Ghost Koi

Looks how to spot one

Metallic-scaled carp hybrid

Has the sturdy outline of a wild carp but with shining metallic scales inherited from its Ogon koi parent, often giving it a pale, shimmering, ghostly look in the water.12

Personality what they are like

Peaceful and sociable like other koi and carp, and can learn to recognise the person who feeds it.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active pond fish that likes to forage along the bottom and cruise in open water, so it needs space to roam.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Care is the same as for koi: a large pond with a pump and filter, water ideally around 15 to 25 C, and no feeding when the water drops below about 10 C.1

Home where they are happiest

A garden pond at least 1 m deep, or about 1.5 m where winters are harsh. Too large for indoor aquariums.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore. Carp naturally sift the bottom for insects, worms, crustaceans and plant matter; in a pond a quality koi pellet suits it.21

Company who they like around

A schooling fish that prefers company; carp are happiest in groups of five or more.2

The story where it all began

Ghost koi were developed in the 1980s by crossing wild carp with Ogon koi, and they quickly became very popular with British pond keepers. Their metallic sheen and carp toughness made them a favourite even though purists do not class them as true nishikigoi.1

Recognised by the official bits

Koi hobby

Popular pond fish in the UK, though some keepers do not count it as a true nishikigoi1