Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

 Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: Koi are a long domesticated form of the Amur carp Cyprinus rubrofuscus from East Asia and come in a plethora of colors including various shades of white, red, black, yellow, and orange. There are specific names for koi varieties based on color and scale types; some popular ones include Bekko, Doitsu, Gin Rin, Kohaku, and Sanke. Many varieties of koi originate from selective breeding that began in Japan in the early 19th century. Male koi will often have fins that are more pointed compared to the rounded fins of females. Additionally, male koi will develop tubercules, which are small growths that are white in color, on their heads during the breeding season.  Koi have been reported to live as long as 100-200 years in captivity,  but a more typical lifespan would be 50 years. Adult koi can reach 24 to 36 inches in length.. 

Diet Requirements: Koi are omnivores and will accept most foods that are offered. Some options include koi specific floating pellets, freeze dried foods, vegetables, and various other plant matter. If outdoors the food type should be switched to a wheat germ based diet in the fall, and koi should not be fed once water temperatures fall below 50°F.

Care Requirements: Koi do best when kept in large outdoor ponds and can easily overwinter if the pond is deep enough and set up properly for winter. They can be kept in large indoor aquariums if necessary but a 125 gallon tank with robust filtration or larger would be required. Superior filtration, aeration, and plants can be viewed as essential to the pond hobby. Not only does filtration help remove harmful chemicals from the water, it also helps dissolve oxygen into the water column. A water pump, or even waterfall, can help do the same. A stagnant pond traps contaminants and fails to provide a safe living environment for some aquatic life. Help provide fish with shade and dissolved oxygen by adding live plants to any pond. It is suggested to keep koi with their own kind, but they can coexist with other large pond goldfish with enough room. Recommended water conditions, 36-90° F, KH 2-12, pH 6.8-7.2.

Purchase Size: Small: 3″ to 4″; Medium: 4″ to 6″; Large: 7″ to 10″, XLarge 10’’ to 12″, XXLarge 12″+

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.