Koi: A Handbook on Keeping Nishikigoi

Caring for and showing koi, affectionately called "living jewels" or "swimming flowers."

With full-color photographs, annotated illustrations and detailed, expert how-to advice, this guidebook is ideal for the koi hobbyist.

Koi begins with the history of koi-keeping, from the first known use of the word "koi"(about 500 BC) to the early 1900s, when collectors began breeding them for specific colors and metallics. The markings and patterns of koi are their most important feature, and the authors detail these in depth and define the Japanese terms used to describe them.

In addition to the section on the 15 varieties of koi, or nishikigoi, the authors address the care and exhibition of koi. Topics include:

• The water environment
• Feeding programs
• Pond design and maintenance
• Environmental health factors
• Evaluating and grading koi
• Behavioral symptoms
• Pre-show and post-show preparations
• Parasitic, bacterial and viral conditions
• Judging criteria used at shows
• The effects of temperature on feeding
• Selecting and breeding koi
• How to enhance colors

Koi is a complete and practical reference on these enjoyable, enchanting creatures.