What You Should Know About Keeping An Auspicious Fish Like Koi

Koi are elegant and beautiful, however many don’t realize that Koi are surprisingly hardy and have an average lifespan of 25 to 35 years. Some people still think koi are just big goldfish. On the contrary, these beauties are descended from the common carp, and came about as a result of careful breeding by the Japanese some 200 year ago.

Fact: The Japanese name for Koi is Nishikigoi.

Believed to be capable of swimming upstream against rapid currents, the koi has become a popular motif in Chinese and Japanese art to symbolize strength, courage, and patience in the face of obstacles.

According to Chinese legend, a carp that courageously climbed up a waterfall was transformed into a dragon. While in Japan, it is customary for boys to pray on Children’s Day that they will take on the characteristics of koi and live their lives strongly. They also hang out giant koi-shaped streamers on that day.

Fact: Koi with more than one color are unique because no two are exactly alike.

Keeping Koi As Indoor Fish

Koi usually look best in outdoor ponds, especially those that are beautifully done up. However, I know of fish hobbyists who have taken the trouble to create an artificial pond in their condominiums just for their koi. Although more work needs to be done to set up a pond, the end result is worth the while—you have an excellent aerial view of how beautifully and gracefully they swim.

Water Temperature: Though graceful and elegant, fragile they are not. Sturdier than even the common goldfish, koi can withstand relatively wide temperature ranges, even extremely cold ones, as long as the water doesn’t freeze.

Filtration: If you keep koi in a pond (be it outdoor or indoor), it must be aerated and filtrated 24 hours a day, and be free from debris, especially at the bottom.

Pond’s Size: The depth and width of the pond should be sufficient to allow the koi’s comfortable growth—the fish’s maximum length is about three feet. Do not overcrowd the pond; the fish will require more room as they grow bigger. And try not to keep the water level too close to the pond’s edge as the fish may jump out.

Feeding: Twice-daily feedings should suffice for koi. If your pump stops, do not feed the koi as they will use up more oxygen when fed.

Health: Stress is a major cause of koi deaths, so avoid sudden changes in pond conditions. Do not over-handle or over-medicate them either.