Best of 2003: Best Not-So-Coy Koi

Koi-Koi Living Jewels
1975 Jamacha Road, El Cajon
619-441-9275

Owner Donita Blalock can answer all your koi questions. These fish live longer in Japan (about 75 years) than in the United States (20 to 30 years) because of the difference in water treatment. Because the fish lack teeth and grinding ability, special food is required and all water must be free of chlorine and ammonia. Koi come in six grades: pond quality, select, premium select, premium, exhibition, and championship. Pond-quality koi range $7 to $15 per fish, while championship koi can run as high as $10,000. Blalock carries pond-quality and select koi, but can order any grade you wish. Scarecrows and/or hotwires are recommended to prevent scavengers from eating your investment. Service consultations for design of ponds and systems are available.