However, their ancestors, the common carp, are native to Eastern Asia, specifically:
* China: They are believed to have originated in the Amur River basin, which stretches across northeastern China and eastern Russia.
* Korea: Common carp are found in rivers and lakes across Korea.
* Japan: Common carp were introduced to Japan from China and are now found throughout the country.
While koi are not found in the wild, their natural habitat would resemble that of their wild ancestors. This means:
* Freshwater environments: Rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams.
* Moderate temperatures: They prefer water temperatures between 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit (20-28 degrees Celsius).
* Muddy bottoms: Common carp prefer environments with muddy bottoms, where they can find food and hide.
* Vegetation: They thrive in areas with submerged vegetation, which provides shelter and food.
It's important to remember that koi are not suitable for release into the wild. They are a non-native species and can disrupt the local ecosystem.