If you are new to keeping koi, choosing your first fish can feel a bit overwhelming. There is colour, size, variety, price and health to think about, and it is not always clear where to start. At SJ Koi Carp here in Kent, we help beginners every week, so we have a good sense of the questions people often ask and the mistakes they want to avoid. The good news is that you do not need years of experience to make confident choices. You only need to know what to look for and take your time while shopping.
Below are our straightforward tips to help you pick healthy, high-quality koi that will thrive in your pond. These are the same steps we use when we bring in new Japanese koi for the shop.
Start with the health of the fish
Health matters more than anything else. Before looking at colour or variety, take a moment to observe the fish as a whole. A healthy koi will swim smoothly, hold itself upright and react naturally to movement around the pond. If a fish separates itself from the group, sits on the bottom or looks sluggish, it may be stressed or unwell.
Check the body shape as well. Look for a neat, balanced shape with no visible lumps or indents. Fins should be intact and spread correctly while swimming. Avoid fish with clamped fins, torn edges or redness around the gills.
Colour should look even and rich. When the colour appears dull or patchy, it can sometimes point to stress, poor water quality or illness. Healthy koi have a brightness to them that stands out clearly in the water.
Choose varieties that fit your taste
There are many koi varieties and beginners sometimes feel pressure to choose a specific one. You do not need to. Pick a variety that you enjoy looking at. This hobby is meant to be relaxing, and your pond will be more enjoyable when the fish match your taste.
Some beginners start with Kohaku because the clean white skin with red patches is easy to recognise. Others prefer Showa or Sanke because the mix of black markings adds more contrast. Metallic varieties like Ogon are good choices if you want something bright that stands out even on cloudy days.
If you are unsure, ask us to show you a few different bowls of fish. Seeing them up close makes it easier to tell which ones you feel naturally drawn to.
Look at the skin quality
When people talk about koi quality, they often mean skin. Even a simple coloured fish can be beautiful if the skin is clean and strong. Good skin reflects the light well and has a natural glow. On white based varieties the white should look crisp and not yellow. On metallic koi the shine should be even from head to tail.
Do not rush this part. Take your time and look from different angles. Small details make a big difference as koi grow.
Think about size and growth
If you are just starting out, it can be tempting to buy the largest koi in the pond. Bigger fish look impressive, but younger koi often offer better value and can grow into stunning adults.
Ask how old the koi is and whether its bloodline is known for strong growth. Japanese koi that come from good breeders tend to grow at a steady and predictable rate when kept in suitable conditions.
You should also match the size of the koi to your pond. A small pond with limited filtration may struggle with larger fish, while a young koi will settle in more easily.
Make sure your pond is ready
This is one area beginners sometimes skip. Before buying your first koi, check that your pond is fully cycled, filters are running smoothly and water parameters are stable. Koi are hardy but still sensitive to sudden changes in the water.
If you are unsure, bring a water test to the shop and we can talk it through with you. A stable pond keeps your new fish safe during the first weeks when they are adjusting to their new environment.
Take advantage of expert advice
You do not have to make every decision alone. At SJ Koi Carp we are always happy to walk you through the process. We can show you how to spot quality, explain the differences between varieties and help match fish to your budget and pond size. Many beginners tell us that seeing koi up close with guidance makes everything much clearer.
We also specialise in water features and pond construction. If you are planning to upgrade your pond or build a new one, we can help you design a setup that suits the type of koi you want to keep.
Book a visit so you can take your time
Buying koi is much easier when you are not rushed. To give everyone enough time and space, we offer weekend and evening appointments. Booking is simple. Just use our online booking system and choose a time that suits you. We only ask that appointments are made at least four hours in advance so we can confirm your visit.
During your appointment you can view our wide selection of Japanese koi, ask questions and get honest guidance based on what you need as a beginner.
Koi keeping is a rewarding hobby and choosing your first fish should feel enjoyable. Focus on healthy behaviour, clean skin, steady swimming and varieties that you genuinely like. If you take your time and ask for support where needed, you will end up with koi that bring years of pleasure.
If you are ready to start looking for koi in Kent, we would love to help. Book your appointment with SJ Koi Carp today and come see our Japanese koi in person.
