What some people may not realize is that some fish, like snakes, don't have a strict limit on size. Some fish keep growing their entire lives. Though with fish, those lives are considerably shorter than a human's, not to mention they tended to be eaten before they can get too old. The koi fish is a different matter. These fish were bred for the hardiness and longevity for generations. In a proper environment and good care, a koi fish could live a long time and reach a very respectable size. The average is usually only 50 years, but there are some koi who live to be much older.
One such koi was the one that was brought to Horizon Labs. Kyo had been something of a family pet for a few generations. Generally fish weren't the most interactive of pets, but Kyo was known to swim towards his owner's hands for pets when it was feeding time. His family had taken good care of him for decades, making sure his pond was clean, he had enough to eat, and that he wouldn't be too cold during the winter.
Kyo's family had also kept a record of how old he was. It was a bit hard to tell when exactly he hatched from his egg, but they were at least certain which year he was born. There has been some dread over the last few years that one day Kyo would just go belly-up without warning. But Kyo proved himself to be a hearty carp and this year, he was now 100 years old. The family wanted to do something particularly special for their oldest family member. And having heard the exploits of centenarian Steven Blair, they had a particularly interesting idea.
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Alice wasn't really sure why she had to come to Horizon Labs, considering she was adapting well to being a koi Animalian. She didn't see what the big deal about uplifting another koi was. "I don't see what the big deal about a big fish is," said Alice. A 32-pound koi was pretty big, but there were far larger fish.
"Well, it's not just a big fish, it's a very old fish," said Judy, "Supposedly about 100 years old."
"I thought only tortoises get that old," said Alice.
"There are actually several fish that have remarkably long lifespans," said Judy, "The Greenland shark, the rougheye rockfish, and even the sturgeon. Tortoises are just the longest-living land animals."
"So I guess this koi will be getting a double-dose," said Alice.
"Yes, but you are aware of how strongly a double-dose affects on older patients?" asked Judy.
Alice had a vague idea, namely with what happened with Daniel, Steven, and Joshua. "How many old animals have you uplifted?" asked Alice.
"A few, but non that were actually centenarians," said Judy, "So we just want you to make sure he adapts well."
"You know, it's flattering, really. But I'm not in a big rush to find a mate," said Alice, "Besides, just because we're koi doesn't mean we have much in common."
"We're just giving you the option," said Judy before they went into one of the labs where they most worked with aquatic species.
Alice looked around before her eyes widened as what was currently swimming in the pool. It was a very large fish Animalian, about as big as the sharks she's seen. But then he climbed out of the pool and Alice's jaw dropped. He was even more well-built that she had expected. She had seen the bodybuilders in Animalian and this guy was clearly a heavyweight. Water dripped down his scales, which covered him like chainmail. He was as orange as an apricot, which may make him see like a goldfish at first. But though members of the carp family, goldfish and koi are quite different. Not only were goldfish first bred in China while koi bred in Japan, but the koi grew to be a lot bigger than a goldfish ever could. There was also a few barbels like whiskers around his mouth. He was currently wearing a pair of blue trunks which contrasted with his orange scales. The koi man turned towards Alice and said, "You must be the other koi I've heard about. I am Kyo." He punctuated this with a small bow.
"I'm available," said Alice before wincing. "Uh, I mean, I'm Alice," she said, kicking herself for making such a stupid first impression.
"You are more colorful than I would have expected in a koi," said Kyo.
"Well, koi fish come in many different colors," said Alice, "Er, not that there's anything wrong with a solid basic color. I mean, you pull it off so well."
Judy decided to steer the conversation elsewhere. "So, you're a hundred years old," she said, "How much experience would you say you have?"
"I can't really say much," said Kyo, "How much experience can you get inside a pond?"
"Well, I'd like to help broaden your horizons...as much I'm able to," said Alice.
"I am interested in seeing more of your world," said Kyo.