One of the most popular interests of people all over the world is to have pets; dogs, cats, rabbits and even exotic animals like snakes and iguanas. But most households, especially those who have ponds at home, love to have fishes as their pets. And why not; fishes dont only make lovely pet, they are also beneficial. Fishes can make your ponds look beautiful, colorful and interesting. Aside from these, they are also helpful as they eat mosquitoes and algae.

Now, among the most popular options when it comes to fish pets is the Koi fish. This type of fish is considered as the ornamental and domesticated variations of carp fish. Koi fish originally came from China but it is now widely available in Japan.

If youre planning to have Koi fishes in your aquariums and ponds for the first time, the very first and most vital things that you should know are the different types of Koi fishes. Knowing what type of Koi fish youre going to buy is essential so youll know what type of food to give them, how to properly take care of them, and even how much budget you should have.

Types of Koi Fish

According to Koi fish experts, there are at least thirteen different varieties and sub-varieties of Koi fish. Here are among the most common varieties:

Asagi
This is a Koi fish type that bears pale blue color and has orange belly. It also has regular scales and net pattern on the back. Asagi means pale blue in Japanese.

Bekko
The word Bekko means tortoise shell in Japanese and this Koi fish type was so named because of its markings. Usually, youll see Bekko in white, yellow or red colors and have black markings.

Hakarimono (Ogon)
This is a Koi fish type which bears no markings and is single-colored metallic.

Hariwake
This is a metallic Koi fish type with two colors and have Doitsu scales pattern.

Karasugoi
This is a black Koi fish type that has orange or white bellies.

Kohaku
This is the most popular type of Koi fish. This is basically a white Koi with spots and red markings.

Koromo
Koromo means, robed in Japanese. This fish was so named because aside from its red markings on its white body, it is also robed with scales outline bearing different colors.

Matsuba
This type of Koi fish has scales patterned as pine cone; this is a single-colored fish that has darker color-inlay in its scales.

Sanke
This was famous from 1912-1926. A white Koi fish with black and red markings, this fish has spots but dont have black spots or markings on head.

Showa
This is the Koi fish type produced since 1926 until today. It has white and red markings on its black body color.

Shusui
This is a pale blue-colored fish and has orange belly. It has a large line of scales with dark blue color on its back.

Tancho
The tancho is a Koi fish type with red spots on the head. The spots may be triangle or circular in shape.

Utsuri
This is basically the Koi fish type bred from the Showa. This is a fish with black stripes and has yellow, red or white markings.

As you may have noticed, Koi fish are being categorized according to their colors, markings and body patterns. The arrangements of the scales and the deepness or quality of colors are also used to determine the Koi fish types. And depending on the designs of your landscaped-ponds or aquariums, you can get any type of Koi fish to suit your needs. Just be sure to ask your pet shops about how to properly take care of your Koi and if they are suited for the environment and locations you intend to have them placed.

Several myths surround the existence of the Koi fish. And a lot of symbols are also represented by the Koi fish. Through time, the Koi fish has earned its popularity among the Japanese people. It has also become one famous Japanese symbol. In truth, the Koi fish has a Chinese origin but then Japan preferred to celebrate its existence because of its many symbolic qualities.

The Koi fish is believed to bravely climb the waterfalls and to swim up any stream against the present current. On the other hand, if it is successfully caught, it simply lies on the cutting board without any movement as if waiting for the time that a knife will cut through its body less the quiver. This is very much unlike of the samurai soldier who faces his sword. Back in China, a legend says that the Koi had prosperously climbed the falls on the Dragon Gate situated on the Yellow River and that it had been transformed into a dragon after that. It is through such legend that the Koi fish became a symbol that stands for advancement and several worldly aspirations. Eventually then, the stoic fish came out to be relatively related to the positive masculine qualities as the stoi fish came to be borne in flags during the annual celebration of the Boys Day Festival in the whole of Japan.

Surprisingly, many westerners are hooked into the beautiful aura of the Koi fish that thrives in the Orient. The Koi fish is the Japanese name for the carp. This brightly colored fish is usually spotted in the fountains and ponds accessed by the public crowd. Yellow, white, deep orange, gold, and calico are the variations of colors of the Koi fish. Although the Koi fish can be usually found in these bodies of water, there are those special species of these that are the object of passion for collectors for breeding purposes. The price usually ranges up to half a million dollars! But they see the deed all worth it.

As for the direction to where the Koi fish is facing, it is widely believed by the Japanese personalities that a Koi fish that swims down symbolizes the act of overcoming the hardships that come along the way. Meanwhile, if the Koi fish swims up, it means that the obstacles have already been overcome. In some other beliefs, the Koi fish that is directed downwards while surrounded by the maple leaves emphasizes the fall season whereas the upward direction of the Koi fish with cherry blossoms all around indicates the spring.

You see, Koi keeping is popular because of the different designs of the fish. The designs actually make the Koi fish collector eager for the work. Different varieties are judged for their beauty and balance of color. The arrangement, size and brilliance of the patterns determine which Koi fish is the best. This makes develops a Koi keepers vigilance and persistence.

Of course, all hobbyists have to start somewhere. So where do beginners find Koi fish for sale?

Well, there are a number of places where you can find Koi fish for sale. Sales of Koi fish are high because of the fact that, although these fish can be found anywhere in the world, the breeds that can be captured in the wild are not really suitable for ornamental purposes. The Kois for sale are those which have the quality of being collectibles.

Here are some places you can check out to find Koi fish for sale:

1) Pet stores Pet stores, of course, carry the more common varieties of Koi fish. Biog sales of Koi fish actually encourage more and more Koi keepers to open up their own pet shops starting with Koi fish. The pet store nearest you can get you started on Koi keeping. Pet stores can provide you with the basic varieties of Koi fish and can sell you the basic equipment you will need in Koi-keeping. This includes food, filters, aquariums or better yet, pond-making services.

2) Koi enthusiasts There are already a lot of Koi enthusiasts out there whom would be willing to sell you their fish. Enthusiasts are often where you can buy some of the rarer breeds of Koi fish. Koi fish sold here range from your basic gosanke to an enthusiasts own personal breed. You see, different breeding produce different results and you should check out different Koi enthusiasts in order to get the best stock possible.

3) Specialty Koi shops These shops cater to orders from people. These shops specialize in the professional breeding of Koi and thus, they have the most beautiful Koi fish available in the market. Specialty Koi shops charge the most cash for their merchandise, but if you are a serious collector, you need to contact these shops for specific breeds.

4) The internet The technology of the internet allows people to order and buy practically anything that you can put a value to. This means that it is one of the best places to find Koi fish for sale. The internet can link you to different Koi enthusiasts all over the world and it can allow you to contact different Koi shops to find a specific variety.

By going to the internet, you are also given the privilege of being able to contact different Koi keepers for advice regarding Koi-keeping. They also will be able to compare notes on different breeds and allow you to enrich your knowledge of the different Koi fish varieties. Because of the technology of the internet, you will actually be able to do all of this without even getting up from your seat. Of course, taking care of the fish is another story.

The number of fish you are planning to keep determines the size of your pond. It also determines the number of filters you need. The number of fish determines the rate at which they produce waste. Because of this, you need to counteract the amount of waste they produce with the proper number of filters. Otherwise, waste could build up and your fish can die.

1) Biological filters Biological filters actually work based on natural processes found in nature. The nitrogen cycle is the basis for the mechanism of this type of filter. Although a lot of other artificial filters available in the market today, having a biological filter can be quite cost effective. One of the main types of biological filters for your Koi fish pond is the rock filter.

The rock filter consists mainly of an air pump and some rocks on which bacteria grow. These bacteria clean out the water by removing harmful chemicals.

2) Mechanical filter The mechanical filter cleans your Koi fish pond by taking solids out of it. There are three main types of mechanical filters:

a) Surface skimmer- This Koi fish pond filter works by sucking any solids at the surface of the pond. This gets rid of sticks, leaves or any other floating matter. A filter trap inside the mechanism needs to be cleaned regularly in order to ensure the proper working order of your filter.

b) Bottom drain This type of Koi fish pond filter cleans the pond from the bottom. It works by continually draining and replacing water in the pond. A filter makes sure that the water is free of any solid matter.

c) Vortex Chamber this is a sort of combination of the two other types of filter. A vortex chamber works by circulating the water so that it can be filtered in the bottom. This frees you Koi fish pond from any waste material.

3) Chemical filter This is considered by many to be the most effective, albeit most expensive type of filtration for a Koi fish pond. It involves stripping the chemicals out of the water directly and halting the nitrogen cycle completely. Common types of chemical filtration are:

a) Activated carbon Activated carbon works, by allowing water to pass through its porous surface. It then strips ammonia directly from the water by attracting the molecules. It is one of the most well known types of chemical filtration and is often used in filtering drinking water.

b) Zeolite This is a substance that forms when alkaline water reacts with volcanic ash. This is a porous substance that takes ammonia from the water pretty much using the same method as activated carbon. It, however, is a much cheaper substitute, although it does need to be thrown out after use. If you are planning to keep your Koi fish pond for a long time, it probably is better to go with activated carbon.

On a yearly basis, several people from various countries get their tattoos either for the first time or simply to enhance what theyve already had. On the part of the businessmen, tattoos are becoming among todays hot trends. They are cool to look at and to possess as well as well-liked by many people. The existing tattoo artists work in serious mode. They know how delicate the process is and how painful it can be to the person getting it imprinted on his bare skin. For an artist to be overly expert in tattooing, it requires him several hours to practice towards perfection.

There are innumerable designs when it comes to tattoos. They also have their very own special meanings whether they are religiously or traditionally affiliated. Once you get inside a tattoo shop, you can flip through a lot of pages for the variations of tattoos. But then again, the choice of getting a tattoo for yourself is your own calling. The trend in the tattoos also changes as time passes by. You can get the tattoo design which truly fits your lifestyle or your personality. As youve made up your mind, weeks before finally going to a tattoo artist, you already should think about what design you prefer to have. Mind you, the removal of the tattoo is only through surgery. And it is not only painful but is extremely expensive too!

The Koi fish pic tattoo is one of the designs which is commonly adhered to by those who prefer to get their own tattoos. The Koi fish is filled with the traditional ancient beliefs underlying its attractive beauty. Being of a Chinese origin in reality but widely accepted and propagated by the Japanese people, the Koi fish pic tattoo is well-liked by many because of the symbols borne in it such as that of courage, the capacity to achieve high and deep-set goals, as well as its profound ability to overcome the adversities that confront life.

Koi fish pic tattoos come lively in clear and bright ink colors. If in the past, the famous tattoo designs were those of the hearts, arrows, anchors, and many other classic themes, these days, many of the Japanese symbolic figures have dominated the scene. The Koi fish pic tattoo is one of them. Tattoo artists are commonly in search for the newest, latest, and hottest tattoo designs. They explore the beliefs and traditions of several cultures. In this search were they able to dig up the popularity of the Koi fish and in return, the Koi fish pic tattoo has been widely accepted by the westerners.

The Koi fish pic tattoos are widely adhered to by both men and women. The women get their Koi fish pic tattoos on their thighs, arms, and on the sides of their tummies. Meanwhile, the men opt to have their Koi fish pic tattoos on the shoulders, upper thigh, back, or shoulders. The most typical Koi fish pic tattoos feature some large blue-colored splashing water wherein a fish is playfully jumping out of it. Common designs include the lotus flowers or the Japanese maple leaves.

Open your eyes. Be aware of the realization that Koi fish painting does a lot of effects when it comes to ornament purposes. In this article, let us see how a tray and some other glass materials can be added on with Koi fish painting to let them stand as good ornaments.

Innovated Materials and Steps in Koi Fish Painting

Your first aim is to apply Koi fish painting into a tray. You will therefore need a galvanized steel tray, some tempered glass that has been cut so it will fit in the insides of the tray, gel crystal paints of clear blue, green, sevres blue, and sapphire blue; glass paints of pepper red, sun yellow, Indian red, paprika, cloud white, amber, and saffron yellow; a permanent marker, plastic palette knife, numbers 10 and 7 round paintbrushes, four pieces of flat blue glass marbles, a glass cleaner, paper towel, and a pattern for a Koi fish design.

What you will do first is to clean the glass and the tray and after which, start squeezing the gel crystal paints in randomly conceptualized patterns on the bottom of the tray. Blend or spread the paints using the palette knife so that a somehow choppy texture that will stand for water will be created. Do not overwork the paint because it may result to a flattened texture.

For some shimmering effect, the clear gel crystal paints can be randomly applied on the surface. Let it dry for about 24 up to 48 hours depending on how thick the gel is.

Next, trace or draw a pattern of the Koi fish on a paper. Put it underneath the glass and start to trace it towards the opposite side with a permanent marker.

Remove the paper pattern and turn over the glass so that you can work on the reverse painting procedure. Use the cloud white and the #7 paintbrush in adding the white hue as highlights for the eyes, fins, and the tails. If you want, you can add a second coating after about ten minutes to create a more opaque impression and some air bubbles can likewise be added.

Do some base-coating to the fish by using the #10 paintbrush and the sun yellow paint. Have it dry for about ten to fifteen minutes. Use the saffron yellow to color the tips of the Koi fishs head, the tip of the eyes, and the side parts of the body up to the tails and fins.

Complete the shading procedure using the paprika while emphasizing much of the head edges, eyes, and the side parts of the body, tails, and fins. Repeat the process all over again this time using the Indian red, pepper red, and the amber paints. Allow the glass to dry up overnight.

Then, take out the marker designs with a glass cleaner.

For some heat-setting of the paint, put the glass in a cool oven and switch it to 300 degrees and then bake it for about forty minutes. Likewise, let it cool in the oven. After which, the tray is already food safe and microwavable.

Finally, place one piece of marble in every corner of the tray to have the glass resting on top of it. Of course, the painted side faces downward.

Now there you have ita tray with a Koi fish painting theme!

We are a culture bent on symbolism. What is the power that so changes a symbol and allows it to influence people in such a manner? Many people think that secret symbols hold power. However, when you study history, you will find out that runes did not hold power because they had unknown magical meanings, runes help power because they gave the impression of having magical meanings.

Power is given by a person to a symbol. Symbols mean what we want them to mean. Always remember that the power of a symbol depends upon the beholder. Think of the different symbols that have passed through time. Think of the swastika and how it used to represent progress and good fortune and how it is now interpreted as the symbol of evil. People give symbols power, and not the other way around.

As such, different animals symbolize different things. We have all heard of the sly fox, the wise owl, the ruthless tiger and other characteristics that are embodied by different animals. However, some animals are less known for their symbolic interpretations.

Take the Koi fish. The meaning of the Koi fish is quite unknown to many people. However, their interests are piqued when they encounter a Koi keeper or someone who has a Koi fish tattoo.

What is the meaning of Koi fish images? What hidden lessons can be grasped from such a simple creature? What do tattoos and drawings of Koi fish mean?

Well, Koi fish symbolize different traits. The meaning of Koi fish symbols that is most often used in interpretations is taken from Japanese symbology. As you may well know, the Japanese give different meanings to different animals. The Japanese base their interpretation of the meaning of Koi fish symbols on the characteristics and behavior of the fish itself.

The Japanese consider the Koi to be the most energetic of fishes. This is because it is constantly moving, often churning up water. In fact, some countries are trying to minimize the Koi population because of its tendency to mess up waterways by stirring up the substrate.

The Koi is also able to fight the current of the water and swim upstream. This can be interpreted in two ways:

1) Being a non-conformist Koi swimming upstream can be interpreted as showing the philosophy of non-conformism because of the fact that the Koi does not go with the flow. This can mean a person is very independent minded and does not do things the way they are expected of him or her. Swimming upstream can mean that a person is not easily influenced by others and does what he or she wants.

2) Strength in time of adversity Koi fish also symbolizes persistence and the willingness to go on even though you are being swept away. It also symbolizes surpassing expectations. The Koi fish swimming upriver can show that a person has overcome various obstacles and not only does he or she keep standing, but he or she has come out victorious.

What many people fail to realize is the fact that ornamental Koi fish lives on the mercy of their owners. You see, keeping Koi fish in a pond means that they are in a closed ecosystem. The normal things that Koi fish needs to live are denied to them. By keeping Koi fish in a pond, you are actually teaching and forcing them to depend on you.

Wild Koi fish lives through the grace of the earth. These Koi fish lives out of their natural ecosystems and they survive day by day because of their natural instincts. Nature has made Koi a very hardy fish, able to survive all over the world. However, those skills are useless in captivity.

How can Koi fish live off the water ecosystem, if the ecosystem you design needs you to put food in it? How can Koi fish compete for food, when you train them to feed off your hands?

This actually asks the question of whether or not domesticating another creature is a wise thing to do. Do we really have the right to interfere with the law of nature and try to control other animals as though we were gods?

Why is man so arrogant that he thinks he can create a good substitute for what nature provided? Are artificial ponds the right places for Koi fish to live in? You see, if Koi fish lived in artificial ponds naturally, they would have been evolved to jump into artificial ponds themselves. There wouldnt have been need for people to capture them.

This is just another proof of mans low self esteem. Man claims to be the best creature on this earth yet he is insecure enough to want to submit every animal to his will. We try to imitate nature as though we could build a whole world for other creatures through our technology. We try to bend them to our will.

After we subjugate animals, what next? We try to subjugate each other. We wage wars. Brother fights against brother, each calling on God who they claim is on their side. Why are we so arrogant that we think God will involve himself in our petty wars? We need to remember that God does not need us to do anything. You see, if creation fails, God can always make a new one. On the other side, God cannot intervene directly, for it would mean taking back our freedom and destroying the whole purpose of creation. No, God is too powerful and powerless for that kind of action.

Yet, we go on, invoking others to our cause. We call ourselves powerful, yet we go on day after day, dreaming of machines that would make us even more powerful. We dream of superheroes and angels and demons. We think of villains and elves and magic. We try to search for meaning in our lives by destroying others. We try to find our freedom by holding other creatures captive.

Is this what you want to be?

Actually the word Koi actually means carp in Japanese. This is because of the fact that Koi fish is actually a variety of carp. Yes, despite the vivid colors, Kois are carp. These hardy fish is often kept for ornamental purposes.

The history of Koi fish actually comes from the Nigata Prefecture of 19th century Japan. The farmers who tend to the rice notice the brilliant colors of the Koi fish and would capture them and breed them.

The different varieties were eventually established and catalogued and the outside world gained the first glimpse of Koi fish keeping during the 1914 exhibition. After that, Japan exploded with a frenzy to collect Koi. People soon spread Koi fish keeping throughout the rest of the world after plastic bag became available, making the transportation of Koi fish safer and faster.

What do you need to take care of Koi fish? Well, you know that the essential is water. However, do you know much else about Koi fish?

Here are some things most people do not know about taking care of Koi fish:

1) Koi fish needs to be fed fresh fruit You see, Koi fish is omnivorous. This means that they pretty much eat anything edible. Many manufactured Koi feed do contain vitamins and minerals. However, these minerals tend to break down after a few months. By feeding Koi fish fresh fruits, you will be able to ensure that they get their needed nutrients. Here are some fruits that you can feed your Koi:

a) Oranges and lemons This two fruits are great sources of vitamin c. In order to feed your Koi these citrus fruits, you need to halve or quarter them and drop them directly into the pond. The Koi fish will usually crowd around the fruit, allowing each fish an opportunity to eat of the pulp. Amazing how such simple creatures cooperate, right?

Oh, and you need to take out the skin of the fruit after the Koi fish is done eating. They only eat what you can eat, remember that.

b) Watermelons You need to slice watermelons into small pieces, remove the seeds and then drop these directly into the pond.

2) Other feeding tips There are certain methods which Koi fish keepers use in feeding their pets. Here are some things you might want to consider:
a) Season The season of the year often determines how much you need to feed your Koi and what type of food to use. You can easily research this information on the internet.

b) Pond and filter size Of course, you need to consider this in order to determine how much to feed your Koi fish. You see, the more they eat, the more waste they produce. Its a standard rule, right?

c) Growth rate The growth rate of the Koi fish is interrelated with its growth rate. Koi fish which is fed 2-3 times everyday often grows slower. Those which are fed 3-5 times a day grow rapidly, reaching the maximum size in a short time. So you see, you can actually customize the size of your Koi fish.

People have always wondered about mans place in the universe. We always strain to figure out how we fit into the grand scheme of things. We listen to the music of the spheres and try to figure out which note is ours.

We do many things in order to figure out our purpose in life. We work, we philosophize, we pray, we paint, we sing, we dance, we write, and we engage in a variety of other activities, trying to figure out which activity is our ultimate destiny. We portray our life in different ways. Some people say that it is a brief stint before oblivion. Some say that it is a never ending cycle of birth and death. Others say that it is a journey until we reach the ultimate. Other people reason that it is but an activity of our cells. Few people theorize that nothing is real and this can neither be proven nor be disproved. For all we know, we could all be dreaming. You might even be alone in this universe and be dreaming about other people who write this article.

Trying to contemplate the human meaning can give one quite a headache, if not cause a person to go completely mad. However, some people find meaning in the smallest of tasks. Some people find contentment in mopping a floor. Others find inner peace in combing their hair. It is also very possible to find meaning in Japanese Koi fish.

What does the human search for meaning and Japanese Koi fish have in common? The answer to that question can only be more than you can imagine.

Keeping Japanese Koi fish means you care for a life. You need to put together the right elements and you need to balance those elements in order to produce great results. Now, think about this question: Do you think that those fish are questioning their existence?

The meaning in Japanese Koi fish keeping can be summed up in that one question. You see, you get to watch those tiny lives in the water, swimming in their universe, turning around and around in their little cosmos. Do you not think that they find their lives futile? And yet why do you think they go on? Why dont they just go belly up? Why, if they have no real purpose, do they keep on breathing?

Before you answer this, take another look at the Japanese Koi. There, you see them swimming around in a myriad of colors, flashing, glistening, and shining under the light of the sun. What comes to your mind? In the fact that they do not question their existence, you can find the answer to your own.

Japanese Koi fish exists, period. There are no buts and no ifs to their existence. You cannot really say that they exist to entertain you, you cannot say they exist to become your artwork and you certainly cannot reason that they exist to fill those ridiculously small ponds.

As such, you realize that you also exist, not for any other purpose but to exist. By trying to question your life, you will only go crazy, as no one can really know the answer to that. We are far too powerless to question our existence and far too powerful to say that we have no purpose. But then again, we still manage to go from day to day, living our lives for no other reason than because we can.