The Doitsu High Quality Koi, Japan Strain is a beautiful koi with contrasting scale patterns. A distinct arrangement of large, mirror-like scales along the back (dorsal line) or sides (lateral line) distinguishes the Doitsu Koi from fully scaled Japanese Koi. For this reason, the Doitsu Koi is sometimes called the Mirror-scale Koi. Originally imported to Japan from Germany, the Doitsu Koi went through centuries of selective breeding and is now available in an impressive array of color patterns.

The Doitsu Koi we offer are rated by breeders as AAA Grade Select - the highest rating these fish can receive. They are produced by some of the best brood stock in Asia. While Japanese koi can live longer than 200 years, their typical life span is 25 to 35 years. These high-quality Japanese strain koi are a product of years of professional breeding, and will turn your pond into a showcase of champions.

The ideal setup for Doitsu Koi is a 1000+ gallon pond with a fine gravel substrate, rocks, and hardy plants. Because these koi savor plant roots and will dig to get to them, be sure to place large rocks around the base of plants to protect them. You will also need to provide adequate filtration to maintain proper water conditions.

Males are easily recognized by their concave anal section and occasionally by breeding spots on the head. Spawning may result in as many as 1,000 eggs, with fry emerging in approximately 4 to 7 days, depending on the water temperature. Feed fry small live foods or frozen daphnia for the first 3 to 4 weeks. At that time, gradually change their diet to crushed flake and pellet foods. Their color will emerge in about 3 to 12 weeks.

Feed Doitsu Koi a quality pellet or flake food.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 3-1/2"; Medium: 3-1/2" to 6"; Large: 6" to 9"