Koi Care Tips
Koi is one of the most-adored fresh water pond fishes. The most striking feature of the Koi is the vibrant and the choice of colors they come in. Another notable feature of this variety of fish is their life-span. Kois have an average life of 30 years, which is quite remarkable. The most exceptional life-span was of a Koi in Japan which is believed to have lived for 226 years.
Koi is a domesticated variant of the common carp or European carp. Koi means carp in Japanese for carp. They are usually kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and water gardens. Koi come in a huge array of colors and patterns, from red to silver, black to yellow and many more. External factors such as the environment and the food they eat directly affects the color of a Koi.
Even though the Koi are known for their ability to be social with other breeds, they are not of the schooling variety. In small ponds, they may seem to school together. However in bigger ones they are prone to divide into smaller factions.
As Koi grow, they become larger in size. Hence they can survive only in ponds with 500 gallon or more water. If you choose to put them in small ponds, keep a tab on their size from time to time. You will need to shift them to a bigger pond once they grow bigger. Another thing to bear in mind is the number of fish you keep in the pond must be relative to the amount of water. Their health entirely relies on this one factor.
Koi can survive in cold-water, however it is best to keep temperature in the range of 61 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Koi care must be taken into consideration when dealing with these temperatures. They can also be kept outdoors provided the pond is not deeper than 3 feet. With the drop in temperatures in winter, the Koi will start to hibernate and their digestive system will slow down fully and they eat very little. Their appetite comes back only during the spring when the temperature is warmer.
Outdoor ponds are a great mode of relaxation. How much ever soothing the sounds of falling water might by, but a pond is absolutely incomplete without these ornamental fishes. So get your Koi fish today and beautify your outdoor garden.
