Ochiba koi are among the most colorful species of Koi with its distinct blue gre

y color, brown markings, and net like pattern. These ornamental fish are undoubt
edly one of the most colorful species that have been specially bred for their di
stinctive color patterns. Kois are from the carp family, which are actually brow
n in color. However, koi there are over 20 varieties of koi including the Ochiba
koi, which has a distinct set of metallic scales and glistening fins.
All the varieties of koi are distinguished by their patterns, colors, and scales
. Red, yellow, blue, cream, black, and white, are the main colors of Koi. These
colors are often found in combination, with breeders looking to develop the most
colorful and attractive fish including the Ochiba koi. The experimentation with
types of koi is limitless, especially when it comes to breeding koi on a compet
itive level.
The word Ochiba Shigure literally means fallen leaves in Japanese. Ochiba koi be
long to the Kawarimono group, a broad classification for a wide variety of koi t
hat do not fit in any other classes. Ochiba koi are a crossbreed of Soragoi, a b
lue grey koi, with a Chagoi, a uniform brown koi. Both may be plain looking, but
the Ochiba koi has striking color patterns that have made it popular amongst br
eeders.
The female Ochiba koi has a big belly and small pectoral fins. They have the ten
dency to swim sideways. Like other koi, they donâ t mind the presence of humans and a
re only too happy to feed from its ownerâ s hand. Adult females are distinguishable b
y the sudden narrowing before the tail while males have streamlined bodies that
are torpedo shaped. This characteristic can be determined when viewed from any a
ngle. The Doitsu variety of Ochiba koi is called an antique due to the colors.
While koi started out as a simple mono-colored, breeders have done well to devel
op some of the most brightly colored species with ornate designs. Today, familie
s around the world enjoy maintaining their own koi ponds or visiting other koi f
ish gardens. This robust species are known to live for more than twenty years at
the minimum. By paying special attention to Ochiba koi, you can increase their
longevity.
Like other koi, Ochiba koi thrive in cooler waters with a temperature of 75 degr
ees Fahrenheit. During colder weather, they hibernate while the metabolism slows
down, eliminating the need to be fed when temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fa
hrenheit. You must pay attention to the needs of Ochiba koi in order to maintain
a thriving and healthy shoal. It is essential to build a koi pond of a proper
size and depth of no less than 3 feet to hold at least 1000 gallons of water. Ma
ny koi hobbyists build smaller ponds and then regret their decision when they fi
nd the space not enough to add to their koi collection.
It is advisable to keep koi in a pond exclusively for them. Even though they are
quite social, you must be careful about the type of other fish if you wish to k
eep them together. With a little bit of effort and proper care, you can enjoy th
e company of these beautiful creatures for years together. Ochiba koi are expens
ive as compared to other freshwater fish, therefore you need to ensure that your
investment is worthwhile by taking good care of them.
Nelson writes more about koi fish here: http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com/
ochiba-koi. He has raised, studied, bred and cared for hundreds of varieties of
Koi. His twenty plus years of practical experience and research are available in
his latest book,<a href="http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com"> Insider's Se
crets To Raising Healthy Koi</a>.