The Koi fish species that has been known are descendants of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, which were originated in central Asia many millennia years ago. The past few decades have seen an increased interest in the West in Koi keeping, motivated, at least in part, by the fact that we spend more time in and around the home. As a pastime, Koi keeping combines the nurturing qualities of a pet-lover with the aesthetic pleasure of enhancing ones home and garden. An appreciation for the culture and tradition of the East is also evident in the trend toward keeping quality Koi recognized varieties, and marking an effort to meet their special. Termed living jewels Koi have enchanted their admirers for centuries and their popularity shows no sign of waning.