Q: What is a Koi?
A: Koi are basically Carp. A fresh water fish of a non aggressive species that were adopted in Japan to be used as ornamental pond fish. Koi are also sometimes called; Nishikigoi, which means "colored Koi" in Japanese. The Carp in Japan, and now other countries, where bred to have more vibrant colors and color patterns. Thus the Carp then became, Koi.
Back to top
Q: How long do Koi live?
A: Koi usually have an expected lifespan of about 50-100 years. But it is well known that Koi may also live well beyond 100 years of age. In Japan, the oldest living koi recorded was 226 years old.
Back to top
Q: Will my fish survive through the winter?
A: Yes, but only if they are Cold Water fish and your pond is at least 21/2 feet deep; 3' is preferred. Also Tropical fish cannot handle the cold weather and will die.
Back to top
Q: Can I put other fish in my pond besides Koi?
A: Sure! But there are some cautions you must be aware of:
1. Make sure any fish you put into your pond is a Fresh Water fish. Marine fish cannot survive in fresh water and they need the Salt that is in the ocean.
2. If your area has a cold fall or winter. It is not advised to place tropical fish in your pond. They will not survive in the cold water. Koi and other Cold water fish such as Minnows, Goldfish, and certain Catfish can live through the winter. Tropical species, mostly seen in your local pet store, cannot.
3. Whenever introducing different species of life into your pond. You must take into consideration that some species are aggressive, and some are not. Also, that some are herbivore, omnivores, and some carnivore. Some fish will eat other fish, and others will eat plants. For example; a large Sunfish will definitely eat smaller goldfish and baby koi. Bass and Pike also. Most omnivorous and carnivorous fish will eat anything smaller then themselves. A list of aggressive fresh water fish can be found in the downloads area.
Back to top
Q: Is a Goldfish similar to a Koi?
A: No, Goldfish are from a completely different species. Some Goldfish may look Koi shaped but they are very different. The most noticeable difference between Koi and Goldfish are it's mouth shape and surrounding area. Goldfish have an upward facing mouth. Signifying they are top feeders. Koi have a downward shaped mouth, which signifies they are bottom feeders. Also Koi have barbells at the sides of their mouths, similar to certain catfish. In addition, Koi grow much larger than any Goldfish.
Back to top
Q: What do I feed my fish?
A: You can feed your fish a variety of already prepared fish foods sold in any pet store or through us. Most of the commercially sold food is specially made for them. But there are better brands than others.
Back to top
Q: How much should I feed my fish?
A: The rule book says, only feed your fish as much as they will consume within 5 minutes. Unfortunately that's not the best advice with pond fish. Most of the time, you don't have to feed your fish at all! Your pond (when already established) will contain loads of food already there. Your fish will eat algae, water plants, insects, and other aquatic life if its in their diet. You can then feed your fish once a week if you desire. It is good to feed your fish, they need the extra nutrition you give them which may not be available in your pond. If you just put in your pond however, this is a different story. When you first set up a pond there is nothing growing inside, it's just way too clean! So the fish have nothing to eat. Then it's ok to stick to the above rule. I would say the second year of having your pond is fine to not feed your fish on a daily basis. It's very important not to overfeed your fish, the uneaten food may cause ammonia (which is deadly to fish) if it's not eaten before it decays.
Back to top
Q: Do I feed my fish in the winter?
A: No, it's not necessary to feed them in the winter. In the winter, your fishes metabolism slows down and they go into hibernation, like a bear. They don't eat and they move very slowly. If they do eat, they will usually find their own food. It's a good rule to make sure they eat enough during the summer or fall so they are ready for over winter hibernation.
Back to top
Q: Will my fish eat mosquitos?
A: Not likely, but they will probably eat the mosquito larvae, which are baby mosquito before it becomes a flying insect. Mosquito are similar to butterflies, first there is a larvae stage (which is the caterpillar) then the cocoon stage (Mosquito turn into a pupa, which is like a cocoon) then the butterfly stage (which is the flying stage). Unlike caterpillars, mosquito larvae live in stagnant water. Like water in unused car tires or beverage bottles left outside. If your pond has a stagnant area where water does not move, mosquito may choose that spot to grow their larvae.
There are many ways to control mosquitos, take a look at the pond related questions. You may also go to the downloads area to get more information.
Back to top
Q: Will my fish have babies?
A: Yup, as long as you have both male and female.
Back to top
Q: How can I tell if my fish is pregnant?
A: this is not always easy. Mostly they will look fat, and may have slightly bulging sides. But your fish could actually just be fat. If you notice the size increase in a short period of time, then most likely your fish is pregnant.
Back to top
Q: If I know my fish is pregnant is there something I should do?
A: No, your fish will be fine all by itself.
Back to top
Q: How can I tell if my fish is sick?
A: there is no one way to tell if your fish is sick. There are many symptoms to many different diseases. The most visual symptoms of some diseases are: Rapid gill movement, clamped fins, fungus growth, abrasions, and a tendency to stay at the top of the water. It's a good idea to buy a book on Koi, especially one that contains common diseases.
Back to top
Q: What should I do if I know my fish is sick?
A: If you know that your fish is sick, first determine the type of sickness or problem. Then, depending on the problem, treat the fish with a fish medication made for that particular disease. It's also a good rule to separate your diseased fish from the rest of your fish by taking it or them out of your pond and placing the fish in a holding tank. Treating all your pond water with medications is a really bad idea, depending on the number of sick fish of course.
Back to top
Q: When can I add fish to my pond?
A: In most cases it's good to wait one week before adding fish to your pond. Goldfish may be introduced sooner.
If you will be placing large expensive show koi into a new pond, we strongly suggest you wait one month for your pond to cycle.
Back to top
