Bekko Koi

How To Care For Bekko Koi

The Bekko koi is a classic and elegant variety of koi, known for its striking black-and-white or black-and-red coloration. This koi variety is distinguished by its simple yet beautiful pattern, which features a dark body (usually black) with distinct, sharp-edged patches of white, red, or yellow. The term "Bekko" in Japanese translates to "tortoiseshell" or "spotted," which perfectly describes the koi’s unique appearance, resembling a shell or pattern of spots across its body. Bekko koi are available in three primary color types: Shiro Bekko (black and white), Hi Bekko (black and red), and Ki Bekko (black and yellow).

The most common and popular form of Bekko koi is the Shiro Bekko, which has a deep black body with clean, white markings that stand out against the dark background. The white markings are typically located on the sides and back, often in a patchy, irregular pattern. The markings should have crisp, clean lines, and a high-quality Shiro Bekko will exhibit a strong contrast between the black and white areas, enhancing the koi’s overall appearance. The Hi Bekko variant features black and red markings, while the Ki Bekko showcases black with vibrant yellow patches. Each variation of the Bekko koi has its own distinct and beautiful pattern.

The Bekko koi has a sleek, streamlined body shape that is typical of high-quality koi. It has a long, muscular body that is designed for swift swimming, and the smooth texture of its scales contributes to its graceful movement through the water. Bekko koi can grow to an impressive size, typically reaching lengths of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm), though they can grow even larger in ideal conditions.

Bekko koi are known for their calm, peaceful temperament, which makes them an excellent addition to community ponds with other non-aggressive fish. They are social creatures that thrive in the company of other koi and can be kept with a variety of other fish species. Like all koi, Bekko koi do best in outdoor ponds, where they can enjoy plenty of space to swim and grow. A well-maintained pond with clean, oxygenated water is essential for their health, and the water temperature should range from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), with a pH level of 7.0 to 7.5.

In terms of diet, Bekko koi are omnivores and should be fed a balanced diet of high-quality koi pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. They may also enjoy grazing on algae and aquatic plants, which help keep the pond ecosystem in balance. Care should be taken to avoid overfeeding, as koi are known to produce a significant amount of waste, which can affect water quality.

With proper care, Bekko koi can live for 20 to 30 years or even longer. Their striking color patterns, peaceful nature, and graceful swimming make them a beautiful and enduring addition to any pond or water garden. Whether you are a novice koi keeper or an experienced enthusiast, the Bekko koi’s elegance and timeless beauty will bring lasting enjoyment to your aquatic environment.