Arguably the prettiest, but also expensive ornamental, domesticated animals for your pond are to be found hen seeking Koi fish for sale. Though they have a reputation as being tricky look after in top condition, they can grow to a great size with some care and will give years of enjoyment to owners. This easy guide should help when selecting and caring for your pet koi.
The animals are simply an ornamental variety of common carp (or Cyprinus carpio) that have been domesticated, particularly in Japan and China in the 1820s. There is a veritable rainbow of colours, with the most popular being red, yellow, cream, black and white. You can pick the ones that will satisfy your needs best, bothe financially and aesthetically.
They can grow as small as three inches or up to three feet in the right condition. Not to be confused with goldfish, they are a separate species. They can also become very friendly, taking their food from the hand.
When choosing your koi, there are many things to look for. The most common breed is the Gosanke, and your koi dealer should know all about variations. If you get the chance to visit the dealer, check that they are keeping the creatures in the right environment. Ponds should be very clean and not over stocked, even though the animals are destined to be there for a shorter time. All imported specimens should have a clear provenance and have been given time to adjust, quarantined and having had virus tests.
Look for lively, colourful specimens when buying. Koi are well known for their feeding frenzies: so avoid ones that don't join in when food arrives, or just look lacklustre. There should be no ulcers or visible parasites. Also avoid koi that are 'flashing': rubbing themselves on the side of the tank. This could be a sign that they are trying to remove parasites, even if they're not visible.
Check also for deformities. If you spot a kink in the tail, a floppy or missing fin, just move on. Look for signs of disease such as fish lice, which give a characteristic green spot. Especially if you already have some koi, it's just not worth taking the risk of introducing a sick fish. Grow your collection slowly.
Creating the ideal environment for koi isn't actually that difficult. You need good quality filtration equipment plus, a temperature that can be maintained at around 15 to 25 degrees year round. If temperatures are likely to fall below ten degrees in the winter, your pond must be over 1.5 metres deep. Smaller specimens may be reared in large aquariums inside the home, but do make sure you've bought a mall breed, or they're likely to outgrow smaller surroundings fast.
Of course, it's tempting to look for a bargain, or to shop for Koi fish for sale over the internet. But neither give you a guarantee of a good koi carp. It's best to see them in the flesh and to suss out the dealer thoroughly. In that way, you'll be investing in a great pet that could live for as long as fifty years.
The animals are simply an ornamental variety of common carp (or Cyprinus carpio) that have been domesticated, particularly in Japan and China in the 1820s. There is a veritable rainbow of colours, with the most popular being red, yellow, cream, black and white. You can pick the ones that will satisfy your needs best, bothe financially and aesthetically.
They can grow as small as three inches or up to three feet in the right condition. Not to be confused with goldfish, they are a separate species. They can also become very friendly, taking their food from the hand.
When choosing your koi, there are many things to look for. The most common breed is the Gosanke, and your koi dealer should know all about variations. If you get the chance to visit the dealer, check that they are keeping the creatures in the right environment. Ponds should be very clean and not over stocked, even though the animals are destined to be there for a shorter time. All imported specimens should have a clear provenance and have been given time to adjust, quarantined and having had virus tests.
Look for lively, colourful specimens when buying. Koi are well known for their feeding frenzies: so avoid ones that don't join in when food arrives, or just look lacklustre. There should be no ulcers or visible parasites. Also avoid koi that are 'flashing': rubbing themselves on the side of the tank. This could be a sign that they are trying to remove parasites, even if they're not visible.
Check also for deformities. If you spot a kink in the tail, a floppy or missing fin, just move on. Look for signs of disease such as fish lice, which give a characteristic green spot. Especially if you already have some koi, it's just not worth taking the risk of introducing a sick fish. Grow your collection slowly.
Creating the ideal environment for koi isn't actually that difficult. You need good quality filtration equipment plus, a temperature that can be maintained at around 15 to 25 degrees year round. If temperatures are likely to fall below ten degrees in the winter, your pond must be over 1.5 metres deep. Smaller specimens may be reared in large aquariums inside the home, but do make sure you've bought a mall breed, or they're likely to outgrow smaller surroundings fast.
Of course, it's tempting to look for a bargain, or to shop for Koi fish for sale over the internet. But neither give you a guarantee of a good koi carp. It's best to see them in the flesh and to suss out the dealer thoroughly. In that way, you'll be investing in a great pet that could live for as long as fifty years.
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