A common misconception about koi fish is that they only grow as much as the pond or tank they're in will allow. The truth is, according to Pond Informer, koi continuously grow until about the age of 10 when they reach full maturity. Koi continue to be popular in backyard fish pond settings of all sizes. If you're thinking of installing a koi pond in your backyard, there are probably a few things you'll want to know. Keep reading to learn some cool facts about koi ponds.

1. Large Variety

Fish ponds are especially popular throughout Asia, where koi originated. The Japanese name for koi is Nishikigoi, which means embroidered carp. Koi are close cousins to the common carp, a fact that surprises many people. The main differentiating point between these different koi is usually their colors. For example, a mainly black koi with some red and white colored areas is called Showa in Japanese. Each of the 100 different types of koi has its own Japanese name.

2. Healthy Environment

Koi ponds are a lot more involved than regular backyard ponds. They must be built to certain specifications in order to provide a healthy environment for the fish to thrive. A pond's size will vary depending on the number of fish it is built to contain. A typical pond needs to be at least three feet deep and be in an area that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight a day. A rubber liner must be used to keep the water inside the pond. The water must also be pumped and filtered to ensure that bacteria and other harmful materials are removed from the pond.

3. Long Lifespan

Even the most amateur backyard fish pond should be constructed with longevity in mind. The average koi can live between 20 and 30 years and even longer! If you aren't ready for that type of commitment, you may want to consider a different type of fish for your backyard pond. It's important to do proper research before you get the pond installed. This way you can ensure that it will last a long time.

Are you ready to create the backyard fish pond of your dreams? We can help you design and stock your pond. Give Tropic Bay Water Gardens a call today and learn more about our services. We look forward to hearing from you!