Koi content that appears in the print magazine.
In December 2023, an opportunity came across our lap to join Russell Peters of PS Koi, America’s top koi dealer, on one of his infamous koi trips. As one of the youngest koi dealers growing and learning in this industry, I knew that this was an opportunity I may never get again. Without hesitation, I …
For the koi dealers at Fitz’s Fish Ponds, this process of selecting, growing & sourcing elite-level koi rings true. While in Japan, we had an excellent customer, Andrew Sandler of Polo Reef, who was looking for a top-tier koi. We were soon on a mission to source a winner. Communication with different breeders began to …
No matter how many koi shows you attend, no matter how well versed you become in the hobby and industry, and no matter how much of an expert you are on what judges look for when assessing an elite-level koi, there is no such thing as a sure thing. Ultimately, the contest is left to …
For hundreds of years, breeders have developed many varieties and improved the beauty of koi through friendly competition. Golden corn and Aragoke are the most unique and newest creations in recent years. I would like to share what I found out about Aragoke from the creator, Mr. Toshinobu Ikarashi of Ikarashi Koi Farm. Farm Beginnings …
There’s a prevailing misconception that domestic koi are of lower quality than their Japanese counterparts. However, it’s important to note that both domestic and Japanese koi originate from the same roots — challenging the notion of inherent superiority. Domestic koi often match or surpass the quality of imported koi, regardless of the national origin of …
Part 2 of 2 Read Part 1: Upselling Customers to Japanese Koi Due to the meticulous nature of koi keeping in Japan, it is imperative to generate strong relationships with the breeders, as they provide access to the highest-quality koi. In order to add Japanese imported koi sales as an element of your retail or …
Koi hobbyists throughout the world would attest to Japanese koi as a beautiful addition to any pond. They can provide a stunning visual element while contributing to a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and enjoyment. Japanese koi, specifically, are known for their beauty and grace as they are prized for their …
Ponds in areas that can reach freezing temperatures need special attention to ensure any fish can survive the winter. If this is your customer’s first winter with their beautiful koi pond, they need to know that there are some changes in the pond that cannot be avoided as the fall season heads into winter. In …
Koi pond wisdom on water quality and pond maintenance based on keeping koi over 20 years I live in Arkansas. In the surrounding 50-mile radius of my home, there are a few hundred fish farmers that mainly raise rosy reds, comets, koi and carp. I have noticed that carp that have some color are affectionately …
Even though they can’t talk, once you are around fish for a while, you begin to see how they communicate with you. When I managed fish hatcheries, I was amazed how quickly you could look at a tank of fish and immediately get an idea how that population was doing. Our pond and aquarium fish …