All about Koi Carp: breeding, keeping, feeding

Description

Koi carp are also called brocade carp. The fish is large in size up to 30 cm, so it is recommended to keep it in large aquariums. Body color is multi-colored. Depending on the breed, combinations of several colors may stand out. The back is developed, the head is short or disproportionate. Features of the fish are the presence of antennae and powerful fins.

Brocade carp differs from ordinary carp in behavior, appearance and manner of moving in the water. The color may depend not only on the breed, but also on the conditions of detention. These conditions include the type of food, the period during which the fish is exposed to the sun, or the type of algae.

Japanese koi carp were introduced from China. As a result of selection, a large number of varieties and colors have appeared. Since China is the birthplace of the fish, you can often find the name Chinese carp.

Compatibility

They are self-sufficient and do not need neighbors. Smaller pets look pale compared to the handsome carp.

Compatibility chart of koi carp with other fish.

General living conditions for koi and two species of golden ones - comets and shubunkins. In summer they get along well together outdoors. With the onset of cold weather, after moving the fish home, koi carp need time to adapt. Goldies help you get comfortable by showing with their calm, balanced behavior that there is no danger.

Koi perceive smaller aquatic inhabitants as food. Neighbors are selected based on size and similar living conditions.

Shubunkin is a long-bodied goldfish, similar in appearance and preferences to koi.

In addition to comets and shubunkins, large catfishes, synodontis, plecostomus, and pterygoplichthys, peacefully coexist with koi and are nocturnal and do not interfere with carp.

Benefits of keeping aquarium pets

Koi carps are often kept in an aquarium, however, for such pets it is necessary to use a large container. Among the advantages of such aquarium fish it is necessary to note:

• fish of this family are undemanding in care;
• calm character, rarely attack neighbors;
• carps live in any water;
• omnivorous, can eat vegetables and fruits;
• quickly get used to a change of environment.

Can be kept in the same aquarium with other species of fish. At night they sleep more and are rarely active.

Reviews

A couple of koi have been living at home for two years. It's very interesting to watch these handsome guys. But there are also disadvantages of keeping them - carps are voracious and they produce a lot of dirt. To teach them to stroke their backs, when feeding, I use a pacifier with a bottle filled with a liquefied nutritious mixture. Lyudmila, Sochi

I kept the koi in a small pond at the dacha all summer and took the pets home for the winter. The next year the fish grew larger, so we had to leave them for the winter, deepening and expanding the pond. I didn’t change the water, and there was no filter either. Before leaving, I made a hole and lowered the compressor. A month later, due to a power outage, the hole closed along with the equipment. In the spring, the carp turned out to be dead. I want to get new koi, but I'm afraid that history will repeat itself, because the fish grow quickly and soon it becomes impossible to put them in the aquarium. Vladimir, Voronezh

Carp breeds

Koi carps are divided into a large number of varieties. However, all ornamental fish are divided into groups, there are 16 groups in total:

• Asagi - the body of the fish is colored blue, the fins are red;
• Bekko - a special feature is black drawings on a white background. The head has no patterns and is small in size;
• Gosiki are black-bodied fish with red streaks;
• Doitsu is a fish whose body is without scales. A popular look, since the body color can be any;
• Kawarimono – the body of this fish has a matte color;
• Kinginrin, a group that includes carp with gold and silver scales;
• Koromo - the body of an aquarium inhabitant is red with a black pattern;
• Kohaku - bright red spots on a white background;
• Fire is a distinctive feature of the absence of stains and patterns. The body color can be any, but the most common are yellow, orange and gray;
• Xiuxu is a distinctive feature; it has a dark back and red spots on the sides;
• Taisho Sanke is a distinctive feature, it has a white body and red with black spots;
• Tancho - painted white, with a red spot on the head;
• Utsurimono – body color is black, with a white pattern;
• Hikari-moyomono – silver body color;
• Showa Sanshoku – the fish is colored black. White and red spots spread throughout the body;
• Kumonryu is a black fish body. The scales are absent and are distinguished by white spots on the head and abdomen.

Aquarium koi come in a variety of colors, so they will complement your aquarium. Koi carp breeds have their own characteristics that must be taken into account when filling the aquarium.

Koi are ornamental varieties of domesticated carp that were developed in Japan from the Amur carp. They are usually kept for decorative purposes in open ponds with very clean, oxygenated water and plenty of shade (the fish are susceptible to sunburn!). There are over 100 varieties of koi that come in red, white, black, yellow, brown, grey, orange, platinum, gold and green and many combinations thereof. Koi resemble huge goldfish, and in fact, koi and goldfish are related.

Nishikigoi is the Japanese name for carp. Its first mention in Japanese dates back to 71 AD (the fish belonged to the legendary Emperor Keiko). However, it was only in the 19th century that koi mutated and acquired a shape and color similar to modern ones. The Chinese raised carp in rice fields as a food source, a practice adopted by Japan. The Japanese noticed strange color variations in some carp and began selective breeding, creating a whole range of koi breeds. Purebred koi were highly prized by the royal family; by the 1900s, koi were kept in Europe, England and the United States. By the 1960s, Japanese Koi breeding as a hobby had become established throughout the world. Today they are kept as aquarium and pond fish on 6 of the 7 continents.

Koi have cultural significance and represent love and friendship in Japan. They usually have a lifespan of 25 to 70 years with proper care. Some koi can live for over 200 years, so they are passed down from generation to generation and are considered a family heirloom in Japan. Varieties of koi differ in color and pattern of scales, and the shape of fins. These are social, “schooling” fish. They grow up to 90 cm in size and weigh up to 16 kg!

Interesting Facts

These colorful fish can cost thousands of dollars.

Without a good filtration system in your pond, koi will become poisoned as they produce ammonia.

The fish, named Hanoko, was the oldest living koi. She lived to be 226 years old. Hanoko was born in Japan in 1751, five years before Mozart was born. Hanoko died on July 17, 1977.

Keeping Koi Fish Nishikigoi are temperate freshwater fish that can adapt to water temperatures ranging from 8 to 35 degrees Celsius. However, the optimal water temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius. Koi ponds in our climate must be at least 2 meters deep to provide protection from high and low temperatures. Although carp are omnivores, a balanced diet is important to produce the brightest colors and well-developed koi. Since carp cannot store food in reserve, it is important to feed it regularly (sometimes up to six times a day).

These domesticated carp can live in aquariums, but their real value is in outdoor ponds and water gardens.

Compatibility

Koi are peaceful, sociable fish. Other types of fish can be added to the pond as long as they are not aggressive and are comparable in size to Japanese carp.

Koi Carp and Pond Plants Koi carp and aquatic plants have difficulty staying together in a pond. Koi carp have a characteristic feature of digging up plant roots. Therefore, it is better to separate the plants in a koi pond with partitions. The reason a koi pond always uses heavy-duty filtration equipment to keep the water clean is because plants can't do the job.

Feeding Koi carp need only the highest quality food. Therefore, make sure that your koi food contains vitamins, dietary supplements and chicory ingredients. This is extremely effective for the digestion and well-being of the koi.

They are primarily vegetarian (rice and corn are some of the koi's favorite foods), but they will also eat live shrimp. In order for koi to be healthy and live long, they must receive food that contains at least 30% protein.

Koi can be trained to eat from human hands.

Pond fish should be fed up to 3 times a day for about 5 minutes per feeding if they are hungry and there is no excess food floating around, which will degrade water quality, reduce dissolved oxygen levels, and stress the fish.

In cooler water (below 21 but above 17 degrees Celsius) they should only be fed once a day. When the water temperature drops below 12 degrees, feeding should be stopped completely as their digestive system almost completely stops. The koi's appetite does not return until the water becomes warmer.

In warmer water (24-28 degrees) when the fish are very active, be careful not to overfeed them as too much waste can create unhealthy amounts of bacteria.

What kind of aquarium should a koi carp have? Koi grow quickly and become very large. Keep adult koi in an open pond at least a meter deep, with at least 200 liters of water per fish. A pair of young koi can be kept in an aquarium of at least 100 liters. Place the aquarium in a quiet place, away from direct sunlight and drafts. Cover the aquarium with a lid to reduce evaporation and splashing and to prevent fish from jumping out. To transfer new koi to the aquarium, place them in water in a bag or jar for about 10 minutes to allow them to acclimate to the new water temperature. If you want to introduce koi into an existing school in an aquarium or pond, quarantine the new fish in a separate pond for 2-4 weeks to ensure they are healthy. On moving day, use a net to transfer the koi so that the old water does not mix with the new. Whether they live indoors or outdoors, add no more than 3 new koi at a time.

Aquarium koi prefer water with a temperature between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Install a light on your indoor aquarium to illuminate it for 8 to 12 hours a day. Filtration Follow the manufacturer's instructions for selecting and setting the appropriate size filter for your koi container. The aquarium filter should circulate all the water in the aquarium 3 to 5 times per hour. For example, a filter in a 200 liter tank must pass at least 600 liters of water every hour. Add beneficial bacteria supplements to help break down waste in the soil and filter.

Koi Pond Koi are cold-water fish. Because their metabolism responds to the temperature of the water they live in, you need to make sure your pond has both shallow areas and deep enough spaces so that it doesn't freeze to the bottom. Experts believe that summer ponds should have a depth of 150 cm, while year-round ponds are recommended to be 250 - 300 cm deep. During the winter months, when your pond water gets cold, your koi's metabolism slows down dramatically; they spend most of their time inactive, at the bottom where the warmest water is.

Apart from depth and temperature, there are other important requirements to consider when planning a koi pond.

Shade to Sun Ratio Koi prefer a pond with a specific temperature range, and water that is too warm can cause unnecessary stress. Your koi pond should be partially shaded! If your pond is located in an area where it receives shade for a few hours each day, this will provide an ideal climate for Japanese koi. If you live in a hot region, or have a small, shallow or densely populated fish pond, it is recommended to shade the area with non-water toxic plants and fish shelters such as canopies to make the fish more comfortable.

Koi's bright colors put them at risk of being preyed upon by cats, foxes, raccoons, otters, kingfishers, herons, badgers and other animals. Pond shading, in addition to well-thought-out pond design, can help protect fish from predators.

Aeration You should be sure to periodically test the pond water and monitor dissolved oxygen levels. When dissolved oxygen levels in a pond drop below 4 to 5 milligrams per liter, it can be detrimental to the health of pond fish (hypoxia) and can cause fish to slow growth, develop diseases and parasites, and cause bacterial outbreaks. Oxygen levels below 2 milligrams per liter are especially dangerous and will result in the death of your Koi in many cases. Dissolved oxygen levels in the range of 7-9 milligrams per liter of water are ideal for pond fish. Warm water does not contain as much oxygen as cold water, which means that koi need more oxygen in warmer temperatures (when they are very active and eat more often) and less in cool water (when their activity levels are much lower). Note that tap water and well water have very low levels of dissolved oxygen. You must pay close attention to oxygen levels whenever water changes or additions are made.

Because dissolved oxygen levels in ponds fluctuate daily depending on sunlight and water temperature, it is recommended to test the water several times over several days to get the most accurate idea of ​​the average dissolved oxygen levels in your pond.

Installing a waterfall or fountain is beneficial and can help replenish the oxygen in the pond. However, for ponds deeper than 1.5 meters, an additional aeration system is recommended. During the winter, if the water is aerated, you will need to make a small hole or outlet to allow the bubbles to escape to the surface of your partially frozen pond.

Before purchasing a koi, consult a professional for advice on maintaining a clean, stress-free environment for your koi, and consult a professional before building a pond to ensure it will be a suitable habitat for pond fish.

Wintering of koi carp

For areas with mild climates (where ice may only form for a few days): Koi in an outdoor pond are quite hardy and can hibernate under the ice in winter if their pond is deep enough to not freeze completely. Good aeration must be provided. Koi are quite resistant to low temperatures - they can normally winter under ice (for a short time). Just make sure your pond is at least 1.5 meters deep otherwise it may freeze to the bottom and koi are not that hardy.

For regions with frosty winters (for example, the Moscow region): in a private house you can use a basement for wintering koi, where you can maintain a temperature of at least +10. There you need to install some kind of artificial pool (plastic, inflatable or film), install a powerful aerator, an external filter and do not forget to regularly replace the water with fresh water. If you have a pond with a depth of 2.5 meters and koi carp are fairly cold-adapted species, you can try leaving them in the pond for the winter, just install a special pond compressor or pump.

Breeds and Varieties of Koi Fish Currently, there are more than one hundred different varieties of Nishikigoi, of which 26 are recorded as breeds. The most popular category is Gosanke, which consists of the varieties Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku and Showa Sanshoku. New breeds are still being actively selected on koi farms around the world.

(Kohaku, Taisho-Sanshoku, Showa-Sanshoku, Tancho, Shiro-Utsuri, Bekko, Aka-Matsuba, Asagi Shusui)

(Koromo, Goshiki, Kujaku, Gin-Matsuba, Ogon, Platinum, Hariwake, Yamato-Nishiki, KinShowa)

(Kin-Ki-Utsuri, Kikusui, Chagoi, Ochiba-Shigure, Benigoi, Kigoi, Karasugoi, Kumonryu)

Video: Japanese Koi carp, new breeding items

Koi carp butterfly (butterfly, veil, dragon)

Ghost koi carp

Koi diseases

Despite good food and a healthy pond, koi carp can get sick. Luckily, there are special medications developed for koi carp in case they get sick.

It is generally accepted that the optimal water temperature for healthy breeding of brocade carp is between 24 and 25°C. On the other hand, bacteria that are harmful to carp tend to multiply between 25 and 40°C. Parasites and bacteria will definitely exist in any pond. no matter what kind of fish live there, as long as the water quality is good, they will not pose a danger to the carp. However, due to the deterioration of the aquatic environment, if the carp is stressed, disease resistance quickly decreases, parasites and bacteria multiply, and the koi become infected. In addition, there are cases when carp scales are damaged due to rough contact, bumping into protrusions and injuries, then bacteria attach to these places and the fish gets sick.

Early detection and diagnosis of fish diseases. Be sure to contact an ichthyologist if you notice any of these signs of disease:

Unusual swimming pattern of the fish Thinness or decreased appetite Bloating Inflamed or discolored skin or fins Fins glued to the body Scratching on rocks (itching)

A lone fish far from a school of other koi, lying motionless in the corners and bottom of the reservoir, floating on the surface of the water with its belly up, a carp that is suffocating and is constantly located at the water intake or filter outlet - most likely unhealthy. It may be a disease caused by bacteria.

Friction against the walls and bottom of the pond, frequent jumping out of the water, hitting the wall, the fish trembling, carp swimming feverishly - this is not normal. There may be parasites.

What is your koi's appetite? Watch the entire school of fish to make sure the fish are eating. Also check if there is any uneaten food left - remove it and reduce the portions.

How is the stool? Check to see if the stool floats, if the stool is abnormally colored, and if the stool is clear. If the length is a few millimeters, it sinks quickly, and broken feces in the water are normal. Floating stool, stringy stool, and gelatinous stool are abnormal.

External view of the fish's body. The main observations are the condition of the fins and belly, abnormal color, tumors, ulcers, white spots and other abnormalities, and plaque on the surface of the body.

Also watch for symptoms such as thinness, swelling, bowing, bulging eyeballs, cracked and stuck fins, external injuries, parasites, heavy breathing, swelling and color of gills.

Read about chilodonellosis, costiosis, ichthyophthyriosis, aeromonosis and other diseases.

Muddy and blooming water

Slightly green water due to the growth of microalgae can be considered satisfactory water for a pond in terms of carp health. However, if it is too cloudy, grey, brown and opaque, it is not suitable for growing koi.

Cloudy and blooming water can be caused by a malfunctioning filter, excessive accumulation of dirt and silt at the bottom of the pond, insufficient fresh water during changes, insufficient oxygen dissolved in the water, excessive feeding time and excess feed.

Try to check the hardness, nitrogen and phosphorus content, and also examine the water quality in detail.

According to Feng Shui, the Japanese name of the breed and the colors of the various koi symbolize:

Kohaku: white body with red spots (symbolizes career success) Kumonryu: a unique type of koi, solid black or white body with black spots; its pattern changes as the koi grows (symbolizes life changes and transformations) Ogon: silver colored body (symbolizes success in business, wealth) Kuchibeni: a fish with a white and red pattern, known as the "pomaded" koi as the red color around its mouth resembles lips painted with lipstick (symbolizes love and long-term relationships). Yamabuki: Golden colored body (symbolizes wealth and wealth).

Reproduction

These fish usually spawn in early summer, when the female lays a huge number of eggs and at least one male fertilizes them. The fry face many problems, including parasites and hungry adults who may eat them before they grow up.

SAFETY TIPS Fish and aquatic animals can transmit diseases to humans. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling the aquarium. Children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with immune system problems should take special care. Keep fish away from foods and areas where they are cooked. Never release fish into the wild. They are poorly adapted and can damage natural habitats. Do not use soap or detergents to clean your aquarium or decorations as they are toxic to fish.

Features of care

Japanese koi carps are very popular. They can be kept both in large aquariums and in artificially created reservoirs.

Caring for fish in an aquarium

This type of fish can reach large sizes, so before purchasing carp you need to estimate the size of the container. Preference should be given to aquariums over 500 liters. Maintenance in a home aquarium is carried out in compliance with the following rules:

• the water must be filtered. Cloudy water with an unpleasant odor can harm your fish;
• water temperature can be from 15 to 30 degrees;
• the acidity level does not matter; they can live in all types of water;
• the aquarium should receive a lot of sunlight, this will not only improve the health of aquatic inhabitants, but also make the body color bright;
• if algae is present, it is recommended to use an antibacterial lamp;
• medium fraction of soil is used;
• algae are selected with a hard type of leaves.

It is also important to properly arrange the aquarium. Decorative koi carp look attractive with additional decorations. The most commonly used decorations are green islands and clay pots. However, there should be little decoration, since the inhabitants stand out in bright colors.

For an aquarium you need to use several fish. With proper care, aquatic inhabitants can reach up to 30-40 cm in length. Lack of space often leads to diseases.

Care in the pond

Koi carp are kept in a pond. In order for the fish to feel like in their natural environment, it is necessary to observe some features:

• Water filters are installed in the pond. It is also recommended to add fresh water every few weeks;
• an artificial reservoir is often covered with excess vegetation, so it is important to monitor and promptly remove algae;
• colored carps are kept in a pond with a compressor. This will saturate the water with the necessary amount of oxygen;
• Koi carp can be kept in a pond during the cold season. To do this, at the end of autumn it is necessary to feed the fish with vitamins and prepare them for hibernation.

It is not recommended to use a lot of algae as decoration for a pond. The surface of the water is often decorated with several water lilies. However, you need to be careful with this plant, because if not properly cared for, it grows quickly and prevents sunlight from entering.

Keeping koi carp in an aquarium

We think that there is no need to dwell on the fact that an aquarium for keeping koi carps should be large, from 500 liters, or better yet, a ton or two. Of course, these figures may shock a novice aquarist, but for pros and aquarium fans these figures are not so prohibitive. We have all seen aquariums with American or African cichlids from 1000 liters. and more. And this is no longer a luxury, but rather ordinary things.

Water parameters for keeping koi carp: total hardness 4–10 GH, carbonate hardness 1–7 KH, nitrogen compounds should be at zero: NH4 0, NO2 0, NO3 permissible up to 40. In general, every conscious aquarist should always have a set of drip tanks on hand tests, at least for nitrate and phosphate. Fortunately, they have now become inexpensive, there are no problems with their assortment and acquisition. For example, we can with a clear conscience recommend you the cool UHE drop tests, , but they are sold only online. In stores in your city - offline, you can find inexpensive Vladox tests . Friends, watch out for nitrogen compounds, keep them in check and everything will be fine for you and your pets.

The water temperature at which koi feel comfortable is 15–30 C; carp are able to tolerate temperature deviations ranging from 2 to 35 C. But at the same time, their immune system “turns off”. The optimal pH level is 7.0–7.5 (neutral). The O2 level in the water should be 4–5 mg/l, but fish can tolerate a lower level – up to 0.5 mg/l.

The most important thing in keeping koi in an aquarium is ensuring proper filtration. This can be achieved by installing two filters working on biology and mechanics, as well as by means of phytofiltration . It is possible to use preparations that remove phosphates and nitrogen, for example, Tetra EasyBalance .

The soil in the aquarium should consist of fine or medium sand. The aquarium itself is decorated to your taste, but without any frills, because... fish will constantly rummage and rearrange the decor at their discretion.

From the above, we can conclude that koi carps, although beautiful, are sold everywhere in pet stores, but, alas, they are not for a beginner. This fish is for an experienced aquarist and it is advisable that this aquarist has a house in the village

By the way, often beginners in the aquarium hobby, due to a certain similarity with goldfish, identify koi caps with them. However, this is not so, they have one family - carp. But the gender is different. Koi - genus Cyprinus (carp), goldfish - genus Carassius (crucian carp).

Feeding rules

Aquarium fish from the carp family have no food preferences. The following types of food are most often used for feeding:

• cereals;
• chopped lettuce leaves;
• dandelion;
• crushed worms;
• Daphnia;
• shrimps;
• boiled eggs.

You can also use dry mixtures that contain all the necessary vitamins.

In order for the fish to receive the required amount of food, it is recommended to follow the following rules:

• feeding is carried out no more than 2 times;
• The amount of food is calculated depending on the weight of the fish. The aquatic inhabitant must receive at least 3% of the total weight of food;
• Make sure that food does not settle to the bottom. It is difficult for carps to pick up particles. Therefore, feed is introduced slowly. The contents are dropped into the water in small portions so that the fish has time to eat everything.

Chinese carp can become obese if fed frequently, so feeding them too often is harmful.

Nutritional needs

Koi require five nutrients to meet their needs for energy, growth, proper digestion of food and proper organ function. These nutrients are: amino acids (protein), lipids (fats), carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

Amino acids promote the growth, reproduction and good health of these fish. Koi need 10 amino acids: arginine, phenylalanine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. The koi body itself is not capable of producing these amino acids, so fish receive them through food.

Lipids in the koi diet provide the most concentrated form of energy, helping the fish meet its energy needs. They also carry fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K throughout the fish's body.

Carbohydrates help koi process the nutrients in their food. They also provide koi with a small amount of energy, which they do not use very efficiently. Carbohydrates should make up approximately 30 percent of a koi's diet.

Vitamins and minerals help regulate metabolism. Nutrients work as a team in keeping fish in good health. Koi get vitamins from food and minerals, from feed and pond water.

Ideally, koi should receive the bulk of their soy food from a formulated diet, which is recommended to be supplemented with fresh food. Manufacturers of high-quality food specifically develop their koi food in an easily digestible form that can provide the fish with complete and balanced nutrition. Typically, food comes in the form of sticks or granules that float on the surface of the water or slowly sink to the bottom of the pond.

AQUAV food is in the form of granules floating on the surface of the water.

Reproduction

Koi carp breeding is carried out in a pond. There is not enough space in the container for the fish. In order to obtain offspring, a small nursery pond is used. Koi carp spawn for a short period. After the females lay their eggs, the adults return to the common pond. Because koi fish can eat eggs and fry. Fish breed in the reservoir in early spring and summer. Koi carp kept in an aquarium are not used for breeding, and regardless of gender, they can only increase in size, but not produce offspring.

History of the species

Koi carp, also called brocade carp, are relatives of the Amur subspecies of carp. About 2,500 years ago, these fish were brought to China from territories adjacent to the Caspian Sea. It is assumed that they were first domesticated in Persia, but there is no scientific confirmation of this theory.

In Japan, koi carp have been known since the 14th-15th centuries. Back then they were called Magoi or Black Carp. Later, these fish began to be bred for commercial purposes and for a long time they were the only available source of protein for the inhabitants of many mountain provinces. In particular, this was done by residents of Niigata Prefecture.

This province is associated with the name of the legendary aquascaper Takeshi Amano. It is located high in the mountains and is characterized by short, hot summers and harsh, long winters with such heavy snowfalls that the thickness of the cover often reaches 10 m. Because of this, the population of the province was cut off from the rest of the world for a long time and ate only rice and vegetables, for watering which deep underground tanks were used.

It was these tanks that became the place for keeping the imported carp, which spawn in May-June. By October, the young animals had time to grow and most of them were stored for the winter.

Breeder carps were highly valued by local peasants and were moved to special home aquariums for the winter. Around this period, natural mutations began in fish bred in pond farms, as a result of which their color changed. Bright red individuals appeared first, then completely white ones. And the result of their crossing was the white and red koi carp.

Fish with unusual, rich colors were not consumed as food, but were kept as decorative pets. Brightly colored carp were crossed with each other, obtaining new and interesting color options.

Initially, only poor Japanese were interested in koi breeding, but gradually the local nobility became interested in this activity. Particular excitement around these fish arose after the Tokyo Taisho exhibition held in 1914. Today, there are many associations and clubs for koi carp connoisseurs in the world.

Interesting! The word "carp" has ancient roots and sounds like Charpfen in High German. In Japanese, "carp" means "koi". But this word carries another semantic load and is a homophone to such concepts as “affection”, “closeness”, “love”.

Sex differences

Koi are common due to their bright colors. However, in order to properly form an aquarium, you need to know the gender differences. Males have a long body, while females have round sides. The color of females is brighter. The spots have visible boundaries.

Unlike females, males have longer mustaches. Males are active during the daytime. They can become aggressive when fighting for food.

How to prepare fish for winter

After the air temperature drops below 13 degrees in autumn, carp begin to behave slowly. During this period, feeding is reduced to 1 time per day. After the temperature drops below 9 degrees, feeding stops completely.

All fallen leaves that end up in the pond are removed. It is also necessary to remove excess algae. If it is possible to heat the pond during the winter, the fish do not move into the aquarium. The reservoir is covered, the water temperature should not drop below +1 degree.

If there is no heater, the carp move into the aquarium. The aquarium is placed in a cool place until spring. Carp do not feed during the winter. Otherwise, the food may cause the appearance of harmful bacteria, which will lead to the death of aquatic life.

Possible diseases

Koi often suffer from diseases if not properly cared for. Diseases can be of the following types:

• carp pox - manifests itself in the form of growths on the fins and tail. Most often, the disease manifests itself in early spring. The disease affects the younger generation. Vitamin supplements are used for treatment;
• aeromonos - manifests itself most often if the fish is kept in a body of water; the first symptoms are ulcers on the body. The causes of the disease are sudden changes in water temperature. For treatment, antibiotics are used, which are poured into the water to eliminate bacteria;
• ascites is an inflammatory formation in the swim bladder, the body swells, and the fish float to the surface. The causes of the disease are improper care. This disease has no cure and can lead to death;
• epitheliocystosis - the formation of white growths on the gills. When formed, growths can complicate breathing and lead to death. It is recommended to isolate affected fish. Change the water and treat the container with antibacterial drugs;
• gopherellosis is a parasite that affects the kidneys. Parasites enter the body when using cheap food. There is no treatment; infected fish die.

When the first symptoms of the disease appear, the fish must be placed in a separate container. Otherwise, the infection will quickly spread throughout the entire population.

Health and life expectancy

Koi carps are considered long-lived and, under favorable conditions, live for at least 50 years. There have also been cases when these fish lived longer lives. The most famous among them is a koi named Hanako, who lived 226 years.

Brocade carps have good immunity, and all their diseases arise due to errors in maintenance or lack of proper care:

1. Philometroidosis. A parasitic disease that affects carp of all ages. The larvae of the pathogen penetrate the body of the fish, develop there and are released into the water, infecting all inhabitants of the tank. Infected individuals become inactive and lag behind in development, and if left untreated, die.
2. Saprolegniosis. A fungal disease that progresses against the background of injuries or previous illnesses. Light threads appear on the body of infected koi, transforming into plaque. Infected carp become lethargic and lose their appetite. The disease is treated with salt baths and lotions of 0.1% potassium permanganate.
3. Rubella. A contagious disease, outbreaks of which occur in the spring when the temperature of the aquatic environment rises. Affected fish develop dysfunction of the excretory system, leading to death in 90% of cases. Rubella is treated with chloramphenicol and increasing the acidity of the water to 8.

Koi carps are large, brightly colored fish with a peaceful disposition and developed intelligence. They are demanding of space and look especially impressive in specially equipped ponds.

Adviсe

All types of koi are popular among aquarium hobbyists. To ensure that fish breeding does not cause difficulties, you can use the following tips:

• It is recommended to place the aquarium on the floor. Often when growing fish, stands cannot support much weight;
• You should not use specialized food that is sold by weight. Hermetically sealed bags retain all the nutritional qualities of the feed;
• which does not feel well in water with foreign odors;
• at night it is necessary to turn off the lights so that the fish can sleep;
• In order for the koi fish to remember its owner, it is recommended to feed it by hand.

In order for living conditions to be similar to natural ones, it is recommended to use special bacteria to clean the aquarium. Such biological organisms make fish resistant to diseases.

Is it possible to eat

Koi carp are a variety of common carp and their meat is suitable for human consumption. But it is worth remembering that the Japanese have been breeding beautiful fish for many years and even in the most difficult years for Japan they found an opportunity to feed representatives of the aquatic world. At the same time, breeders monitored the quality of the offspring so that after a long time they could enjoy the beauty of these fish. All this time, personal interests and the desire to eat handsome people were sacrificed. It is difficult to say how many generations of breeders worked to create beautiful fish.

It is very impractical to cook any, even the most exquisite dishes from koi. The cost of these aquatic inhabitants is high; for the same amount of money you can buy less expensive common carp, crucian carp, carp or even trout. But if you want to show your well-being, no one can prevent this.