|
Koi Carp Carassius auratus gibelio
Cyprinus carpio
Giebel / Koikarpe
Facts: Food: Plankton, aquatic plants, snails, worms and mussels
Habitat: Lakes, ponds and slowly flowing rivers
|
 |
 Koi carps are colourful breeds of the common carp that have been bred in Japan. The Japanese name for koi carp is Nishiki-Goi. It is believed that carp breeding began 1,000 years ago and is still widespread in Japan. There are 100 different, approved colour varieties, and many exhibitions are held every year where the best fish win large prizes. The most outstanding fish are worth upwards of DKK 600,000 – 700,000. The Zoo’s carps are worth only a few kroner, however, as they have not been bred for unique colours. In Japan, some enthusiasts are attempting to breed koi carps to get the same colours as the Japanese flag, i.e., a red sphere on a white field.
Koi carps can reach lengths of 70–80 cm and weigh up to 7 kg. This is not very big compared to the wild species, which can be up to 90–120 cm long and weigh 25–30 kg. The carps living in Denmark have dark backs and large scales. Their presumed life expectancy is 40–50 years.
Carps originally come from Japan, China and Central Asia and either migrated to Europe via rivers or were brought here by people. Carps were introduced in Denmark in the early 1500s.
|
