Have you ever wondered whether goldfish and koi are the same type of fish? And whether they could breed with each other?
Do you struggle to tell koi and goldfish apart?
While they are related, the two types of fish are actually different species, with many differences between them.
Read on to learn more about these differences. We’ll start by looking at the different origins of the two types of fish, then look at their physical differences. Finally, we’ll find out whether koi and goldfish can breed with each other.
The origins of the koi carp
Ornamental carp have been kept in Japan for centuries. However, koi carp were first bred in Japan during the 1820s.
Koi are a domesticated version of the common carp. They are not considered to be a separate species from the common carp, but rather a sub-species.
Unlike the common carp, koi have been selectively bred to have vibrant colors and patterns.
If they were left alone in the wild, koi would breed with common carp. In just a few generations, their offspring would revert to the standard common carp colors and appearance.
The origins of the goldfish
The goldfish was developed in China over a thousand years ago. Like koi, they were selectively bred to develop attractive colors and patterns.
By the reign of the Song Dynasty (960-1279AD), several goldfish colour variations had been successfully produced. Examples available at the time included orange, white, yellow, and red/white mixes.
Goldfish were introduced to Japan in the 16th century and spread to Europe in the 17th century.
Koi and Goldfish Taxonomy
Goldfish and Koi are part of the same family
The order cyprinidae is the largest order of vertebrates known. Iit contains some 3,000+ species of fish found all over the world in freshwater habitats. Most of these species are now sadly extinct, but many still live among us today.
The order can be separated into family groupings of fish, this is to make it easier to identify what lineage of fish a specific species is. Cypriniformes include:
- Barbs
- Carp
- Danios
- Rasbora
- Minnows
As well as a couple more select fishes, and many more extinct species and lineages.
Goldfish and Koi are both members of the Carp and Minnow family; this is where they split off from each other.
The separation has occurred relatively recently in geological time (anywhere from 2 – 20 million years ago.)
This is why Koi and Goldfish look so similar, because they share a relatively recent common ancestor.
They do however, belong to different genuses:
- Koi belong to the genus Cyprinus, which includes a few other very similar looking carp species, with the typical koi shape and mouth barbels.
- Goldfish belong to Carassius which includes the Prussian Carp, which is nearly identical to the Comet goldfish, but silver.
They then separate into their species names, and you would address each fish by first saying the genus, then the species, to be as specific as possible.
Goldfish: Carassius Auratus
Koi Carp: Cyprinus Rubrofuscus
Here is an example of the Taxonomic Pyramid that may help you to better understand how this is categorised:
Can Goldfish and Koi live together?
Yes, both goldfish and koi can live together, but there are some limitations.
Koi are large and powerful fish, so are fierce competition whenever it comes to physical abilities. During feeding, Koi will outcompete most goldfish.
You can read more about keeping koi and goldfish in the same pond in our dedicated blog.
The differences between koi and goldfish
As goldfish and koi are both a type of carp, some people find it difficult to tell the difference between them. However, it’s not difficult once you know what you’re looking for.
The main differences between the two types of fish are:
- Goldfish are generally smaller
- Goldfish can be seen in a much greater variety of body, fin and tail shapes
- Koi tend to have a greater range of color and pattern combinations
- Unlike goldfish, koi have clearly visible barbels near their mouths
- Goldfish have a split in their caudal fin
- The dorsal fin of the goldfish is detached and free at the back. Whereas the dorsal fin of koi is attached to the fish’s back along the whole of its length
Finally, though goldfish and koi can breed with each other, the resulting offspring are always sterile. This means it is not possible to breed multiple generations of koi-goldfish hybrids.