KOI, JEWELS OF THE POND con't. next column
Kohaku Sanke Ogon Koi
Utsuri Showa
Five of the most popular varieties of Koi.
KOI, JEWELS OF THE POND con't. next column
Joe Granato, owner
Star Ridge Aquatics, LLC
With over 36 years experience,
Paul Gauthier, D.D.S. always
puts his patients first!
Southern Pines Dental
Family Dentistry
655 SW Broad Street
Southern Pines
M, T, W
8:15A - 4PM
(910) 692-6500
Koi
Paul E. Gauthier, D.D.S.
Koi, Jewels of the Pond
by Joe Granato
Water is an amazing thing. It sustains life,
can be either a gas, liquid or a solid, can be a
powerful force when on the move, and makes it
possible to keep koi.
Koi are a type of Carp that originated in
Japan. These colorful fish are not only beautiful
but they are very long lived, with a life span of
over 70 years. Koi can grow to lengths of over 40”
in the right environment and become extremely
tame. They will recognize the one who feeds
them and can learn to eat from your hand.
Koi need a proper environment to thrive
and grow to their ultimate potential. This
environment includes a pond of at least 1,000
gallons, preferably as large as possible. Water
should be at least 2 feet deep with 4 feet to 6
feet deep optimal. Water quality is of utmost
importance in keeping koi. Good filtration, UV
sterilization, proper pH, and good water flow are
all important. Filtration should consist of both
mechanical and biological as well as a properly–
sized UV sterilizer to keep the water clear,
healthy, and pathogen free. Water chemistry
such as pH, alkalinity and temperature should
be maintained as consistent as possible. Water
flow through the filtration and over a waterfall
help to keep the oxygen levels in the koi pond at
optimal levels.
Once you have the koi pond built correctly
and the water conditions adjusted properly,
it’s time to stock it with koi. Koi are available
in many varieties or color types. The five most
popular varieties that are regularly available are
as follows:
Kohaku
Notably the most recognizable variety is the
Kohaku. The Kohaku is a pure white koi with
bright red markings. A top grade Kohaku will
have a well–balanced distribution of 3-5 red
areas against a pure snow white base. Ideally, a
Kohaku should not have any red color forward
of the eyes.
Sanke
The Sanke is almost as recognizable as the
Kohaku. The Sanke is a white koi with both red
and black markings. As with the Kohaku, the red
and black markings should be evenly distributed
down the body with no color forward of the eyes.
Ogon Koi
Ogon koi is a solid color koi. The most
popular color types Platinum, a metallic pure
white and Yamabuki, a metallic pure gold. These
koi are stunning in the pond, especially in direct
sunlight.
Utsuri
Utsuri koi is a black koi with evenly
distributed color down the body. This type has
three basic color types. Shiro Utsuri is a black
koi with white markings. Hi Utsuri (pronounced
He) is a black koi with red/orange markings.
Ki Utsuri (pronounced Key) is a black koi with
yellow markings. In the Utsuri type, color on the
face all the way to the nose is acceptable.
Showa Koi
Showa koi is a black koi with both red and
white markings. Uniquely, this type of koi does
not come into its own until it reaches a size of at
least 12 inches. The Showa as a young fish is not
very attractive, so patience is in order for this
type, but it is well worth the wait.
No matter what type of koi you choose, the
colors and personalities of these fish will keep
you entertained for years.
Star Ridge Aquatics, LLC is a full service
water garden center specializing in water
gardens and koi ponds. They carry a large
selection of koi & goldfish as well as all the
materials to build & maintain a koi pond.
starridgeaquatics@embarqmail.com
(910)947-5333 • See ad. p. 33.
p.4 The Pinehurst Gazette, Inc. No. 130
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