Goldfish and koi carp whilst related are actually very different species.

Koi carp were first developed and bred in Japan in the 1820’s in fact they are a domesticated version of the common carp which were bred for their highly unusual and bright colours and patterns.

Left alone in the wild, even the brightest and most visually impressive koi carp will interbreed with common carp, and revert to the standard common carp color palette and appearance within just a few generations.

The background of the goldfish goes back much further as it was developed in China over a thousand years ago, by selective breeding of the Prussian carp to develop the attractive colors and patterns that modern goldfish display.

Goldfish were later introduced to Japan, home of the koi carp, in the 16th century, then spread to Europe in the 17th century.

So what are the physical differences between the two?

The main differences between the two types of fish are:

• Goldfish are generally smaller than koi when adult.
• Goldfish can be seen in a much greater variety of body, fin and tail shapes than koi.
• Koi tend to have a greater range of color and pattern combinations than goldfish.
• Koi have clearly visible barbels near their mouths, which are missing from goldfish.
• Goldfish have a split caudal fin, while on koi, the caudal fin is joined.
• The dorsal fin of the goldfish is detached and free at the back, while on the koi, it is attached along the whole of its length.
• Koi are generally much longer lived than goldfish and while the two can interbreed, the resulting offspring are always sterile.

To read more visit the Your Koi Pond website

Now is the time to undertake maintenance and repairs on your home ready for winter.

The RICS winter property checklist gives some excellent advice on checking your property is ready for the bad weather to come.

This includes checking:

• Roofs –  Inspecting the roof and replace any cracked tiles.
• Lofts – Checking the insulation is in good condition (up to current standard)
• Gutters and drains – Clearing them of leaves and debris.  Overflowing gutters can drench walls and cause damage
• Walls – Checking the pointing – frost can play havoc with poorly maintained walls
• External paving –     Ensure the paving is well drained and avoid water collecting, freezing and causing accidents.
• Decking –  Check that it hasn’t obstructed air bricks and gulleys
• Windows – Check perimeters of all windows to make sure water flows away from glass and doesn’t collect on the sill, or drain behind it
• Doors – Stop draughts through letterboxes by fitting a cover and put a sealant around the door frames
• Floors – Fill gaps between exposed floor boards. Ensure central heating pipework in the ventilated floor voids is insulated (70% of the heat input may be lost if uninsulated)
• Chimney – Check brickwork, have wood and coal burning flues swept.
• Boilers –  Have your boiler serviced. Check your heating system is in order; insulate hot water tanks, and bleed radiators.

While many of these simple tasks can be undertaken safely in the home it is important that people seek the advice of reputable professionals when looking to complete larger jobs.

Contact Thomas Building Services part of Ponds 4U for a FREE quotation today on 01443 841288 / 07832 134176 for all your home maintenance and repairs in Cardiff, Newport, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Bridgend and surrounding areas of South Wales.

To read more abbout looking after your home for winter visit the RICS website.