The Common carp or European carp is a widespread freshwater fish related to the common goldfish, with which it is capable of interbreeding. It gives its name to the carp family Cyprinidae. Common carp are native to Asia and Eastern Europe. It has been introduced into environments worldwide, and is often considered an invasive species. Koi is a domesticated ornamental variety that originated in the Niigata region of Japan in the 1820s. Variants include the mirror carp, with large mirror-like scales, the leather carp, and the fully scaled carp.