what is the difference between koi and goldfish

what is the difference between koi and goldfish

Backyard Ponds > What Is the Difference Between Koi and Goldfish?

What Is the Difference
Between Koi and Goldfish?

Trying to decide on pond fish, Bill found himself wondering "What IS the difference between koi and goldfish?" And does it really matter?

Good question, Bill. Since once you know for sure what is the difference between koi and goldfish you can wisely select what's best for you. Whether you've got one of those molded fish ponds, heavy duty fiberglass fish ponds, or just a simple backyard patio pond. So yes it does matter.

Goldfish vs. Koi

When it comes to goldfish vs. koi there are real differences. For instance.…

A koi pond needs to be bigger then a goldfish pond. Probably much bigger. Deeper too. That's because koi will continue to grow despite the size of their living quarters. Which I would say pretty much rules out one of those space saving koi patio ponds if our friend Bill has koi on the brain.

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Then too you'll find koi are more relaxed stately swimmers than goldfish. Which tend to dart around a bit more.

Colorwise you can get koi and goldfish in a variety of colors. But I'd say that koi come out ahead when it comes to color. As they've been bred to be viewed from up above. Goldfish haven't. So chalk one up for koi in the great goldfish vs. koi debate. <smile>

Finally koi are affectionately referred to as "pond pigs". That is they bring a big appetite to the table. So it may well cost you more in chow to keep koi than goldfish. And require more pond maintenance since what goes in must come out?

Either way goldfish and koi are the most popular types of pond fish available. Due in large part to the fact both are colorful and offer the greatest visibility in pond water. So goldfish vs koi? The final decision is up to you and your backyard pond situation.

Yet if you want another option re: goldfish vs. koi, that link leads to yet another article on the topic.

What Is the Difference Between Koi and Goldfish?