Finny Friends Make Fantastic Pets

If you have kids in the house, you have probably heard the words, “Can we get a pet?” and felt a sense of dread; Cat hair, dog hair, cleaning-up after them, and wondering who will take care of your extended family while you are on a much needed vacation.

The young, old, and in between may find that fish are actually the perfect pet. No, I am not talking about the ones in an aquarium – I’m talking Koi! Here’s a little background on these watery favorite friends…
Continue reading »

Posted February 21st, 2007 in Fish

What a Catch!

Beautiful blues and reds are trademarks often found in one of the oldest varieties of Nishikigi (Koi) – Asagi. An Asagi Koi will have blue reticulated scales above the lateral line (on top) these blues can range from lighter shades to almost a deep navy. With a light or white outline, if the blue scales are lined up right they will form a beautiful net-like pattern. The underside will have red or deep orange color which may also be found on the fins, gill covers, and mouth.

For the more serious hobbyist, perfect reticulation of the scale pattern with balanced, sharp and uniform accent coloring, and an
unblemished head will make for a more desirable specimen.

Posted February 21st, 2007 in Fish

Koi and Goldfish Care

When you are planning and building your garden pond, there is no magical depth of water in which fish will magically survive. A simple fact however is that a 6′ fish will pollute one cubic foot of water much faster than it can pollute two or three cubic feet of water. While waterlilies require surface area, your pond fish require total water volume.
Continue reading »

Posted February 21st, 2007 in Care & Maintenance, Fish