| Usually when the topic of koi fish arises, what | | | | spreading up to the fins. However, some breeds may |
| immediately comes to mind are those decorative | | | | come out with a white or an orange underbelly. |
| carp commonly kept in freshwater ponds that often | | | | The Matsuwabake is a fickle black koi fish. Although it |
| appear in bright colors of white topped with red, | | | | is originally black, it can change color according to |
| metallic yellow, and calicoes. However, the Kohaku, | | | | temperature and food. Once the environment and |
| Ogon and Taisho Sanke or Showa Sanke, | | | | diet goes back to normal, though, the matsuwabake |
| respectively, aren't the only varieties, nor are they | | | | follows suit, and returns to its old color. |
| the only color combinations that exist in koi. There is | | | | Kumonryu is like the matsuwabake. These also |
| the one koi where all koi carp are said to have | | | | change color, but more in accordance with the |
| originated: the black koi fish. | | | | seasons than anything else. However, one major |
| One black koi is called the magoi, although in reality its | | | | thing that sets the kumonryu apart from the |
| color is a deep bronze that merely looks black when | | | | matsuwabake is that its markings are closely similar |
| observed from above. The magoi is not actually | | | | to those of a dragon, a common theme found in |
| acknowledged as true koi by many show organizers. | | | | Oriental paintings and art. It has eventually been |
| They are, however, highly valued by many hobbyists | | | | nicknamed "dragonfish," and is a universal favorite. |
| for a different reason altogether. Unlike other koi, | | | | Despite its color, or lack of it, black koi fish should |
| magoi have the ability to grow faster and larger, and | | | | not be underestimated. With the right diet and care, |
| have therefore been used for cross-breeding with | | | | its scales will appear as lustrous as any of its colorful |
| other varieties so as to achieve maximum and | | | | counterparts, and their deep black sheen combined |
| speedy growth of the next generation of koi. | | | | with their grace in the water will easily give the |
| Magoi comes from a variety where most black koi | | | | appearance of sleekness, which the more colorful koi |
| belong, along with other varieties which are difficult | | | | will never have. As a matter of fact, the black koi |
| to classify. They fall in the Kawarimono group. Under | | | | fish provides an essential background to bring out the |
| this variety of koi are the Karasu, Matsukawabake, | | | | brilliance of its colorful koi companions. The contrast |
| and Kumonryu. | | | | that it offers also serves as a complement to the |
| As the pure white koi is known as white ogon, the | | | | overall effect of the pond, and adds even more |
| pure black koi fish is called Karasu. Karasu is "crow" in | | | | beauty to the environment. Thus, in a way, black koi |
| Japanese, and believed to be one of the oldest | | | | fish supplies that touch of balance. Indeed, what is |
| varieties of koi. Unlike the magoi, karasu is a true | | | | white without black? |
| black, starting from the head to the tip of the tail, | | | | |