Koi

Well-illustrated with photographs and annotated illustrations and full of practical expert advice, this guide is ideal for the koi hobbist and covers all aspects of koi's care, breeding, display and exhibiting.

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Caring for and showing koi, affectionately called "living jewels" or "swimming flowers."

With full-color photographs, annotated illustrations and detailed, expert how-to advice, this guidebook is ideal for the koi hobbyist.

Koi begins with the history of koi-keeping, from the first known use of the word "koi"(about 500 BC) to the early 1900s, when collectors began breeding them for specific colors and metallics. The markings and patterns of koi are their most important feature, and the authors detail these in depth and define the Japanese terms used to describe them.

In addition to the section on the 15 varieties of koi, or nishikigoi, the authors address the care and exhibition of koi. Topics include:



The water environment
Feeding programs
Pond design and maintenance
Environmental health factors
Evaluating and grading koi
Behavioral symptoms
Pre-show and post-show preparations
Parasitic, bacterial and viral conditions
Judging criteria used at shows
The effects of temperature on feeding
Selecting and breeding koi
How to enhance colors

Koi is a complete and practical reference on these enjoyable, enchanting creatures.