The Spirit of the Black Koi – a.k.a. “The Crow”
In traditional Japanese koi-keeping, it’s believed that every pond should include at least one black koi. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about energy.
The black koi:
Absorbs bad luck, illness, and negativity
Guards the health of the pond and the fish within it
Protects the home and family that care for it
Grounds and balances the brilliance of brighter koi
It is, in essence, the quiet soul of the pond—a living symbol of shadow’s sacred role in the dance of life.
A Personal Story from Robert
Many years ago, a co-founder and longtime member of the Canada Koi Club of British Columbia was decommissioning his koi pond as he was moving to an apartment. He put the word out to the members that he would be selling his beautiful lifetime collection of koi.
I had previously been to a club meeting at his house and was in awe of the colorful and large koi that he had acquired over the years. Now I thought to myself, what an opportunity to get some real big ones for my pond. So I wasted no time making an appointment for the next day.
As we stood pondside, I was in awe watching these mystical swimming jewels weaving around one another. The colors and sizes were overwhelming while I stood there in the moment, anticipating the many beautiful choices before me.
The owner leaned over and interrupted my trance. He said:
“What do you think of the black koi?”
To be honest, I replied that I really hadn’t noticed the black ones.
He went on to say:
“I know at first glance a black koi may seem insignificant as it glides through the water, calm and unassuming, but like all koi, the black koi embodies the symbolism of strength, luck, and perseverance. They are known as Karasugoi in Japan, which means ‘The Crow.’
Its deep black coloring adds a layer of meaning all its own. In Japanese spiritual belief, the black koi is a guardian. The Karasugoi is believed to shield the other fish in the pond from harm—protecting not only their health but also that of the pond owner and their family.
In this way, it becomes a kind of spiritual bodyguard, holding space for healing, stability, and harmony.
When you have a Black Koi in your collection… at the end of the day, if you come home and find your black koi belly up, it means he or she took the bullet for you—and you will go on to live another day.
So not only is it a powerful fish, it’s also a life insurance policy!” 😊
That conversation changed how I look at black koi forever. Now, I make sure that every pond I build or stock includes a Karasugoi. It’s not just a fish—it’s the protector of the pond.
Interested in Adding a Karasugoi to Your Pond?
At Robert’s Koi Farm, we raise all our koi—including Karasugoi—in natural clay-bottom mud ponds here in Fort Langley, BC. The result is hardy, healthy koi raised in conditions close to their traditional home in Japan.
Whether you're just starting your pond or expanding your collection, I invite you to book a visit or explore our available koi online.
Add a Karasugoi to your pond.
Not just for beauty, but for balance, energy, and maybe even a little life insurance.