Mojo Koi Collection - Ochiba Shigure Koi Good Wit 381122

The breeding of ornamental koi began in the early 19th century. The Magoi (wild black carp) was originally introduced to Japan from China as a food source for rice farmers.

Ochiba Shigure Koi: The name "Ochiba Shigure" means "autumn leaves on the water." This is reflected in the autumnal orange/brown colors on the body, which resemble fallen autumn leaves on the surface of a lake or pond. They are reportedly created through crosses between the Chagoi (a brown koi) and the Soragoi (a solid blue/gray koi). There is no specific breeder who "developed" the Ochiba, although the breed was only developed and entered the market in the mid-1990s. A good example of a Shigure Ochiba is the flowing lines in the patterns. There should be no bumps or irregular shapes present in the body markings. The pattern colors must have a deep, rich brown tint that looks earthy without feeling "muddy." The colors must be uniform and even, without fading. Koi carp can grow enormously large; some reach a length of over 1.2 meters under ideal conditions. They make fantastic pets and often recognize their owner, allowing them to be hand-fed. They thrive at temperatures between 15 and 25 °C, but can survive the winter in much lower temperatures.