Butterfly koi can spark strong opinions among koi lovers. When exploring koi fish for sale, some consider them a special part of any collection, while others see them as less desirable compared to traditional koi. However, these long-finned beauties have unique traits that make them stand out, including their size, patterns, and elegant fins.
The Origins of Butterfly Koi
Butterfly koi first appeared in the early 1980s in Indonesia. A group of long-finned, brown and grey carp were found in local canals and ditches. A company in New York imported these fish to the U.S., but they were not very popular because they weren’t considered attractive.
Things changed when Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery, a well-known koi breeder, decided to experiment with these fish. They bred them with high-quality koi, making some interesting discoveries:
- The gene for long fins is dominant, so the offspring kept the flowing fins.
- These koi were strong and resistant to disease.
- Through careful breeding, butterfly koi developed beautiful colors and patterns.
Wyatt LeFever, a breeder at Blue Ridge, was one of the first to work with these fish. His son, Randy, noticed their striking fins and said, “Dad, they look like butterflies!” The name stuck, and butterfly koi became an official part of the koi world.
How Big Do Butterfly Koi Get?
One of the most fascinating things about butterfly koi is how their fins keep growing as they age. Unlike regular koi, their fins don’t stop growing until their bodies can no longer support longer fins. This gives them an impressive, dragon-like look as they glide through the water.
Butterfly koi may not be as thick-bodied as traditional koi, but they can still grow up to 36-40 inches long in the right environment with proper care and feeding. Their long fins make them look even bigger and more graceful when they swim.
Patterns and Colors
Patterns play a big role in the value of traditional koi, and the same is true for butterfly koi. Bright, well-defined patterns make them more desirable. However, even fish with less distinct patterns can look stunning because of their flowing fins.
Some of the most popular butterfly koi varieties include:
- Lemon and Platinum Ogon – These solid-colored fish look especially stunning as they grow. Their bright yellow or white bodies shine in the water, and their fins trail behind them like flames.
- Soragoi (Grey Koi) – These fish have a subtle beauty. Their grey scales and net-like pattern give them a mysterious, sea-monster-like look as they glide through the water.
- Black Butterfly Koi – One of the rarest and most striking varieties, black butterfly koi can have scales or be completely smooth (doitsu). They grow large and develop long, flowing black fins, making them look like shadowy dragons moving through the water.
The Beauty of Butterfly Koi Fins
Butterfly koi have long fins because of a genetic mutation that prevents their fin growth from stopping. Similar mutations are found in other fish, like Siamese fighting fish and long-finned tetras. When breeders saw this trait in koi, they worked to enhance it and create the stunning butterfly koi we see today.
Each fin is supported by thin cartilage rays that help it stay straight. Some koi develop wavy fins, but the most prized butterfly koi have smooth, straight fins. However, these delicate fins can get damaged, especially when the fish are handled or netted. A damaged fin might not heal completely, but this doesn’t affect the fish’s overall beauty and grace.
Are Butterfly Koi Real Koi?
Despite their unique appearance, butterfly koi are true koi. Some koi purists, especially in Japan, were hesitant to accept them at first. Many breeders resisted raising butterfly koi, believing they didn’t fit traditional koi standards. However, one Japanese breeder, Mr. Suda, saw their potential and decided to specialize in breeding them.
Over time, as butterfly koi became more popular in the U.S., Japanese breeders started to take notice. When they saw how quickly these fish were selling, they eventually embraced them. Today, butterfly koi are bred all over the world and are a favorite among many koi enthusiasts.
Why Butterfly Koi Are Special
Butterfly koi have won over many fish lovers because of their elegant movement and unique appearance. Their long fins and graceful swimming make them a mesmerizing addition to any pond. Whether you prefer the bright colors of an Ogon or the mysterious beauty of a black butterfly koi, these fish are sure to impress.
If you’re looking for a koi that stands out, a butterfly koi might be the perfect choice. They bring a sense of motion and life to any pond, making them one of the most captivating koi varieties out there.