Did you know some species of pet fish can live as long, if not longer, than dogs and cats? Learn how this wonderful species ...

But why? Koi were originally raised in Japan in the 1700s when rice farmers first began breeding them for their distinct colors and patterns, similar to how we breed dogs for their specific traits.

While koi were originally bred for consumption, like all other carp, farmers began breeding the fish species exclusively as pets in the 1800s, thanks to their uniquely stunning appearance.