There are two types of Koi owners–those looking for a prized collection and those looking for an easy pet to bring life to their water garden.

If you fall into the latter category, you may find yourself wondering, “is there really a difference?” or, “should I look for show or pet quality Koi?”

Just like in the dog and horse markets, the price associated with your Koi is influenced by bloodlines, markings, and size. By understanding the differences between show and pet quality Koi, new owners can feel more confident during the selection process.

Let’s take a look at the various groups of Koi to better understand what you’re paying for when selecting Koi for your water garden. Some owners collect show Koi like a prized car that is only driven on Sundays. When you stop and think about it, there are quite a few analogies that can be made between Koi and cars.

The Economy Car

When a Koi breeder is faced with a little of poor quality Koi, there are typically three viable options to choose from. First, they can sell the fish into the bait market or as a feeder fish for consumption by larger fish in pet shops. Second, they can bury the fish. Last but not least, they can sell them as pond grade Koi.

Just like how there is nothing wrong with owning an economy car, there is nothing wrong with owning an economy Koi. They will certainly be pleasant to own, but exceptional colors or patterns don’t generally occur in this group.

To a beginner Koi collector, a simple all-orange fish can be considered good enough to be a decent Koi. The all-yellow Koi, known as the lemon ogon, is wildly popular and very easy to produce. Like the finest of the economy cars, the lemon ogon is abundant and not unpleasant to own.

The Minivan

Domestic Koi are attractive and of good quality, just like a reliable family minivan. In this category, the fish are healthy and have been bred on the grounds we currently stand on. The bloodlines of most domestic fish are short, and the classic ancestral stock is not long ago. The fish are tough, but with a lack of refinement comes a less refined look. Domestic, durable Koi of average to good quality make wonderful, sturdy pets and are an enjoyable addition for your pond.

The Handmade American Stock Car Koi

Lovingly handcrafted in America, these performance vehicles are fast and beautiful. A Koi from this category tends to be a hand-selected small import or domestic fish that goes on to take a trophy in a local showcase.

In this instance, the owner of the fish likely chose it based on its assessed future quality. They then raised it on their own to sub-adult or adult status before putting it in a Koi show. Victory in a Koi show with a fish you chose and raised by hand is a testament to your ability to judge fish, identify quality, and provide the kind of husbandry needed to produce a champion from a small fish you hoped was a diamond.

The Sports Car Koi

For those with a fancier taste, consider a Koi imported from Asia. These Koi are more expensive than their domestic counterparts, but in general, much prettier. Their good looks plus the cost of shipping is why they’re more expensive. You get what you pay for!

The Handmade Italian Sports Car

There is a specific type of Koi owner that does not care about price. They simply need to have the best and nothing else. In this analogy, what’s interesting is that when the driver of a handmade Italian sports car drives down the road, people only marvel at the value of the car – not necessarily the skills of the driver.

There are handcrafted fish available in Japan that are finer than any other Koi you can buy on any market in the world. These magnificent fish are usually large in size and typically have a Japanese Koi show win already under their belt.

A Koi from this group is going to be a profoundly expensive fish that is bred, raised, and shown by a Japanese craftsman, then sold to a trophy hunter in America. No skills are called upon to buy a fish that already comes with a trophy. Only a fat wallet.

So, what does it all mean? Just like how there are many different types of Koi, there are also many different types of Koi owners. You have to choose a Koi that is the right fit for your ownership style, and your budget. Extreme Koi enthusiasts may be meticulous and specific in the care and keeping of their Koi, but it is not always necessary. It is okay to only care for your Koi in ways it needs to be kept. Contact us for more information.