The World Of Pets: May 2010

Koi, sometimes Goi or Nishikigoi means carp. They are probably the most popular pond fish. This type of pond fish allows for more human-pet interaction than most. You can feeding them with your hand, pet them, and rub their bellies. They can grow to 30 inches long in a good size pond. They are beautiful but yet very strong and sturdy. They can survive through severe cold and hot temperatures. They can live under ice provided that the pond is not completely frozen solid.

Koi should be loved for their beauty. Grouping them is only for: the sake of contests. Usually there are two main categories; "Basic Varieties" and Unique Koi. Two basic body types: the medium body depth like the Magoi and the much deeper body like that of the old Koitsu-goi. Mainly the grouping is according to the color, color patterns and scale types. There are roughly 13 basic groups (Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, Showa Sanshoku, Bekko, Utsurimono, Asagi Shusui, Koromo, Kawarimono, Ogon, Hikari Moyomono, Hikari Utsurimono, Kinginrin and Tancho) and more than a hundred of Unique Koi.

Koi is magnificent but also can be very expensive; million dollar Koi is not uncommon especially in the far east countries. On the other hand, you can keep our reasonably priced, best valued Koi and enjoy them just as much as the very expensive ones. But I should caution our hobbyist that it can still be very costly if your fish are routine victims of predators in the backyard such as birds, cats or other unexpected visitors.

Golden Arowana - In Fish show/ King sizeFlower horn - Indonasia Kamfa

BUTTERFLY TAIL - In Different Breads

The Butterfly Tail is actually a breed derived from the Dragon Eye. This relatively new breed was popularized about twenty years ago. The tail of the Butterfly Tail spreads out and apart to an extent to which when viewed from above looks like a butterfly. The body shape should be short to be considered attractive. This is because the short "butterfly tail" to the body should be proportional to make it aestheticlly pleasing. The Panda (black/white) Butterfly Tail is the most popular (shown on the left).

Tri-Color Butterfly Tail

Red and White Butterfly Tail

Calico Butterfly Tail

ORANDA - In different angels colour

Orandas are characterized by a heavy growth of the tissue on the head. There are many different styles of head growth. The Red Cap Oranda has a cap developed on top of the head. Others have head growth covering the entire head, except for the gills. It takes up to two years to develop moderate head growth, and up to five years to fully develop. Head growth can be enhanced if fish are kept in clean water with low organic content and algae. High protein diets in confined rearing ponds also speed up the head growth process. When placed in a large pond, the oranda's head growth tends to slow down. *Jade Seal Oranda shown to the left.

The Oranda has more varieties than any other breed of goldfish. Orandas can have veil tails, pearl scales, telescope eyes, or bubble eyes. They can be found in every goldfish color and scale type. In general, Oranda should be egg-shaped with medium to long fins. Feeding a food fairly high in carbohydrates and roughage is important for proper body development. Once in a while, blood worms are a good source of protein for the developing headgrowth. Nowadays, different blends of feed have been developed for different types of goldfish. Orandas with large head growth must have good water quality with a high dissolved oxygen level. The high oxygen level is important because the head growth on the gill covers restricts the flow of water through the gills, lessening the oxygen they take in. Cool water is the easiest way to maintain high dissolved oxygen levels in your water. Oxygen solubility increases while the temperature decreases. *Red Cap Oranda

Orandas can reach lengths of eight to ten inches. However, there are exceptions. Most adults are around 6 inches long. Relatively new breeds in Oranda are the Panda (black and white), purple/blue and tri-colored (red/white/black, copper/white/red). With these color combinations, orandas can look quite interesting. Imagine a Red Cap Panda! Another quite popular Oranda variety is the Jade Seal which is a red Oranda with a yellowish white head growth.