Koi fish (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) is a species of carp distinguished by their coloration, patterning, and scalation. Some of their major colors are white, black, red, orange, yellow, blue, and cream. Koi is also specifically known as Nishikigoi. They are a distant cousin of goldfishes.
The word "koi" and "nishikigoi" are of Japenese origin. Koi means "carp" and nishikigoi means "brocaded carp".
The common carp is a hardy fish, and koi retain that durability. They are known to resist parasites that affect other tropical fish species. They can live for as long as 100 to 200 years. A Koi named Hanako was recorded to have lived for 226 years.
In Japanese culture, Koi fish symbolizes persistence, determination, wealth, success, and good fortune.