Imported Koi

          It used to be that when you would mention "Imported" Koi, such fish would only have originated from Japan. It is there, in Japan, that breeders have spent many generations coming up with the incredible color and patterns of the "modern Koi". More recently, the Israelis and the Chinese have bought a considerable number of Japanese export fish and begun to breed them in their respective countries. It is thought that soon, the Chinese will out produce all other countries which produce Koi, combined. Almost half of the final cost of an Import fish is in the shipping of that fish from its Asian homeland to the purchaser over seas. It is rare to find Japanese Koi of any size for less than twenty five dollars. Those kinds of fish don't sell well in all markets, and these fish should not be considered for the beginning hobbyist. The stakes are too high, economically, to stock with these expensive fish and then kill them all with simple mistakes. It is believed that imported Koi are not as durable as the domestic varieties and I am sure as a veterinarian who treats many fish, that this is true.