Have you ever heard of fish snobbery? Well, it exists. Perhaps the most prevalent form of freshwater fish snobbery exists in the koi breeding cycles and involves the angelic-looking butterfly koi.
Butterfly koi are a relatively new breed on the pond fish scene and can trace their lineage back to the late 70s when fish connoisseur Crown Prince Akihito of Japan suggested that an Indonesian carp be bred to a Japanese pond smelt.
A few years later, breeding resulted in the beautiful rendition that fish enthusiasts covet. Koi are technically carp, though they no longer resemble wild carp. But the lineage produced beautiful ornamental fish.
Onagagoi translates into long-tailed carp; it was the son of a breeder who coined the name butterfly. Acceptance by the traditional koi community takes time. While the original butterfly koi offspring still swim in the Imperial Palace koi pond, snobbery prevails.
Butterfly koi are often banned from traditional koi fish shows and competitions. But it hasn't diminished their popularity in America.
Not surprisingly, as a long finned koi, Butterfly koi are also known as longfin koi. Additional nicknames based on their long flowing fins include dragon carp and dragon koi. They are a pleasure to watch in an outdoor pond. Learning about Koi has allowed me to get acquainted with their mesmerizing beauty and their quirky personalities.
What makes butterfly koi so unique? And are they a suitable investment in time and money for my family?
Taking on a pet always comes with a responsibility, and fish need constant care too. While koi are versatile, you must meet specific requirements whether you opt to keep them indoors for the year-round pleasure of watching them swim or outdoors in a pond. A fishbowl is not an option.
Tank or Pond Options:
Why? Because they are living beings and deserve our commitment and protection.
How? Create a backyard oasis for you and your butterfly koi. And watch as the fish eat from the palm of your hand.
While providing you with countless hours of pleasure, the butterfly koi fish has several admirable qualities that make them a unique species. However, butterfly koi size does limit who should keep them.
What about colors and patterns? Ah! I’m leaving the best for last.
Butterfly koi are distinguishable by their elongated finnage and have personalities too. As with any relationship, the more time you invest, the more you’ll receive in return.
What has this world come to? You can buy anything on the internet, and they’ll ship it in a box. But make no mistake, this trip in a baggie and container is stressful for any animal.
I’m still a firm believer in that out-of-date customer service practice, which should also be a prevalent trait from online koi fish merchants.
But where? Most often, our interest is anchored in our experience. So if you met a butterfly koi in a pond, ask the pond owner. Information is always your best guide.
What is striking about butterfly koi is their feathery translucent fins and their gorgeous color and pattern variations. You already know about fish grading if you’re a hardcore butterfly koi enthusiast, which sets the prices.
Butterfly koi fish are an investment, and what draws people’s attention is their elegance and the endless varieties available to consumers. Key breeds are Kohaku, Sanke, Showa, Ogon, Bekko, Shusui, Asagi, Doitsu (scaleless), and Ginrin.
