Feeding Koi Fish - A Comprehensive Care Guide

One of the most popular and common types of pet fish, koi fish are usually kept in outdoor ponds. They are colourful and belong to the Amur carp species. They are frequently referred to as Japanese koi or by their Japanese name, Nishikigoi. Known as the "swimming pearl," Nishikigoi Koi fish are frequently preserved in Japanese culture because they stand for luck, prosperity, and good fortune.

It is because of their colourful body patterns, which help enhance the beauty of ponds and aquariums, that they are preferred as pet fish.

The best part about feeding koi fish is when they come up to the surface and eat out of your hands. One can feel a sense of satisfaction, and it is a great way to bond with your fish as well.

If you have recently become a koi fish parent or are simply curious about feeding koi fish, then dive into this blog and read it.

• Size, age, and season play a role in influencing their feeding habits- They eat worms, larvae, seeds, algae, insects, and tiny crustaceans, and would consume anything that fits their mouth. While feeding koi fish, remember that they don’t have teeth and can’t bite or tear food. Their fleshy jaws help them suck on their food.
• Blue-green algae- They are extremely tiny. They float freely and are commonly found in lakes with water that has a very high pH and level of hardness. This koi fish food is available as pellets. Feeding koi fish blue-green algae has following benefits:

1. increased growth rate
2. better digestion
3. enhanced immunity
4. prevents bloated stomachs
5. brings out better colours

Wheat Bran is the part of the plant that germinates and grows into a new plant. It can also be fed to your koi fish as it is a natural source of vitamin E, which promotes healthy growth, enhances blood circulation, increases oxygen and nutrient flow, and helps prevent illness.

• Bio-enrichment- Due to their small size, brine shrimp filter water by devouring whatever they can find in it. Bio-enrichment is the process by which the nutrients they consume are transferred to the fish that consume them. The best meal for newly hatched koi fish is brine shrimp. Feeding Koi fish with brine shrimp will help them gain vitamin D, vitamin A, and protein and increase their growth rate.
• What to avoid? Koi fish shouldn't be fed anything with a lot of carbs. Additionally, you should refrain from giving them white bread, peas, and maize. Koi fish have trouble processing carbohydrates. Also, stay away from low-quality koi food as it won’t contain the required vitamins and minerals.
• How much do Koi fish eat? The temperature of the water affects what the koi fish eat. They become less active as the water gets colder. They become more active as the water temperature rises.

It's usually preferable to underfeed domesticated koi rather than overfeed them because the latter is more likely to result in health problems. Be sure that any meal you give koi has a low phosphorus content. Koi and other fish species will experience worse health issues if there is too much in the pond ecology, which will encourage unregulated algae development.

Koi are poikilothermic they lack a natural ability to control their body temperature; their levels of activity are strongly related to the water's ambient temperature, which in turn influences how they consume throughout the year.

A high-protein diet is advised during warm seasons since they are likely to be moving, growing, and generally more active. Additionally, koi can eat up to four times per day, numerous times. It is however advised to feed them more frequently in smaller portions. By doing this, overeating is avoided along with food waste.

In the winter months, however, the fishes go into hibernation and use very little energy. Their metabolism also slows down. It is advised that while feeding koi fish in winter months, a carb-based diet of wheat germ should be given. During the cooler months, long-term energy and conservation are more important.

Deciding food for your fish can be a task. There are so many factors to keep in mind. Their age, size, season, whether they are herbivores or carnivores, or whether the temperature is cool or humid. It can get confusing. However, the best way to find the right food for your fish is to do your own research, ask people and even ask the store owners. Also, check the label and packaging of the food items and always buy the best quality.

At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. We truly believe every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species' unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page.