For example, there are koi with light blue spots, ones with large red patches on their backs, or all-metallic gold. But the most winning fish often just boil down to these three varieties.

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.

Before they bought the fish, they got two dogs ... the most special one of all — a white koi with a red band across its head — a species that is prized in Japan because it resembles the ...