Ancient Koi Carp A Long Lived Ornamental Fish. Watch Video Of A Koi Carp Tattoo Artist

The origins of this ancient, stunningly beautiful and long lived ornamental fish, the Koi Carp have truly humble beginnings.

The elaborate and expensive specimens we see today, bare little resemblance to their drab coloured ancestors, that were bred as an extra food source supplement.

The murky origins of these superb creatures, is as murky as the paddy fields they were first purported to be bred in, at least 1800 years ago in China.

There are scant detailed records but the consensus of opinion is that carp, were a mainstay food source for many people around the world, including in Europe.

The popularity of carp as a table dish declined around the 1830's, as the new networks of railways transformed the fishing industry.

Moving from a purely fresh water, or coastal business. To a truly national fishing enterprise. The new rail networks meant that, new salt water fish could be delivered quickly.

These new fish on the market became more popular as they became more available, especially in the big cities.

Although this doesn't adequately explain, why its popularity dropped so dramatically as a food fish. Changing tastes may also have played a part?

It shows that people can argue about; just about anything and the origins of the Koi Carp is no exception as we can see below.

In 1995 Balon was amongst the first scholars to question the opinion that the (Cyprinus carpio) or common carp was introduced to Europe from China.

He is said to have shown that the River Danube contained an indigenous wild carp population since the retreat of the last glaciation I2,000 BC.

Although I can find no evidence for the above claim however it is possible. Balon goes on to site an ancient Roman Source. Ovid

Cassiodorus (AD 490-585) confirmed this when he told of the glory of King Theodorus' (AD 490-526) court in Italy. 'and from the Danube come Carp and from the Rhine Herring. To provide a variety of flavours, it is necessary to have many fish from many countries. A king's reign should be such as to indicate that he possesses everything)'

Source:- The Early History of the Carp and its Economic Significance in England By CHRISTOPHER K CURRIE 1993

Now there is a big difference between 12,000 BC and 490-526 AD and a lot of things can move around in that amount of time, including fish.

The point is it is completely possible that the forbears of these ornamental fish existed outside of China, why wouldn't they? but Koi Carp enthusiasts get a little heated when it comes to their creations and I suppose they have a point.

The highly coloured ornamental specimens are really nothing like the wild varieties

The brightly coloured specimens we see today, have been created by a process of selective breeding.

The reason for the types of patterns we see today, have to do with the vessels the fish were displayed in.

In both China and Japan Large Earthenware jars were made, to show off the colours and patterns whilst viewed from above.

There was no glass manufacturing at this time, capable of producing large glass bowls and so the fish, that looked most pleasing from above, were used for breeding.

I suppose those that were not so attractive, ended their days on another piece of china. Namely a dinner plate.

Long Life And Very Expensive

These fish can live for many years. The price of some of them is astronomical. These specimens are highly sought after. And require high finance to purchase just one of these rare fish. Of course breeding the very best specimens is a huge industry, it itself.

'The oldest Koi is said to have reached the age of 230 years. The average price of good quality Koi of course depends on size, but they can range from $50-$300 dollars, up to several thousand for large well colored Koi, but the most expensive Koi ever sold was for 2.2 million dollars!'

http://drkoi.com/afunfishfacts.

Koi Is Ubiquitous In Japanese Culture

The Japanese have been breeding koi carp for many centuries and the imagery of the koi carp permeates Japanese culture. The symbolism of long life and prosperity is very appealing.

With the opening up of Japan to the world in the mid 1850's, their cultural influence has been exported; along with their cars and electronics.

Now we can see images of koi carp just about everywhere. Namely in decorative design for homes to body adornment.

You can find places where you can eat Koi Carp. These will be the fish that have been rejected for breeding purposes.

If you want to taste regular old style carp, you will probable find their brownish golden cousins, swimming in a lake near you.

This ancient, long lived, ornamental fish, the koi carp, will probably never become popular again as a food fish, simply due their value alive.

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