Longest life span is over 100 years in exceptional cases; average
life span is more like 25 to 35 years.
Maximum length is about 1 m. Koi will reach 0.5 m in about 3
years, depending on the bloodline, pond size, food, water conditions
and care.
Feeding is usually once or twice a day. Koi can go for 10 or
more days without food without harm. They will eat almost anything
but pellets that are specially made for Koi is recommended. These
pellets come in different sizes and varieties. Koi can also be fed
dried or fresh shrimp, lettuce cooked rice or cooked oats.
Koi are transported in plastic bags with water and oxygen and
packed in cardboard boxes.
Pond water should constantly be aerated and filtered. Filters
are cleaned regularly even though the pond water appears to be clear.
Selling price of Koi is determined by size, body shape, colour,
pattern, skin quality and availability.
Koi can withstand a wide range of temperatures. However sudden
changes in temperatures are not good for them. Koi can survive under
the ice in extreme cold as long as the water does not freeze solid.
Koi will not move around or eat much if the pond water is very cold.
Ideal temperature is between 20 to 25 oC.
Some individual fish just inexplicably die, but overall, Koi
are remarkably hardy and healthy fish; much more so than goldfish
or tropical fish. Chlorine or chloramines in city water and windblown
insecticides are very dangerous to Koi. Smaller Koi have a much
higher mortality rate than larger Koi and are more susceptible to
diseases and changes in the environment.
Koi get along well with goldfish or other tropical fish; as long
as the other fish aren't aggressive or small enough to be eaten
by chance.
Koi can be kept in aquariums as well as ponds. Aquariums need
good filtration and aeration systems. A filter utilizing carbon
is recommended for aquariums.
Koi are not live bearers but lay many thousands of eggs in a
single breeding. Koi must be at least 3 to 4 years old and of sufficient
size before they breed. Koi require special water conditions and
environment for breeding. The eggs and baby Koi must be separated
from the adult Koi or they will more than likely be eaten. The baby
Koi hatch in about 3 to 7 days depending on the weather. The survival
rate for baby Koi is less than 50%.
There are several colour varieties of Koi with different names
for each variety. Koi with more than one colour are unique in that
there are no two that look exactly alike.
Raising Koi can be a fascinating and relaxing hobby. For the
avid Koi enthusiast, there are Koi shows in which Koi compete according
to their size and class.
