Frequently Asked Questions About Koi

Koi are a domesticated and ornamental variety of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) known for their bright colors and patterns.

Koi can live 20-30 years on average, but with proper care, some can live over 50 years or more.

Koi are often seen as symbols of good luck, prosperity, strength, and perseverance, especially in Japanese and Chinese cultures.

Koi can grow up to 2-3 feet long depending on their genetics, environment, and diet.

A minimum of 1,000 gallons is recommended, with at least 250 gallons per adult koi. Depth should ideally be 3-5 feet to prevent freezing in winter and overheating in summer.

Koi can be kept in large indoor aquariums when they are very young, but as they grow, they need a large outdoor pond to thrive and develop properly.

Yes, koi can produce a lot of waste especially if fed a lower digestible diet, so a good filtration system is essential for maintaining water quality. In overcrowded pond environments, we recommend feeding our highly digestible Ultra Balance Premium Wheat Germ Maintenance diet.

Koi are omnivores and eat a diet of high-quality pellets, vegetables (like lettuce and peas), fruits, and sometimes insects. Specialized koi food is ideal for their health such as the nutritionally balanced Ultra Balance Premium Koi foods.

Feed koi 1-2 times a day during warm weather (64°F and above) and only what they can eat in about 5 to15 minutes. We recommend feeding the Ultra Balance Premium Koi Growth diet for fish 2 years and younger during water temperatures of 64°F and above.

For water temperatures below 64°F, feed Ultra Balance Premium Wheatgerm Maintenance diet. In cold weather (below 50°F), feeding should stop as their metabolism slows down. However, if you have warmer days during the winter and spring, you may provide the Ultra Balance Premium Wheatgerm Maintenance diet in small quantities.

While koi might eat bread, it is not recommended as it can cause digestive issues. Stick to koi-friendly food.

Koi may hide due to stress, predators, sudden changes in water quality, or a new environment.

Yes, koi can recognize their caretakers over time and may even come to the surface when they see you.

Koi may jump due to poor water quality, lack of oxygen, stress, or simply exploring their environment.

Ensure clean water, maintain stable water temperature, feed a nutritionally balanced diet such as Ultra Balance Premium Koi food, and monitor for signs of illness or parasites. Ultra Balance Premium Koi foods contain natural prebiotics, Mannon Oligosaccharides and Saccharomyces Cerevisae to promote a healthy digestive system and improve the immune system.

Koi may suffer from bacterial infections, parasites, fungal infections, and ulcers. Ich (white spot disease) and fin rot are also common.

This can happen due to aging, stress, poor diet, or changes in water quality. Ultra Balance Premium Koi foods contain natural color enhancers, spirulina, marigold extract and shrimp meal for improved coloring of koi fish and organic minerals for improved water quality.

Maintain proper filtration, avoid overfeeding, add aquatic plants, and limit sunlight exposure to the pond. Ultra Balance Premium Koi food diets include organic minerals and yucca extract to increase digestibility and reduce ammonia excretion which will reduce algae growth.

Yes, koi are egg layers. They typically spawn in the spring when water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C).

Females are generally larger and rounder, especially during the breeding season, while males are slimmer and may develop breeding tubercles on their gill plates.

A single female koi can lay thousands of eggs, but not all will hatch or survive.

Yes, if the pond is deep enough (at least 3 feet) and does not freeze completely. Aerators or pond heaters can help maintain oxygen levels.

Stop feeding koi when water temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), clean the pond, and ensure there’s an aerator or deicer to prevent the water from freezing solid.

Yes, koi are generally peaceful and can coexist with goldfish, plecos, and other large pond fish.

A partial water change (10-20%) should be done every week or two. A full clean may only be needed yearly, depending on the filtration system you’re using and your maintenance schedule.