Koi fish are one of the most popular options for pets around the world. The beautiful koi fish originated in China, but was then bred for color in Japan. They come in many sizes, patterns, colors, and scales. They are some of the finest pond fish available, making them a popular choice around the world.
Due to their sensitive nature, it is important to properly maintain their living environment. You need to know all of the basic needs and requirements of the koi fish. Below are some general tips to help your Koi fish thrive in the pond you provide them with.
Size of the pond
Because the Koi fish come in a variety of sizes, some of them can be very large. Therefore, whenever you find a koi fish for sale, check with the breeders what size they will grow up to. Accordingly, you can get a pond for them. Their habitat is one of the most important factors that determine how big they can get. They have a long life cycle so make sure they have a pond of the right size. The depth of the pond must be at least 3 feet deep. This helps the fish find cool water in summer and warm spots in winter.
Maintain water quality
While the Koi fish are able to survive in different water temperatures, they do not make sudden changes in temperature. It is particularly important for the fish to keep high quality water in the pond. This allows the fish to become healthier and develop their full potential. You need to have a constant flow of oxygen at all times so any film that forms on the surface can be dangerous. Especially in summer the fish eats more food and the need for oxygen is higher. You can add decorative items such as a waterfall or a fountain to the pond to make it look more aesthetic.
Feed the fish
Did you know that your Koi's brilliant color is actually the effect of what you are feeding it? Not only their pigment, but also their health depends on their food intake. The most important things to consider when feeding are the type of food and the amount. You should provide them with a variety of foods such as pellets, blood worms, and sometimes even shrimp. However, there is one thing that you need to know about them and that is that no matter how much food you give them, they will always eat them all hungry. Hence, it is easy to overfeed them as you might think they are really hungry. Overfeeding would pollute the water and make the fish overweight. Check with the breeder how much food your Koi needs.
While this type of fish doesn't require a lot of attention or maintenance, you should still make sure to check them out regularly. They tend to jump out of the pond but cannot get back in. If left unattended, they will surely die. If you follow the tips above, your koi will be happy and healthy. Who knows, it might even bring you the godsend it's known for.