Koi fish are some of the most exotic marine animals to breed. Not only are they great to keep as pets, but koi fish can also provide you with a stable source of income. These types of ornamental fish could sell for thousands and even millions of dollars on the market.
Koi breeding shouldn’t be as difficult as training a dolphin. There are challenges you will need to face in making sure the fish grow healthy. Even if you are not a serious koi breeder, you might want to apply these essential tips so you can make the most of the experience.
- Know the right amount of space you need
As with any other marine creature, you need to make sure your koi thrives in the right environment. Whether you are setting up an aquarium or digging up a pond, koi require enough space to freely swim around. These fish can grow rapidly up to 36 inches, so you will need space that could accommodate 250 gallons of water per medium-sized koi. In the case of a koi pond, it should be at least three feet deep with a total capacity of 1,500 gallons. You may need to increase the size of the tank or pond as you add more koi.
- Set up a comfortable habitat
Aside from knowing the amount of space your koi needs to grow healthy, you should also know how to build a habitat that supports their growth. The habitat mustn’t be exposed to direct sunlight, so you must set up your koi pond or tank in a shaded place. Otherwise, you can add vegetation such as lily pads and smartweeds. These also serve as a natural source of dissolved oxygen and become a part of your pond’s appearance. Make sure you also have a filtration system installed to keep the water aerated and remove toxic materials.
- Order the right food
There’s more to taking care of koi than choosing the best fish names and giving them an appropriate environment to thrive in. Nutrition is critical to the growth and survival of your koi collection. Selecting the wrong kind of food will only lead to costly problems later on. You need to know what to feed your koi based on their age and size.
Koi are no less different than bottlenose dolphins when it comes to their dietary habits, but expert breeders will suggest feeding them brine shrimp, wheat germ pellets, krill, and other protein-rich sources. You may also need to balance this out with peas, watermelon, and squash. You need to put in a lot of research before deciding what to feed them.
- Stick to a cleaning schedule
The water in your koi pond or tank will be contaminated over time, so it’s important to follow a regular cleaning schedule. You will need to clear the water of any debris such as leaves each week. You may also need to replace the water at least once a year. However, if you have a smaller pond, aim for a weekly water change of 10% to 20%. If you’re looking to keep koi fish as a source of livelihood or as a hobby, consider these tips before diving in.
