User:Jaboinga/sandbox

= Magikarp =

Magikarp, a well-known type of Asian Carp of the species Magia, is a fish native to the rivers of China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. The species Magia is composed of Magia Aurantiaco and Magia Auriolus. Due to the drastic decline of this fish, the amount of subspecies has decreased nearly 10 fold. It is known for it’s slightly tangy taste, and is a tourist favourite in Asia.

A recent discovery made by the McGill University in Canada showed that these fish are not monophyletic, but rather polyphyletic, matching prehistoric ancestors with many fish found around the world.

Biology
A vertebrate member of the Cyprinidae family, Magikarp’s most notable features include being intolerant to saltwater, a long frame, and a strong, slightly-less flexible bone structure, with their rib structure predominantly coming in contact with their lower jaw, both a benefit and a liability.

Their scales are common among all carp, varying only in colour, and fins unique to the Magia species for their narrow, spiked shape. Their teeth vary in shape and size based on the diet based on the surrounding prey in their habitat.

A unique characteristic of Magikarp is their thicker scales to help combat the cold temperatures of the plateau.

Habitat
Magikarp primarily live in rivers, lakes, and ponds. They live in tundra wetlands and grassland tundras with elevations extending from 1,300 m (4,300 ft) to 4000 m (13,100 ft). They have been known to stay away from civilizations or any signs of human activity. They favour the lower elevations, with slightly basic water, with a more diverse variety of prey in lower rivers.

Magikarp have been spotted migrating north towards Mongolia in small groups, but have otherwise only been seen in their native countries.

Diet
The domestic counterpart of this fish, Cyprinus Rubrofuscus, commonly known as Koi, have a lighter diet and have been historically fed less meat than a typical Magikarp would have. Magikarp can consume up to about half their entire body mass in a single meal, with their diet constisting of a sparse variety of fish, including rainbow and bull trout, carp, crustaceans, and when food comes to a great declone during the coldest parts of winter, they resort to scavenging for anything they can find, including insects and even small amphibians. Cannibalism is not something they are known for.

Symbolism
Magikarp and Koi have had many appearances in Chinese myth, mainly as spiritual guidance for the ways of aquatic life, and have a symbolic importance to many people. Goldfish also have a high following for their distinct colour.

Breeding
Breeding programs in Asia have given Koi improvements in growth, size, shape, immunity to common freshwater diseases, and environmental adaptation. They have been bred to be more ornamental to give them longer, more streamlined builds, and multiple colours versus one uniform colour. Koi breeding began in the early 19th century in Japan and starting exporting there.

Magikarp have taken a special interest to breeders, and have been bred to be stronger swimmers and hunters in the wild, and have been let out back into the wild for Chinese experimentation.

Aquaculture
Massive fish farms across China, Thailand, and Cambodia have been founded specifically for the purpose of breeding and farming Magikarp, which have seen a massive increase in popularity in Carp farming in recent years even surpassing salmon, after being farmed independently for hundreds of years.

Magikarp farms have been also exporting fish for decorative purposes, for Koi ponds in various zoos, environmental institutions, and private properties.

As Food
Magikarp is enjoyed all around the world, due to their high population and amount of exporting farms. Cooking methods of Magikarp include frying, pan searing, baking, broiling, and stir-frying.

Magikarp in many meals are paired with rice, other fish, curry, and vegetables. Magikarp flesh is creamy white and firm.

Sport Fishing
A popular fish for sport fishing, Magikarp has annual fishing competitions for who can catch, and cook, their best fish, with the winner of the contest earning a professional job and title as a fisherman or chef, or they have a choice to take neither and take home a Magikarp-shaped trophy.