▷ Koi Carp in the Pond | All information and details

Data sheet koi carp

Latin name:
Cyprinus carpio

Trade name:
koi

order name:
Common carp (Cypriniformes)

Family:

carp fish

Genus:

Cyprinus

Origin:
Asia, Iran

Size (in cm:
over 60

pond size

Length and width:
at least 4 meters long, 2 meters wide

Content in litres:

15 000 l

water values

Temperature:
20 to 25 degrees

pH:
7 – 8

GH:
6-20 °dGH

CH:
5-12 °dKH

behavior/stocking

Area:
in open water

Lining:
Koi feed mix, lettuce, apples, oatmeal, earthworms, crabs

Behave:
school fish

Number:
2 to 10 fish

Life expectancy:

60 years

socialization:

preferably only with other koi

Difficulty level:
beginner fish

Reaperman, Carp (Cyprinus carpio) in aquarium, CC BY-SA 3.0

Key data on koi carp

Many pond owners dream of having these beautiful, colorful fish in their pond. It is well known that these animals are not only really pretty, but also very trusting and sociable. You are able to build a proper relationship with people.

The Japanese Nishikigoi is often called Koi for short. It is a very special breed of carp. Koi or Goi means carp in Japanese.

The most well-known breeds include the mirror carp and the target carp. In Europe mainly mirror carp are bred. Doitsugoi are carp that come from Germany.

The original origin of the koi has not yet been clarified by scientists, but it is believed that the fish have been bred in Asia for over 2000 years. In Iran too, koi have been well-known ornamental fish for thousands of years.

Unfortunately, they used to end up in the cooking pot. Koi are very popular, especially in Japan. They are considered a symbol of good luck and are kept in large complexes by the rich and noble.

The prices for fish with a rare color or a special pattern are surprisingly high. But the size and age also play a role in the price. One of the most expensive koi cost 1.5 million euros.

This fish was a Kohaku. A Kohaku is white with red spots. He was then nine years old and over 60 cm tall.

Breeds such as Sanke and Hikarimuji-mono are also particularly popular. Sanke have a white base color and red and black spots. The Hikarimuji-mono, on the other hand, is monochrome and has a metallic sheen. In total there are over 16 different variants and many sub-forms.

With good care, the fish have a life expectancy of 60 years. They can grow to be over 60 cm tall and weigh up to 25 kg over the course of their lives. When the water temperature falls below 10°C, the fish go into hibernation by reducing their metabolism. Then they stay at the bottom of the pond.

During this time they hardly eat at all. Koi grow best in huge natural ponds with cloudy water. There are numerous such ponds in Japan. You should calculate 2 square meters per fish.

Carp do not like direct sunlight, so it is better if they are not exposed to the blazing sun. To avoid diseases, the water parameters should always be checked.

gender differences

It is not possible to determine the sex of young fish. Only when the male koi become sexually mature at around 2 years of age do their pectoral fins change. They also begin to secrete milk.

Female koi often have a rounder body shape and smaller fins, the males are slimmer and have larger fins in comparison. Male gills are rough to the touch, while female gills are slippery.

breed

The successful breeding of koi is associated with a lot of effort. You usually have to invest a lot of time and money in breeding. The pond should have a volume of at least 15000l volume and 2 meters deep.

The pond should be kept at a constant temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the pond must be heated. A good filter system is also mandatory. The water parameters must also be checked.

The koi food is not cheap either. In addition, the pond must be protected. Otherwise, cats, herons and other predators like to catch their offspring. The fish are susceptible to bacterial infections. The herpes virus in particular poses a threat to the population.

After mating, the fish lay about 400,000 to 500,000. After four days, the young fish develop from the eggs. The most well-known breeds include Sanke, Showa, Hikarimuji-mono and Tancho.

rearing

The rearing of the koi is also not very uncomplicated. Fish under 21 days tolerate temperature fluctuations very poorly. The temperature should therefore not change by more than 3 degrees Celsius.

After 4 to 5 days, all young fish have hatched and are still feeding on their yolk sac. The next day, brine shrimp should be fed. You can offer a small amount of food every two hours.

After a week, the little ones also eat dry food. After 10 days, the pool should be thoroughly cleaned. After 18 days, the young fish are fully developed and only need 3 feedings per day.

socialization

Koi are usually only kept together with other koi. Then the tank is the most peaceful and there are fewer problems with diseases. But if you really want other fish, you can keep koi together with large goldfish.

The behavior of these two species is quite similar. In addition, goldfish are quite robust and behave very sociable. It is important that there is enough food as both species have a good appetite.

Other questions

Should new fish be quarantined?

The answer is quite clear: yes. Any new fish should be quarantined before introducing them into the pond. This is an important protection for the other fish.

Animals that have been transported a long way are particularly stressed. This often leads to illness. For the quarantine there are folding pools with approx. 2500 liters. It’s handy to have such a tank anyway, in case a fish gets sick.

The water in the quarantine tank may be slightly salted. About four kilograms of iodine-free salt are used in 1000 liters of water. This kills existing germs. Of course, a suitable filter and sufficient oxygen supply must be available.

Before that, you can have a veterinarian take a smear test if you are still unsure about your health.