Japanese Koi fish gaining popularity around the world
May 21, 2020
Niigata (Japan), May 21 (ANI): Koi fish is one of the most beloved pet in Japan. There are even annual competitions to choose among them, the most beautiful fish. This museum in Niigata showcases some of the winning fishes. Koi is a kind of "river carp" that is selectively bred in Japan for over two hundred years, and since then it became one of the most interesting and expensive hobbies to breed them as the price of one Koi could reach thousands of dollars. Breeding Koi in Ojiya town in Niigata Prefecture of Japan first began during 19th century. The town was famous for growing rice during the harsh winter but they turned rice field into pond to raise black carp for eating. Few farmers noticed a little colour and began to selectively breed Koi to produce more colorful fish, which then became pet. Thus began the culture of breading koi fish, which from Japan spread across the world. Today many amateur and professional breeders come to visit Niigata Prefecture specifically to buy Koi here. It is estimated that about 1 million koi fishes are sold in Japan annually. Prices vary a lot as Koi is divided into categories depending on the variety of colours, the way they overlap and the intensity of their luster. Some customers even order Koi online, so it is also exported to many countries around the world. As Koi can grow very large and live a long life, it has also become a symbol of prosperity and good luck in Japan.
