Tag Archives: Koi Fish

Fishing Tips

Koi – Japanese Fish of Love

The carp that travelled to Japan from China, gained tremendously in colour and beauty: thanks to the Japanese breeders! And it is this ‘Brocaded carp’ that the world knows as Koi today. Literally ‘Koi’ means ‘carp’ (both common and ornamental species) in Japanese. The ornamental domesticated fish that we know as Koi is actually ‘nishikigoi’ in Japanese. Whatever the history and linguistics facts be, for us Koi is the beautiful, colourful, adaptable, domesticated pond fish. 

Before we start talking in detail about the Koi fish keeping, let’s first look at some of the interesting benefits of having a Koi pond or say having a Koi in your pond (Koi co-exists well with other fish. So you can keep it with the ones you already have).

**  It will add a spectrum of beauty to your garden environment.
You will be able to establish a special bond with your Koi. They will feed from your hand once they gain confidence in you. Needless to say, this is the ultimate that one can expect from a pet. And a ‘rare ultimate’ when it comes to fish.

**  If you are (or will be) a breeder, a Koi means thousands!
Believe in Feng Shui? Koi is believed to bring good luck.
Some symbolism…? Koi is considered to be a symbol of love and friendship in Japan.

**  Koi is ‘elite’. Yes… keeping Koi is a status symbol; your garden’s style statement.

Some other benefits that do not have any scientific evidence but have been talked about by Koi owners are:
*  A Koi pond adds value to your property. If you are looking to sell yours, adding a Koi pond might increase the rates and the possibility of selling quickly.
*  Spending some time by a Koi pond has been reported to be a great stress reliever.

If you are venturing into the Koi hobby, it is worth noting that rearing Koi is not like having any other simple ornamental fish in an aquarium or a fish tank. Even if you do not want to be a breeder and are interested in keeping Koi solely for ornamental purpose, some research and preparation is a must. You will need a pond with proper size and systems in place. Seasonal changes would require some adjustments in order to keep Koi healthy. For example, feeding Koi requires to be ‘almost stopped’ in peak winters. All these aspects need to be taken care of and a fair degree of expertise is required at every step from selecting your Koi to creating Koi specific conditions.

Also, Koi is an expensive affair. The fish itself will cost you some handsome bucks. And you can’t keep one. You will have to have a group of at least three of them; as experts recommend. You will also have to spend on building a pond or enlarging an existing one to suit the needs of Koi. Also, you will need to install proper purification systems and pumps, which is again a fairly big investment.

Another important aspect to be considered is the safety of your Koi. This fish being extremely attractive is an easy attention seeker for the aerial predators. So you will need to grow trees in order to block their vision. Also, the depth of the pond will need to be increased not only as required by Koi but also as a safe guard against cranes and other such hunters, if they are a problem in your area. You might also need to use nets over the pond.

Worried? Oh you shouldn’t. Efforts are going to be huge, but the result will be more so. After all you can’t have the roses’ bloom without the thorns!

 

Nelson writes koi fish here: http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com/koi-japenese-fish. He has raised, studied, bred and cared for hundreds of varieties of Koi. His twenty plus years of practical experience and research are available in his latest book,<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”>http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”> Insider’s Secrets To Raising Healthy Koi: The Ultimate Guide</a>.

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The Beauty of Butterfly Koi Fish

The beautiful Butterfly Koi Fish gets its name from the decorative finnage that resembles the delicate wings of a butterfly. Being of a hybrid variety, these fish are not considered by many breeders as a true Koi. Butterfly Koi fish have been bred only since the 1980s, along with Dragon carp and Longfin Koi. The earlier varieties of Koi were distinguished by their coloration, pattern, and scalation. However, new variants like the Butterfly Koi have distinct characteristics with unusually long, flowing fins.

The true origin of Butterfly Koi fish is often debated due to its crossbreeding. Some aquarists are of the opinion that they are a cross between ordinary Koi and Asain carp. Today, most breeders strive to create ornamental and colorful Koi, with butterfly Koi being a popular variety. Traditional Koi shows tend to disregard them because of their hybrid origin. Like traditional Koi, butterfly koi come in different patterns and colors, with white, yellow, and orange in combination being most common.

Apart from long, flowing fins, butterfly koi fish have longer barbells and bigger nares as compared to traditional koi. The smaller varieties are kept in aquariums, while the bigger that reach up to 36 inches are bred in ponds. They don’t require much maintenance as long as they are fed properly and kept in a stable environment. Butterfly koi fish have a peaceful temperament and don’t mind the company of humans at any time.

What is distinctive about butterfly koi fish is that their dorsal, pectoral, ventral, and caudal fins are almost featherlike in appearance. The Japanese call them ‘living jewels’ or also as Dragon Koi because of their colorful appearance. They can also easily be interbred with standard koi. Their entry into the US was through breeder Wyatt Lefever who crossed Asian Koi with metallic colored Koi.

Although butterfly koi fish cannot be judged in competitions according to the rules for standard Koi, many breeders still hold butterfly koi competitions. Their fin to body ratio exceeds that of standard koi by over 500%. Therefore, they cannot receive the same points as standard koi in a competition. Moreover, the patterns and color variations are different. The new version of butterfly koi is slender, which is more noticeable when you look down on the fish. The American Koi Club Association has set new standards to judge these fish.

If you wish to breed butterfly koi, make sure you provide them a pond with at least 1,000 gallons of water. Fill the pond up with sturdy plants since they like to nibble at the roots. However, make sure the base of the plant is protected with large stones. Make sure the pH levels of the water are between 6.8 and 7.2. dH levels must be maintained between 2 and 12. Like carp, butterfly koi are sturdy and can live comfortably in temperatures from 33 to 90° Fahrenheit.

As like all other koi, the gentle nature of butterfly koi make them excellent pond fish. They are tolerant and resistant to disease which makes them a popular choice among breeders all over the world. Taking care of butterfly koi fish is a pleasurable experience that can give you priceless hours of enjoyment and fulfillment. The little bit of effort you put into bringing them up will be worth it in the long run.

 

Nelson writes koi fish here: http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com/butterfly-koi. He has raised, studied, bred and cared for hundreds of varieties of Koi. His twenty plus years of practical experience and research are available in his latest book,<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”>http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”> Insider’s Secrets To Raising Healthy Koi: The Ultimate Guide</a>.

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Virus Infections In A Koi Fish. A Viral Illness

Vital disease occurs when a virus infects the cells of its host and multiplies rapidly within them. Several viral diseases can affect koi. Some, such as Spring Viremia Carp virus, are extremely contagious and the mortality rate is high. Viruses spread when infected faces are released into the water.

The virus most commonly found in koi is carp pox. It presents itself as easily visible, opaque, waxy looking lumps on the skin. One or more of these may be present anywhere on the body, head or fins. In extreme cases, the body can almost completely cover with them. Carp pox is generally observed in the spring, particularly on young fish.

As the water temperature rises, the lumps can be seen to break up and often completely disappear. No chemical treatments are available for viral diseases; the keeper must rely on the fish’s immune system to combat them which means self cure. The wax like growth of carp pox can be clearly seen. Although it looks unsightly, it generally disappears as water temperatures rises.

Regularly disinfect handling equipment. As koi fish age, they developed an immunity to carp pox. It is a good idea to become familiar with using a microscope so that you can identify parasites and apply the appropriate treatment. Some of the more common parasites will be discussed later.

Koi are voracious feeders, but offering them more than they can eat in a reasonable time is wasteful. Unless skimmers are turned off at feeding time, many pellets will be removed from the pond surface before they can be eaten.

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Koi Fish Carp – In A Nutshell

The colourful Koi from Japan is basically an ornamental variety of common carp. In Japanese it is called ‘nshikigoi’; literally meaning brocaded carp. Even a single look at this magnificently beautiful fish will justify its name. Koi is beautiful, colourful, adaptable, agile and sensitive to human care. What more can you ask for from a domesticated fish.

If you are planning to add the Koi colours to your pet world, then some handy information about the varieties and basics of this species would not be out of place.

The Koi fish carp is available in many colours. Some common colours are white, black, red, yellow, blue and cream. However, due to constant breeding for colour mutations and efforts of specialist breeders, Koi is now available in almost every colour under the sun. Some specific varieties have also been categorised based on the colour; e.g. Kohaku – red and white combination, Taisho sanke – red and white combo with black marks, Kinginrin – with metallic scales, Ogon – single metallic colour, Hikari moyomono – combo of 2 metallic colours, etc. Some hybrids like the Butterfly Koi and the Ghost Koi have also been developed.

Koi fish carp, has gained popularity not only because it’s beautiful, but also because it’s extremely adaptable and quite hardy. It can survive without being fed for almost a week. Average life expectancy of a Koi is 25 to 30 years. This means unlike other pets, your Koi can be with you for most of your life with proper care and keeping. It can live very well in temperature ranges of 100 to 200 C. You need to ensure that the pond neither freezes completely in winters nor does it get too warm under direct summer sun.

Koi attains sexual maturity at the age of 2. A mature Koi can grow up to 3 feet long and it takes years (as long as ten years) for it to attain its complete length. So for the initial period of a few months or a year, it can also be kept in a fish tank or aquarium. But a pond is an absolute necessity for the growing, increasing Koi, after this initial period. Apart from the difference of colour among various varieties, another difference that prevails is between the two genders. A female Koi is bigger and fatter bodied than the male. This is because she bears eggs. A male has smaller and edged fins, whereas a female’s fins are bigger, rounded and less coloured. Also, a male is more energetic and with ‘attitude’ compared to a female. However, females are quicker in becoming friends and more trusting. They will be the first to attack the food or take it from your hands.

Koi is a very healthy fish with a fairly strong immune system. However, lack of proper care and nutrition or contact with diseased fish can create health problems that can even prove fatal.

Serious fish diseases that can take a toll on your Koi’s health include:
?  Koi herpes virus – In case of an outbreak of KHV, there are no specific symptoms that can be evident. It is necessary to go for autopsy for proper diagnosis, if there are sudden deaths.
?  Aeromonas bacteria – Proper information regarding the ways to prevent bacterial infections and implementing the same is the key to dealing with this problem.
However, most common reasons for the Koi to go sick are not any major diseases but stress creating conditions like:
?Poor water quality
?  Parasites
?  Low oxygen level
?  Crowding
Proper knowledge regarding the specific requirements of Koi and maintaining the same should help you deal with these problems or rather eradicate them.
So if you love your fish more in the pond than on the platter, don’t coy away from Koi. Some responsible hard work and you shall have beautiful fun!

Nelson writes koi fish here: http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com/kio-fish-care. He has raised, studied, bred and cared for hundreds of varieties of Koi. His twenty plus years of practical experience and research are available in his latest book,<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”>http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”> Insider’s Secrets To Raising Healthy Koi: The Ultimate Guide</a>.

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What You Need to Know about Koi

The term “koi” actually means “carp” in Japanese. They are domesticated common carps. Koi breeding started in Japan in the 1820’s. To date, koi breeding is very popular and an extremely  lucrative business. Koi fish now come in various color patterns and combinations that can involve black, red, orange, yellow, silver and green.

Backyard koi ponds, with the wonderful sound of running and cascading water, can provide relaxation to the mind and soul. They give owners their desired peaceful and tranquil environment.  These ponds can be amazing sights especially when koi owners introduce living plants to the koi ponds, replicating in the process a real pond environment.

In a few instances, though, these koi fish and plants cannot seem to co-exist.  Koi fish could at times be very difficult to manage especially when mixed with plants.  Owners often try to place these potted plants on the pond floor and allow them to sit there.  Larger koi can sometimes knock off these potted plants and create real problems to the owners.

Koi can also have the tendency of “digging” up the soil.  But, that does not mean you cannot have any plants in your pond at all.  Koi pond owners can be really creative in finding solutions to these problems.  You can wrap netting over the tops of the pots to keep the koi from digging in them.

Pea gravel placed on top of your plants can also solve the problem.  Larger and bigger pots can take the weight of river stones.  With the stones on top of the pots, the koi fish will have a harder time knocking them over due to their weight and they will not be able to get to the dirt underneath the stones in order to dig it up.

Water lilies can provide a great look to your koi pond.  They come in several different varieties including ones that grow well in shallow water and ones that grow better in deeper water.  They really provide your koi with shade and shelter even if they are not oxygenating plants.  Plus, having plants in the water will attract insects.  Koi fish are omnivores and will search the plants’ foliage to seek out insects and larva to munch on.

Other than the insects that the koi fish search out from the plants, they can also be looking for some other types of food.  It is not unusual for koi fish owners to mention that they successfully trained their fish to eat out of their hands.  Koi fish have the ability to be able to recognize the person who feeds them and will approach that person during feeding time.  Watermelons, lettuce and peas are favorite foods of the koi fish, other than the usual pre-made koi food.

It is really an amazing experience to watch your koi fish in various colors swim with grace in your backyard pond. They give their owners so much pleasure and in return, these owners reward the koi with unrestricted generosity and care.

JAMES FIELD is a koi fish expert. For more great information on koi fish, visit http://www.koifishadvice.com/.

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