subject: Caring For Your Koi Fish [print this page] Koi fish without doubt are one of nature's most beautiful creations. If you have not seen one then you have definitely missed out on a lot. They have appealing colours and their exquisite patterns truly leave the beholder spellbound.
Koi fish are the most famous freshwater fish in Japan. For obvious reasons it is hailed as the national fish' of Japan. Koi is a great pond fish to have and ranks among the most well known natural entertainers.
Koi fish have comparatively longer lifespans than other fish and are therefore, the most preferred choice of aquarium owners. Now we come to the most important part of how to take care of these magnificent creatures.
1) Water quality and tank environment
To start off, create an environment that the koi fish would want to live in. The answer is a large deep pond where they can swim around and be in their element.
The water should have the minimum required amount of ammonia and pH level should be controlled in order to keep the fish in a healthy condition.
2) Feeding Do's and Don'ts:
Koi fish are omnivores. Your primary responsibility as the caretaker is to take care of its nutritional needs. A minimum of 28% protein is required in the koi fish diet.
Koi fish have a slightly richer diet compared to other fish. Do not compromise on their diet and only get food labelled for koi fish.
Their digestive system cannot digest carbohydrates so make sure that things like cereals, bread or dog biscuits are never fed to the koi fish. Place suitable plants in the aquarium so that your koi fish has a well balanced diet.
This will ensure proper growth of the fish as all vitamins/mineral requirements will be taken care of.
The food should be given in small portions throughout the day. In winters the feed should be reduced and completely stopped in extremely cold weather.
3) Protecting koi from diseases:
While buying the fish ensure that the one being bought is in a healthy condition. Introducing an unhealthy fish in the pond can have adverse effects on all the inhabitants.
In the event of fish catching a disease take appropriate measures. First, take the infected fish out of the pond and remove it from the vicinity of other fish. Koi fish can suffer from various diseases like ICH (spots appear on body), Chilodinella, Costia (reddening of fins, difficulty in breathing), and Odinium (velvety gold dust appears on koi's skin) etc.
Be on the lookout for these symptoms and take appropriate measures.
4) Handling of the fish:
If you have no experience of handling the koi fish ensure that you take proper guidance. These fish are not to be taken lightly.
Improper handling can damage their outer layer which would lead to bacterial or fungal diseases. At all times keep more male koi fish than female ones. This would stop the male counterparts to chase around and fight over the female koi fish.
