The local LFS sells some "Japanese" Koi, "Taiwan" Koi, and U.S. Bred Koi - the Japanese Koi cost twice as much as the U.S. bred ones. To me, they look the same... is there a benefit to getting ones that are bred or imported from Japan or Taiwan vs. the ones born and raised locally?
Japanese imported koi vs. US Bred Koi? Any difference?
- Thread starter Taboojen
- Start date
I've imported Koi from Japan and I know what your talking about...visually it's no big deal right?....why pay the extra money?
I'll tell you why...because they will grow faster...be healthier and eventually produce FAR better colors than most domestic stock...
Now I should probubly tell you that not ALL Imported Koi are worth it...like everything else you have to know what to buy to avoid bieng ripped off....but in general the quality of Japanise imported Koi is WAY better even though it's not apperant right away.
I'll tell you why...because they will grow faster...be healthier and eventually produce FAR better colors than most domestic stock...
Now I should probubly tell you that not ALL Imported Koi are worth it...like everything else you have to know what to buy to avoid bieng ripped off....but in general the quality of Japanise imported Koi is WAY better even though it's not apperant right away.
Gotcha. Thanks for the great info and insight. Is there a way to find out now if the fish being sold is actually one that is imported vs. a domestic one being passed off as "imported" to command a higher premium? (or is it mainly based on the reputability of the LFS? Ex: how much you trust them.)
Wolf3101;1117076; said:
UNFORTUNATLY NO...even advanced hobbiests are at the mercy of the LFS or importer. I have seen places that will show you the shipping paperwork as proof but thats rare. In general however they have very little to gain so most of them can be trusted.