"Nishikigoi have been called the national fish of Japan. Hundreds of years ago in the mountains of Niigata, the farmers in the village of Yamakoshi noticed a red carp swimming among the black carp that they raised to supplement their diet of rice and vegetables.
Through the years and through selective breeding, Japanese breeders have created the over 100 named varieties of Nishikigoi that we see today.
Nishikigoi are available in sizes anywhere from four inches to over three feet long and can be kept in a wide variety of situations, from small aquariums to large outdoor ponds.
Today, Nishikigoi are bred not only in their place of origin, Niigata, but all over Japan, and are exported all over the world. Nishikigoi continue to gain worldwide popularity as the ultimate pond or garden fish.
As Nishikigoi were developed in Japan, the language of Nishikigoi is Japanese. Japanese is used not only to name the varieties, but also for many of the terms used to describe their colors and traits."

-----http://www.koi.com/encyclopedia/

*NOTE: This is the only thing I know about koi and that's cause I got it directly off the site. But in no way is the Gaiaian minishop connected to koi,com. I just wanted to stick this piece of information in cause I was a little curious myself.*

There are three types of Bekko; the Aka (red) Bekko, the Shiro (white) Bekko, and the Ki (yellow) Bekko. The Bekko has a simple stepping stone pattern of sumi (black) running down it’s back set against a red, white or yellow background.

The Asagi is one of the oldest varieties of Nishikigoi and has provided the basis for many subsequent varieties. Its back is covered in a net-like reticulated scale pattern of indigo, navy blue or pale blue. The light blue head should be clear and unblemished. The base of the pectoral fins, tail fin, stomach and gill plates is a deep orange or red color.

Everything connected with Eastern Dragons is blessed. The year of the Dragon, which takes place every twelve years, is lucky. Present day Oriental astrologers claim that children born during the Dragon years enjoy health, wealth, and long life.