In Japan, breeding koi--a colorful and beautiful member of the carp family--has occupied a position between hobby and art form for more than two centuries. This stunningly illustrated book, compiled by a team of koi experts, shows and tells aquarium enthusiasts virtually everything they need to know about this fascinating activity. Koi are hardy fish, relatively large in size, and the most practical way to keep them is in an outdoor pond. Combining text with illustrations, an important section of the book explains the requirements of a garden pond for koi, showing the filtration system and pointing out how it functions. Most of the book concentrates on koi themselves, focusing on a brief history of koi, advice on buying koi, the fish's physiology, health care, feeding, breeding koi, showing koi, and joining koi clubs. An 80-page section tells all about koi variations, and features color photos of more than 100 varieties. Illustrated two-page spreads review each variety's history, and show both their more desirable and less desirable color markings. Here is a beautifully designed and illustrated volume that emphasizes the special satisfactions of keeping and breeding koi. Approximately 450 color photos and illustrations.

The best available introduction to the world of colorful and fascinating Japanese carp. Lavishly illustrated with over 150 full-color photographs and drawings, this volume touches all the bases of koi care and maintenance, not to mention detailed information on the garden pond.

This is 15 years of Vet experience with all aspects of Koi health. Treatments and tips for a healthy environment, proper husbandry, symptoms of disease and remedies for parasites and sores, Dr. Johnson covers it all. In plain terms for the hobbyist, he provides the details you NEED to save fish. Symptoms, simple tests, logic and simplicity to educate you on preventing and treating fish diseases. This book is as timely / timeless as the appearance of fish disease, and the need for education in the testing and treatment of these conditions in fish. Learn about prevention and treatment BEFORE you're in trouble. "Anyone that has bought one koi, should have this book before they buy number two!" - David H. "Thanks for writing such an informative, easy to read book. I appreciate your easy going sense of humor and style of writing!" - Patti B. "Excellent for beginners, without sacrificing plenty of depth where needed. A Koi keeper's bible!" - S.G. Ontario "Not a wasted word. Well done!" - Mike S.

Water quality and filtration.

The most colorful and complete quick reference guide to these Jewels of the Orient. In the pages of this new reference you'll find: Glorious photographs are presented in a new, relaxed manner, backed up with stunning and information-packed graphics, including large, cutout photographs. A detailed, illustrated look at how to set up a koi pond, with practical guidance on filters and other water treatment systems. Information-packed graphics makes this an easy-to-use manual for both beginning and advanced koi keepers. A general introduction to getting started with koi, including how they are bred and what they need to thrive. Lavish presentation of all the color varieties of koi, featuring large, cutout photographs. Discover how to look after your koi on a day-to-day basis, from feeding to breeding to health care. In-depth analysis of what makes a good and not-so-good example of each type of koi. Tips definitions, and helpful hints to ease the way towards maintaining a proper environment for your koi.

The Ultimate Koi * Anatomy and Physiology of Koi * Historical Background * Koi Varieties * Koi Ponds * What a Koi Must Accomplish * Pond Building * Buying Koi * Diet and Feeding * Disease and Parasites in Koi * Handling Koi * Showing Koi Find us online at http://www.idgbooks.com

History of the development and breeding of nishikigoi, unusually-coloured carp (or koi), and the spread of the activity throughout the world, with information on keeping koi.