Each week we add new koi fish to the website. The koi in the photos are the exact koi fish you will receive when you order!
What Makes Yellow Develop in Koi?
1. Genetics
Yellow coloration in koi primarily comes from two pigments:
Carotenoids: These are red-orange to yellow pigments derived from diet or synthesized.
Xanthophores: Pigment cells that specifically store yellow pigments.
Some koi varieties are genetically predisposed to develop yellow, depending on their lineage. The Kin-Gin-Rin and Doitsu types often show more vivid colors due to their unique scale or skin textures.
2. Diet
Diet has a huge influence on the depth and tone of yellow:
Spirulina, krill, and carotenoid-rich feeds (like paprika or marigold extract) can enhance yellow and red.
Excess spirulina, however, may shift yellow toward orange or muddy hues.
? 3. Sunlight and Environment
Adequate UV exposure helps yellow develop more vividly.
Water quality and pH also influence color retention. Poor water quality can cause fading or discoloration.
4. Age and Maturity
Young koi may develop their yellow coloration over time.
Some may intensify with age, while others fade, especially if not fed appropriately or kept in suboptimal conditions.
To learn more about shipping live fish, visit this page. If you want to know how to properly acclimatize your new fish, read the blog. If you're looking for high-quality food for your koi, we have it here. before your fish arrive match your pH to ours 7.8 Read the blog do i need to quarantine my new fish get the answers
