Caring For Koi Fish

Proper Koi Fish Care

The Koi fish is a type ornamental pet fish that is related to the Japanese carp family. Koi fish represent profound symbolisms within its dazzling beauty and striking color and shape. Koi fish represents perseverance, bravery and courage in the traditional beliefs of Japan. For most Japanese, Koi fish is one of the encouraging symbol in dealing with hardship and obstacles in their everyday lives. Koi fish has also been one of the most favorite designs of most painters and sculptors. As a matter of fact, Koi fish designs are one of the most favorite designs of tattoo artist for its emancipated beauty.

Koi fish is also one of the most liked and loved type of ornamental fish among fish breeders. High class and quality Koi fish are sometimes purchased by Koi fish collectors mainly for breeding purposes, of which can reach as much as half a million dollars just for a single Koi fish. Koi fish is among the top ranking peculiar fish in the world. As a matter of fact, Koi fish is among the few types of fish that can be tamed and trained. Most Koi fish collectors and breeders are able to stroke and feed their pet with their hands. Koi fish are known to be a docile fish.

The fish ponds are known to be best habitat for collecting or breeding Koi fish. However, due to the large overhead cost of fish ponds, most of the Koi fish collectors and breeders these days keep Koi fish on large glass tanks or aquariums. So how should you care for the Koi fish if you intend to purchase and collect them? If you purchased your Koi fish from expert breeders, do not hesitate to ask questions or advices on how to properly raise or keep Koi fish, such as the type of food, habitat, things or substances that must be avoided and the whole breeding process.

Generally, Koi fish are very sensitive types of fish, which is why there are some substances that must be avoided (either in their food or on its habitat). However, there are also some certain chemicals that must be diluted into their habitat. Another sensitivity trait, of which Koi fish are often subjected to, is the chemicals that are added into its food. These chemicals may and can affect the colors of the Koi fish.

If you want your Koi fish to have reddish or pinkish shade, feed them with foods rich in carotene.  However, if you want for them to have multiple colors, feed them with a type of algae called “spirulina”. Spirulina brings out the red patches in its body without disrupting the other coloring pigments. In simple terms, the colors of the Koi fish depend on what type of food the Koi fish is fed. Remember, it is recommended that you feed your Koi fish with the guaranteed Koi fish food.

Hand feeding your Koi fish with tiny worms and prawn will eventually tame them. Also, Koi fish likes to eat fresh lettuces. Be advice, you should and must not “overfeed” your pet fish because overfeeding will make them produce more wastes. Koi wastes contain ammonia, a substance that can pollute its water. That is why you must always clean its habitat. Also, bear in mind that a fat Koi fish can look very unpleasant. A fat Koi fish will have a heavy body, and if it lacks exercise (due to the small space of the aquarium or glass tank), the Koi fish will become unhealthy. In addition, you must always follow the guidelines on how to properly take care of your Koi fish.