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…

China was the firrst to recognize the Koi as a creature of beauty. Dating back to around 500 B.C., Koi were not only raised as food but kept by rulers for viewing and were also a subject of artwork. But it was in Japan around the 1830’s is when they truly began to become the coveted pets of today, being raised for their color and improving on their natural genetic mutations.

While both wild carp and raised carp were termed ‘Nishikigoi’ (Living Jewels), it was during World War II that the term ‘Koi’ became
more commonly used to refer to these colorful gems. Today there are more than 100 named varieties named with mostly Japanese
terminology as they are the leading breeders in the world.

So, why are they the perfect pets?

They probably won’t run away, get hair on your sofa, or lick your dinner plate while you’re not looking, but there are other reasons why you should have them. They can be life long companions, twenty years is common and one at a monastery in Japan was even documented to be 200 years old. They are trainable and seem to recognize their caretakers over strangers.

Well trained carp will even love eating out of your hand - and, they will eat anything! Known as water pigs, they can eat up to 2% of their body weight. In addition to insects and plants, they may enjoy the occasional treat of some fruits or vegetables, and kids might even want to share their Cheerios™ to win over a new friend.

Typically, even to strangers, Koi are not aggressive except sometimes when spawning, but they do not fight. In fact many people are beginning to build swimming ponds as opposed to swimming pools – a clean ecosystem, visually more appealing, and with lots of friends to hang out with.

Did I mention their looks? You don’t have to have award-winning Koi to appreciate their beauty. Sitting by your pond, watching these magnificent creatures also brings a sense of peace to life – a benefit that most everyone could use!