Our Guide To Keeping Koi Fish
-
About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Cyprinus carpio
- Common name: Koi
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Origin: Japan (originally domesticated from common carp in China)
- Adult length: 60 to 90 cm (some varieties can exceed 100 cm)
- Lifespan: 25 to 35 years (some koi have been known to live over 50 years)
- Diet: Omnivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful and sociable
-
Tank Setup:
- Koi require large outdoor ponds with a minimum of 1500L per fish. Bigger ponds allow for proper growth, movement, and water quality management.
- Include open swimming space, natural plants, and shaded areas. A pond depth of at least 1.2 meters is recommended to protect them during colder months.
-
Water Parameters:
- Maintain a pH between 7.0 and 8.0 for optimal health.
- Ideal temperature range is 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). Koi are cold-hardy and can overwinter in deep ponds.
-
Filtration and Water Flow:
- Use a powerful pond filtration system to handle high waste output and maintain clean, oxygen-rich water.
- Moderate water flow is best, supported by waterfalls, fountains, or air stones for proper aeration.
-
Diet:
- Feed a balanced koi pellet that supports growth, immunity, and coloration.
- Supplement with fruits (oranges, melon), vegetables (peas, lettuce), and protein sources like shrimp, silkworms, or bloodworms.
-
Tank mates:
- Koi are peaceful and get along with other koi, large goldfish, orfe, and tench.
- Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species, as well as small tropical fish that may not tolerate the same conditions.
-
Behavior and Compatibility:
- Koi are intelligent, social, and often recognize their caregivers. They are graceful swimmers and can become quite tame.
- They thrive in groups and contribute beauty and tranquility to any garden pond setup.
(No reviews yet)
Write a Review
