Our Guide To Keeping Butterfly Koi Fish
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Cyprinus carpio
- Common name: Butterfly Koi (also known as Longfin Koi or Dragon Carp)
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Origin: Japan (developed further in Indonesia through crossbreeding with long-finned carp)
- Adult length: 60 to 90 cm (including flowing fins)
- Lifespan: 25 to 35 years (some may live over 40 years)
- Diet: Omnivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful and graceful
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Tank Setup:
- Butterfly Koi need a large outdoor pond with a minimum volume of 1500L per fish. Their long fins require unobstructed swimming space.
- Include natural features like aquatic plants, shaded areas, and smooth-edged decorations to prevent fin damage.
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Water Parameters:
- Maintain a pH range between 7.0 and 8.0.
- Water temperature should stay between 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). They are hardy and tolerate seasonal changes well.
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- Install a strong pond filtration system to handle their bioload and maintain water quality.
- Gentle to moderate flow is ideal—avoid strong currents to protect their delicate fins.
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Diet:
- Feed a high-quality koi pellet designed for growth and color enhancement.
- Supplement with leafy greens (spinach, lettuce), fruits (orange slices, watermelon), and occasional protein-rich treats like bloodworms or shrimp.
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Tank mates:
- Compatible with other koi, goldfish, tench, and golden orfe. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal for community ponds.
- Avoid sharp-edged decorations or aggressive fish that could damage their flowing fins.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- Butterfly Koi are elegant, slow swimmers known for their long, trailing fins and calm temperament. They often interact with their keepers during feeding.
- They are best kept in groups and contribute both beauty and tranquility to any pond environment.
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