Their beautifully coloured flakes of skin are a result of decades-long meticulous breeding of specifically coloured variants. In Japan, the Koi carps had various names: irogoi-coloured carp, hanagjoi-pollinated carp, and moyoogoi – surreally or. imaginary coloured carp. Today, the Japanese call them nishigikoi – which means brocaded, ornate carp. The Koi carp was first mentioned in a Chinese book dating back to around 265 BC – 315 BC. The meaning of the word koi is expensive and adored. Koi carp, the type that is known today, was bred by the Japanese. It first emerged in 1800. They first showed them to the public in 1914 in Tokyo. Because the public and the then emperor grew fond of them, some specimen were transported to the emperor´s pond. They quickly became a symbol of wealth. This ensured they became increasingly popular in Japan. During the 1950s they became popular in Europe and America.
There are Koi carps with different colour pallets. New types are being bred by selecting specific colour variants. Therefore, the enthusiasts have a plethora of options on their hand. The basic standard has been laid down by the Japanese. Therefore, we have 14 main types. The majority of Koi carp can be categorized into these main types. Due to the richness of their colour patterns, some can´t be named and categorized.
Because of their special colour pallets and uniqueness some specimen are worth a small fortune; comparable to a luxurious house or car. Opposed to other fish, Koi carps are clearly visible in clear waters and their appearance evokes respect. Koi carps can reach the length of a meter and more. They live for an entire century or even longer.
For the Japanese, the Koi carp is a symbol of power, masculinity, happiness and prosperity. It is known as the warrior fish. Koi carp is one of the symbols of art and it reflects the foundations of the eastern philosophy of life – dedication and commitment to work.
Koi carps are omnivores. We feed them with briquettes, grains, small amounts of cut grass, dry bread, et… Because their habitat is large enough they can get the necessary food themselves. We should mention that they like to live in warm waters with a rich shore-vegetation, and a natural lake bed (dirt or silt). If they live in a smaller habitat (garden pond or pool) you need a pump, filter, UV bulbs and air filters. These are inevitable for their well-being. They can spend the winter in the water if the water is at least 130 cm deep.
We are open every day in march till december from 12.00-17.00
In the month of November, we are open only during holidays and weekends.
We reserve the right to close in bad weather.
Tickets can be purchased 1 hour before closing.
