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Choosing the right food for your Koi is one on the most important decisions you must make.
The feeding pattern, and thus the growth rate, of Koi depends on many factors, such as water temperature, water quality, stocking density and genetic background Koi feed most actively at temperatures in excess of 15c(59F), thus sexually immature fish can grow rapidly during the summer months when the temperature is warmer.
It is the potential that koi have of growing into jumbo fish that often draws people into keeping koi for the first time. It is usually the really large Koi in a collection that leave a lasting impression, even when shown alongside other smaller higher-grade koi
Koi are very sociable and love a crowd of friends. They are less apt to be shy when they are in a large group.
Once Koi are mature, their growth rate slows considerably; in sexually mature fish, most of the food eaten is utilized in producing eggs or sperm in preparation for breeding. However, unlike many other vertebrates, fish continue to grow throughout their lives and it is easy for pampered Koi to reproduce and continue to grow because of their artificially high feeding rates.
The cycle of rapid growth in summer and retarded growth in winter produces rings on the fish's scales (much like the growth rings of a tree) and a Koi's age can be determined by counting these rings. Some Koi-keepers, however, who heat their pools in the winter, continue to feed their Koi throughout the year. If a Koi has continued to feed during winter its rings will not be clearly defined and it will therefore be difficult to age.
Water Temp
in °(C) | Feeding Quantity | Food Type |
| less than 10 |
Do not feed Koi |
Temps. at 10° C of more than one month may require supplemental feedings of low protein high carbohydrate. |
| 10-13 |
2-3 times a week
(if Koi are hungry) |
High carbohydrate, low protein, laxative type foods.
Wheat germ, squash, lettuce & brown bread. |
| 13-15 |
4-5 times per week
(if Koi are hungry) |
Add low protein (25%) pellets along with vegetables.
Increase quantities gradually as temp. increases. |
| 15 |
Once per day six days a week |
Low protein (25%) pellets along with high carbohydrate vegetables and fruit. |
| 15-18 |
Once or twice per day everyday |
Gradually increase protein in pellets (35%) and quantity of pellets. Vary diet with vegetables and fruits. |
| 18-22 |
Once or twice per day |
Bulk of diet should be 35% protein pellets.
Add fruits, vegetables and plankton for variety. |
| 22-26 |
3-4 times a day |
High protein pellets (35% to 40%) with color enhancers. Add plankton, vegetables, fruits and shrimp. |
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