Customer Reviews

Koi: A Handbook on Keeping Nishikigoi

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I have a good-sized collection of books on Koi and Koi keeping. I've also paid four times the price of this book and gotten less than a third of the information it contains.

What I really like about the book is the authors' clear and concise approach to what can be a rather complex subject. They keep it simple and easy to understand, while letting you know that the hobby has deep roots in Japanese culture. The more you learn, the more you will want to know.

There is good, solid information on starting a collection, including what to look for when selecting individual Koi. The pictures are very good, the colors reproduced quite well. You will learn that you aren't just looking for "pretty fish," you are investing in the future.

I was looking for a good book to direct people to when they ask me what they should read. (I get asked about this a lot, as I've been in the hobby for more than 10 years.) This book not only gives a good overview of the hobby, but also provides a great deal of definitive information on just what it is that should be appreciated about Koi, what makes one a "garden pond" fish, and another a "show quality Koi."

All books have at least one failing. In this book, it was the in the translation. In the section on Water Quality, where dissolved oxygen was discussed, a word that should have been translated as "venturi," was mistranslated as "flowmeter." This mistake was repeated several times in that chapter. A picture of a venturi in operation made it obvious to me what was meant. Perhaps it can be corrected in a future edition of the book.

That aside, I think this book offers a great deal, even when compared to others that cost much more. A good start for those collecting Koi, or collecting books on Koi. You could certainly spend more on such a book, but you'd be hard pressed to get more for what you'll spend on this one.

I have been keeping koi for a number of years but am just getting organised as a more enthusiastic koi keeper. This book filled a void in my library by providing honest, accurate advice from a dedicated koi breeder/keeper who is not reluctant to share his 'secrets'. A definite must read for any koi enthusiast, from beginner to seasoned breeder.

For centuries koi fish have been a popular hobby, especially in Japan and in the West more recently: now beginners can learn their special needs with KOI: A HANDBOOK ON KEEPING NISHIKIGOI. The authors are experienced koi-keepers and provide all the basics in an easy, logical progression of tips perfect for general interest lending libraries strong in pet references. Chapters cover the natural history of koi and koi varieties and move into building ponds, keeping koi, and even showing koi. Packed with color photos, this is a guide any aspiring koi-keeper needs.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

a good koi book with good info for your koi keeping and a good additional to your koi book collection.

I purchased this book because I want to do Koi sculptures. I find the detail in this book, including the up close pictures and illustrations perfect for doing that. If you want a book that is nicely illustrated, then this is the one. As for the book itself, it is good information as well. I am very impressed with this book and highly recommend it!