Koi care is actually fairly simple and can be easily managed by exercising a little forethought.
Creating a relaxing environment with your Koi pond can add to your quality of life as well.
Their brilliant colors and agreeable manners make the Koi fish very enjoyable and soothing to have around.
It is important to pay attention to how big your Koi get; especially if you decide to start with a smaller pond.
They can get to be quite large and thrive best in ponds with 500 gallons or more.
If your fish get too large you should either trade them in for smaller fish or create a new pond.
Koi stay healthier in a larger environment and you need to stay aware of how many fish you keep relative to how much water you have in your pond.
Water quality is the most important factor in Koi care.
Keep the water moving with a quality pump and have it flowing through a filter to remove the waste produced by the fish.
The Koi is a cold water fish and enjoy water temperatures of between 61 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Year round climate temperatures are also an important consideration.
Koi fish thrive in colder water and can be left outside in the winter.
Three feet deep is the minimum depth for any Koi pond.
The Koi will start their winter hibernation as the temperatures outside go down.
When the hibernation process begins their digestive system comes to a halt.
Food left over in their system can become rancid.
Because of, this 50 degrees is the cutoff point.
Koi fish should not be fed when the temperature of the water is 50 degrees and below.
The Japanese began breeding the common carp in the early 1800's.
As a matter of fact the word "Koi" comes from the Japanese word for carp.
They found that the environment and diet play an important role in the color of the Koi fish.
Silver, black, white, orange, red, green and blue are all colors that have been noted in these fish.
They also exhibit many beautiful patterns as well.
The Japanese breeders showed extreme patience when developing the breed, taking into account all the factors that affect the Koi.
Koi aren't necessarily a "schooling" fish although they are very social.
They get along well with all breeds as long as the others are big enough not to get eaten! The Koi is an omnivore, meaning that meat,as well as vegetation, is fair game to them.
If the pond is small the Koi may seem to group together, but they will stay by themselves or in small groups if the pond is larger.
Koi can be found swimming in over 1 million ponds worldwide making them one of the most popular freshwater pond fish.
The oldest aged Koi fish ever recorded was 226 years old.
They can also be trained to eat out of your hand.
Because of their brilliant colors, easy care and pleasing disposition the Koi is a quality choice for any outdoor pond!