Koi vs. Carp — What's the Difference?

Koi (鯉, English: , Japanese: [koꜜi]) or more specifically nishikigoi (錦鯉, Japanese: [ɲiɕi̥kiꜜɡoi], literally "brocaded carp"), are colored varieties of the Amur carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) that are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor koi ponds or water gardens. Koi is an informal name for the colored variants of C. rubrofuscus kept for ornamental purposes.

Carp are various species of oily freshwater fish from the family Cyprinidae, a very large group of fish native to Europe and Asia. While carp is consumed in many parts of the world, they are generally considered an invasive species in parts of Africa, Australia and most of the United States.

A variety of carp (Cyprinus carpio) developed in Japan and widely raised as an ornamental fish for its bright color patterns.

To complain or find fault in a petty or disagreeable way

Ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), of Japan and eastern Asia with red-gold or white coloring.

A freshwater cyprinid fish (Cyprinus carpio) native to Eurasia that is widely bred in ponds for food.

Any of various fishes of the family Cyprinidae.

Any of various freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae, especially the common carp, Cyprinus carpio.

To complain about a fault; to harp on.

(obsolete) To say; to tell.

To find fault with; to censure.

To talk; to speak; to prattle.

To find fault; to cavil; to censure words or actions without reason or ill-naturedly; - usually followed by at.

To say; to tell.

To find fault with; to censure.

A fresh-water herbivorous fish (Cyprinus carpio.). Several other species of Cyprinus, Catla, and Carassius are called carp. See Cruclan carp.

The lean flesh of a fish that is often farmed; can be baked or braised

Any of various freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae

Raise trivial objections