I went to buy fish for my newly enlarged pond today. I headed out to a breeder I've used before and have become pretty good friends with. When I got there he had several fish already pulled out for me to look at, including one he was calling the "strange fish".

The strange fish looks like a koi, with a greenish coloration (and two VERY small orange spots on the back), large scales, and a downturned mouth, but without barbels! Has anyone heard of a mutated koi without barbels? I've tried to research this, but have hit a dead end!

I did find some information on a species of carp called the grass carp, which has the same coloration and no barbels, but an upturned mouth. Could this be some strange hybrid?

The really strange thing is, he has no idea how this fish got into his pond, but there are several more. I suspect eggs hidden in plants that he purchased last year.

I would appreciate any info!

Amber

P.S. I attached a picture. The fish is currently residing in an indoor tank until I figure out whether or not to introduce it to my pond.

P.P.S. On a second thought, I just surmised that it could be a goldfish, but it would be an awfully large goldfish if it were only a year old.

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