The Koi come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. The black Koi are being distinguished due to their color, and nothing more. They can live up to 35 years, the oldest of which have lived up to 200 years! They are seen regularly in outdoor ponds throughout the globe.

The male Koi are recognized and distinguished by their concave anal section, and their breeding spots on their head. They can lay up to a thousand eggs. The fry (baby Koi) will start emerging within around 4 to 7 days, depending on the temperature condition of the water. It’s amazing that their color will emerge when they’re about 3 to 12 weeks old. When they were first bred in Japan from carp mutations, they only had two colors. More colors came in with more breeding through the years, which showed a variety of magnificent patterns and colors.

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They can grow up to about 36 inches long, which calls a need for them to be kept in ponds that are large in size. The species known as the Magoi is one of the first black mutations that can grow very long. Their color is actually deep bronze, which can be seen as black when they are being viewed from above. Because of their unique size possibilities, the Magoi blood is re-introduced to other species to maximize their growth potential.

The Karasu (Japanese for “crow”) is another one of those extremely old species. It is characterized by its black fins and body. It has an orange or white belly.

They can also have the ability to change color due to environmental or dietary effects. The color changes range from duller to brighter shades. The Matsukawabake is known for such characteristic; black in color and has areas or white on its body. Depending on the water’s temperature or the season, its color can change completely. It can turn completely black or white, and will return to its original pattern once the temperature conditions will change.

The Kumonryu (“kumonryu” which means “dragon fish”), which made its first appearance around the 80’s, is considered to be as the most popular of the species. It was designated with such a name as it is reminiscent of the bodies of dragons that are depicted by the paintings of the ancient times (some would say that these fish looked as if they were dragons that ascend through the white clouds). This can also change their colors.

Pond owners are being attracted to the Koi’s colors and patterns, and there’s nothing more exciting than owning a fish like the black Koi that can change their color right before your very eyes!