Koi fish are cool

What do you know about Koi, those large colorful fish many people have in backyard ponds? <br/><br/>There's a big convention of Koi enthusiasts in Tulsa this weekend. So we sent News on 6 reporter

Wednesday, June 22nd 2005, 11:00 am

By: News On 6

What do you know about Koi, those large colorful fish many people have in backyard ponds?

There's a big convention of Koi enthusiasts in Tulsa this weekend. So we sent News on 6 reporter Rick Wells out to gather some facts about Koi.

"It's like horses or dogs or anything else, there're show's for Koi." I bet that's something you didn't know about Koi. Actually if you're at all like me there's plenty you donâ€™t know about them. That's why I looked up Robert McAllister; he raises Koi, beyond that he a breeder.

There are thoroughbreds, some people collect Koi like others do art. "The Super Bowl of Koi is in Japan, the all Japan Show. The grand champion fish is rumored to sell for a million dollars or more in the past." You heard right he said a million bucks.

For most of us there are no million dollar fish in our future, but more and more folks are adding back yard ponds with Koi. "The fish add esthetics and color; they become pets like dogs and cats." They grow pretty rapidly. "They have been known to live over 200 years." I guess they'd become part of your estate, pretty low maintenance, though, just food and water.

This weekend is the annual convention, pretty big plum for Tulsa. In other years it's been in Houston, Atlanta and last year in Hawaii. A chance for us to learn about the different varieties of Koi. "Sanka, Cajockus, Showa, Ginrinshowa, Ochiba, Ginrinochiba and Hirawaki's.â€ How about just Koi for now, just don't call them big gold fish.

The convention is at the Crowne Plaza Hotel this weekend. There is a seminar on the basics of getting started with Koi Saturday at 1 PM.

More information is on the association is available at their web site.