World’s Oldest Koi – 226 years!

Painting of Colorful Koi

Although it may only be legend, a Japanese koi named Hanako is reported to have lived 226 years! Hanako died on July 17, 1977, after being handed down and cared for by generations of the Koshihara family in Gifu, Japan. Hanako’s age was estimated through microscopic analysis of her fish scales (a process similar to that used for tree growth rings). Although Hanako’s exact longevity may never be known, many koi do live at least 25-50 years. Koi are members of the carp family, and are highly prized as pets. Some fish are worth thousands of dollars. Koi can be trained to eat out of hand and to come when called. Their colors have symbolic meaning. Hanako was scarlet, and her name means “Flower Maid” in Japanese.  A website in which Dr. Komei Koshihara talks about Hanako, “his dear friend”, is at:  http://fishlaboratory.com/fish/koi-hanako-longest-living-fish-ever