Koi are multi coloured carp kept in large ponds,  a hobby started many hundreds of years ago by the Japanese.

Common black carp were reared in small ponds with the sole intention of eating them when they were large enough! However, some of these fish developed small patches of colour on their bodies, and these were crossbred by curious Japanese families and were certainly not for the dinner table!!

Little did they realise that it would all lead to the worldwide keeping of koi as an infectious and addictive hobby.

Small koi can be purchased at specialist koi dealers all over the U.K. for as little as £15-30, but a high grade adult koi (which can be over a metre in length) may cost between £600 and many thousands of pounds.

If however, you are on a limited budget, no problem, learn to spot the small koi with potential and grow them on. Young koi with potential are known as `Tategoi'.

The different types of coloured patterns on koi have been given different names by the Japanese. For example, a white koi with a black pattern is known as shiro bekko.

A white koi with a red pattern is a kohaku, and a silver koi with a gold pattern is known as a hariwake.

These are just some of the many koi varieties that exist. And remember, no two koi have exactly the same pattern.

There are some excellent books that explain all the many types and classifications of koi. Especially an  e-book by the Koi Doctor. Check out the link provided.

Famous folk that keep koi include,  Brian Blessed, Pete Waterman, Nigel Benn, Steven Spielberg, Jim Davidson, and the late great Freddie Mercury. Freddie's pond and fish are still looked after by his partner.

Koi quickly become hand tame and will rush to

you for feeding.