Michael C. Harris

The Secrets to Successful Koi Carp Fish Care



Posted: Sunday, March 08, 2009

by
Koi Fish School

Loved all over the world for their vibrant colors and long living, Koi carp fish are absolutely wonderful additions to an outdoor pond. Koi carp fish are exceptionally popular and populate millions of outdoor ponds. While today, most live to be around thirty years of age, Koi carp fish have been known to live well beyond two hundred years old, with the oldest ever having lived to be two hundred and twenty-six years of age. No doubt, Koi care can be an integral factor in the longevity of a Koi carp fish.

Koi carp fish belong to the same species of fish as the common carp, with the Koi carp fish being considered the most domesticated. The Japanese are credited as the first breeders of the marvelous Koi carp fish and their efforts date to the 1820's. Koi carp fish are known for their variety of colors and attractive patterns which includes lively colors such as blue, green, red, orange, yellow, and silver. Of course, Koi crap fish can also be found in basic colors such as black and white. Their color is directly affected by their environment and the care that they receive. Proper Koi care requires a great deal of consistency and diligence.

Koi carp fish may behave differently in smaller versus larger ponds. This is something to be considered when planning and preparing for Koi care. Koi carp fish usually school when they are in smaller ponds, but will separate into smaller units when they are in a larger pond. Additionally, Koi carp fish are known to be very social with a number of other fish breeds, except in situations with much smaller fish that can fit into their mouths and be eaten. Remember, Koi carp fish are opportunistic feeders. Those that are planning to raise Koi carp fish should consider their social activity when making preparation for their pond.

Koi carp fish are best kept in ponds that are at least five hundred gallons, as Koi carp fish generally become large fish as they grow and age. As fish get bigger, they may outgrow your designated space. If you see that your Koi carp fish has the potential to exceed the allotted space, then you may need to designate a larger space, or trade them out for smaller fish. Take care to give the larger fish to someone that also has a passion for Koi carp fish. If you are in to Koi, then you should make every effort to follow proper Koi treatment and Koi care. Your close attention to your Koi carp fish can make your experience of Koi keeping very gratifying. Your Koi can be healthy with proper Koi care, but that will depend heavily on the space designated for them, the water quality and temperature. Koi carp fish are not cheap fish and it can become very costly if you struggle with keeping them and have to replace them. Always remember that Koi carp fish are naturally used to cold water; thus, when keeping Koi, you should ensure that their environment is spacious and kept in the temperature range of 61 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to Koi care, there are few major issues that can arise if owners don't administer the proper Koi treatment to ensure their Koi carp fish are well cared for. Koi carp fish can remain in an outdoor pond during the winter because they are cold-water fish. They actually do very well in the colder temperatures; however, for proper Koi keeping, the Koi carp fish should be kept in an outdoor pond that is more than three feet deep. During the winter season, Koi carp fish go into a hibernation phase and experience a dramatic decrease in digestive functioning. At this time they will not be able to properly digest food. If you continue to provide food, Koi carp fish can get sick because the food is not digested and will spoil in their stomachs. Therefore, when taking care of Koi feeding, make sure that all caregivers know not to feed the Koi carp fish when it is fifty degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Koi carp fish add a liveliness and brilliance to outdoor ponds that people find both enjoyable and relaxing. The presence of Koi carp fish in an outside pond can make sure of a pleasant garden experience. Owners know and can appreciate how wonderful it is to have Koi carp fish as a part of their lives.

For more great tips onKoi Carp Fish, visit Koi Fish School today.

Michael C. Harris is a Koi fish specialist. For more great tips on Koi care, pond construction and maintenance, visit"Koi Fish School"today.Over the last 27 years, Michael has perfected his formula for successful Koi care and spends much of his time helping others benefit from his experience and wisdom.

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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Nancy Daniels
 2 years 305 days ago.
65 fans.
Michael,
 
Thank you for sharing an article that piqued my interest because I have some type of fish that inadvertently came into my small water barrel with a few pond plants last summer. What a shock 2 months later to see fish in a place I wasn't 'growing fish!' Because of our freezing winter months, I added a pondmaster heater (which is practically the whole diameter of the barrel) but they are happy campers and seem to be thriving.
 
Great article,
 
Nancy
» left by Mark Martini
 2 years 68 days ago.
3 fans.
I'm glad I stopped by your ariticle. Great tips.
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