, the fish. Whether it is goldfish darting about or koi lazily schooling in search of food, fish bring another dimension to the pond. Koi and goldfish add a multitude of colors to compliment the blooming plants in and around the water garden. Koi and goldfish are known as cold water fish and are both members of the carp family. Goldfish are descendants from Chinese carp and koi are from Japanese carp. Both types have been bred for their color and body shape from a few carp found with bright colors not normally found on the drab, bronze colored fish. Goldfish are now available in many body types and color forms. Fantails, orandas, and moors are of a compact, somewhat chubby body type with a double tail. These are bred in many colors like orange, red, blue and black. These types are usually kept in indoor aquariums but are perfectly hearty in an outdoor water garden. Comets, saris comets, and shubunkins are members of the elongated comet body type. Comets are available in the colors orange, red, yellow, and gold and are all solid colors. Sarasa comets are brightly-colored in two tone red and white. On this particular type, the red is bright red, and the white is pure white, quite striking when the sun shines on them. Shubunkins are another color type of comet that have a base color of blue with added splashes of black, red and white. All of these goldfish colors and types are quite happy to swim together among the water lilies. Koi are bred for two different fin types. Standard fin koi have the short fins and tails of their distant carp relatives, but the butterfly koi adorn themselves with long, flowing fins and tails. These elongated fins and tails give them a very elegant, almost angelic appearance. Both types of koi are available in a plethora of colors and varieties. Koi have been bred by Japanese royalty and elite for centuries to conform to specific colors and patterns. These Japanese jewels are very long lived and can surpass their owners in life span. Koi are relaxing to watch as they swim slowly in schools, many times in a large circle. Both koi and goldfish become quite tame and many times recognize their owner’s voice. They will learn to eat out of your hand and will follow you as you walk by the pond, hoping you will toss them a bit of food. They will quickly become extended family members with names and personalities. Take time to enjoy your water garden. Enjoy the views, the sound of the waterfall, the fragrance of the water lilies, and the movement of the fish. All these elements combined give us a glimpse of life and how beautiful it is. As we live and work in this hectic world, allow these gems of the water to help you relax, reflect, and recharge. Star Ridge Aquatics, LLC is a full service aquatic garden center stocking all products needed to build and maintain a water garden. Growing a large selection of aquatic plants, carrying all materials to build and maintain an aquatic ecosystem, and inventorying hundreds of koi and goldfish, Star Ridge invites you come visit and experience the possibilities. �� For more info see ad p. 32. The red is bright red, and the white is pure white, quite striking when the sun shines on them. Joe Granato, Owner Star Ridge Aquatics, LLC p.4 The Pinehurst Gazette, Inc. No. 127


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