Black Koi

Black Koi Information

It is well understood that Koi fish come in a large variety of colors and patterns. Black Koi are set apart from other Koi varieties due to their coloring and not much else. Koi fish can live for an extended life time even living as long as two hundred years but, normally live for about twenty-five to thirty-five years of age. They are regularly seen in outdoor ponds all over the world. Koi males can be easily recognized by their concave anal section. They may also display breeding spots on the head. Spawning may result in as many as 1,000 eggs. Baby Koi known as fry will start emerging in about four to seven days, depending on the temperature of the water. Amazingly their color doesn’t emerge until the fry are about three to twelve weeks of age.

When the Japanese started breeding these magnificent fish from carp mutations, they only came in one or two colors. With more breeding throughout the years came more color varieties and combinations of patterns.

Black Koi can grow to be about thirty-six inches in length. Like all Koi fish because of their length, black Koi need to be kept in large ponds. The Magoi Koi species is one of the first all black mutations and can grow to very large sized. They are actually a deep bronze but they look black when viewed from above. Because of their possibilities in size, Magoi blood is being reintroduced into other species to hasten and maximize growth potential.

One Species of black Koi fish is the Karasu meaning “crow” in Japanese. The Karasu is another extremely old species. It has black fins and a black body. This species can also have a white or orange belly.

Koi have a tendency to change color due to the effects of their environment or due to their diet. These color changes typically entail the fish going from a duller or brighter shade of color. The Matsukawabake Koi species takes the ability to change color. It is a black Koi that typically has areas or white on its body. According to the temperature of the water or the seasons the color of this Koi fish can change completely. This Koi can turn completely black or completely white. But, amazingly the Koi will return to its original pattern once the conditions change.

First appearing in the 1980’s, the Kumonryu is the most popular of the black Koi species. The name means “dragon fish”. The Kumonryu received its name because some were reminded of the bodies of the dragons depicted in ancient paintings. Some also thought that these fish looked like dragons ascending through the white clouds in the sky. Like the Matsukawabake, these Koi can also change their color.
One of the attractions that draw pond owners to the Koi is the large variety of colors that they come in. An even more attractive notion is that of having the ability to own a fish that will literally be able to change color before your eyes like some of the black Koi species can.

Koi Supplies

Koi Supplies

Koi fish are some of the most beautiful and colorful pond fish but, keeping them requires at least a basic knowledge of fish and outdoor ponds and a few essential supplies.

Part of giving your yard a tranquil feeling is placing a fountain in your pond. This not only drowns out unwanted noise, it stirs the water and is the easiest way to put oxygen back into the water which is important for the health of your fish.
Owners will also need to install a filter in their pond that is designed to maintain the quality of the water. A filter removes unwanted pollutants which will decrease the chance that the Koi will have health issues. Because the only way a filtration system can process the water is if the water is moving, you will also need to install a pump. A pump is also extremely important for the health of the pond. Having a fountain or waterfall in the pond aids in the water’s movement but, they should not replace a pump entirely. Unfortunately, they are not strong enough to help with the filtration of the pond on their own.

Some supplies are not used on a daily basis but should still be kept on hand. Dechlorinator is used when replenishing the water level of your pond with tap water. It is essential to eliminating harmful chemicals from the tap water. The pH level and the Nitrate level of the water should be checked on a weekly basis. Pond owners do this by using test kits that are available in any pet supply store. Pond salt or baking soda should also be kept on hand on a regular basis. They can be added to the pond water to regulate the pH and Nitrate levels of the water when tests show the chemical levels are off.

Because Koi come in such brilliant colors, they are susceptible to fall victim to outdoor predators like Herons, kingfishers, foxes, cats, raccoons and badgers. Owners can keep their fish safe through the design of their ponds. Owners can keep water deep enough to prevent Herons from wading in it. They can also create overhangs on the side of their ponds high enough to prevent predators from reaching the water. Plus, if the pond is set under the shade of a tree, it will block the view of the pond from the air. Pond owners can also purchase a net that can be placed over the entire pond ensuring the safety of the Koi. A net will also prevent debris like leaves from falling into the water and messing up the pond.

Food is the most important supply. Koi eat a variety of foods but it is important to keep a basic food source on hand. Koi have been known to eat out of their owner’s hands and therefore snacks and treats can be offered to your fish.

When setting up your outdoor pond and considering the kind of supplies you will need, remember that although Koi take a little bit of effort on the part of their owners, they are mesmerizing, gorgeous fish that are well worth the effort.

Koi Filter

How to Use a Koi Filter

An extremely important thing to control when raising Koi fish is giving them the proper filtration in a pond environment. Koi fish are more sensitive to the quality of the water then some other fish and therefore need more consideration when it comes to some of the equipment like filters.

A koi filter helps to control the biological balance in the pond system. It is the job of the filter to remove the waste that the Koi produce. In the wild fish waste is removed because of the volume of the water in the area. Fish waste is also removed by the water’s current. When fish are in a contained environment they need to have this natural function supplied for them. Most of the pond filters available have a mechanical and biological function. The mechanical function cleans particles from the water. Gravity and the flow of the water drag the solid waste out of the Koi’s pond water. These particles become trapped in the filter and are then cleaned out by the pond owner during the regular maintenance of the pond. The biological filtration relies on bacteria to break down toxic waste, also known as ammonia or pH, into less harmful substances like nitrates. Nitrates are only harmful to Koi in large amounts. While it is normal to have continuous amounts of pH on a low level, pH can be harmful to Koi if it is left at a high level untreated.

A good pond filter can still not work properly without a pump to force the water through it. With a big area like a pond, the strength of the filter is not able to circulate the water on its own. The pump pushed the water and circulates it through the pond.

In addition to the pump and the filter, pond owners may want to consider adding a small fountain, a waterfall, or some other water device. It is very important to the fish to have a constant supply of oxygen in the water. Because a fountain or a waterfall stirs up the water, it allows the oxygen from the air to be folded into the water. This is known as aeration.

It is important to test the chemical make up of the water of the pond weekly. You can do this one of two ways. You can either bring a sample of the pond water to a local pet store to have them test it for you or you can purchase a home testing kit and test the water yourself. It is important to keep the chemical mixture in the water at a normal and healthy range for Koi fish.

Owning a beautiful Koi garden does not mean that it is completely maintenance free. Although the time and effort it takes to maintain the pond is minimal, it should be considered when it comes to taking on the responsibility of owning a Koi garden. Above all, it is one of the most rewarding hobbies that anyone can have.There’s a catch here though (and doesn’t it also seem that way with orchids?). If you’re growing Cattleyas – or other “tough” orchids – wait an extra day before you water them. That’s right. Check them. If you think they need watered, wait a day – and then water them.

Koi Garden

Tips on Creating An Amazing Koi Garden

Owning a Koi pond garden delights all of those that get to experience it. Whether you are adding Koi to an outdoor pond garden that is already in existence or you are building a pond garden specifically for Koi, you need to consider several important factors.

When most people think of a garden, they think of plants. There are several different kinds of gardens and they are all rewarding in their own way. But, what the typical garden lacks is made up with a Koi garden. This type of garden mixes several different elements and molds it into a health, thriving system. A Koi garden typically consists of three major parts; the pond, Koi fish, and plant life.

The depth and size of the pond is extremely important. A pond that contains a depth of at least four feet provides enough room for Koi to thrive. Water at that depth also provides Koi with protection from dangerous predators like cats and raccoons.

Because Koi can grow to large lengths is another reason they need space. Larger ponds allow the possibility of adding more Koi once you feel comfortable in caring for you garden. Once you have planned how large your pond will be, consider where you are going to place your Koi garden. The best place is out of direct sunlight.

Although placing a pond under the shade of a tree provides your garden protection from flying predators, it also allows debris like leaves to fall into the water. It will also have to be in a spot that will avoid it from coming into contact with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Even a small amount of the average lawn chemicals can destroy Koi fish.

Unfortunately, plants and Koi fish do not co-exist well. But, that does not mean that you can’t have any plants at all. Koi fish can sometimes give their owners a hard time when it comes to keeping them in ponds with potted plants. They will sometimes “dig” in the soil or it is possible for the larger ones to knock the plant over which may lead to a messy pond and can create real problems for the owner.

This problem can be solved by wrapping netting over the tops of the pots, to keep the fish from digging in them. Or you can place pea gravel, and then larger river stones on top of the plants. That will keep Koi at from invading the pots. Koi will also forage the bottom of the pond munching on the plant’s foliage.

Lilies are a great choice of plant for your Koi garden. There are several different varieties to choose from. Some lilies do very well is shallow ponds while others thrive in deeper water. Although they are not known as oxygenating plants, they provide shelter and shade for Koi.

By considering your Koi garden as a whole rather then just the plants or just the Koi, your Koi garden is sure to be beautiful and thrive for many years to come.

Koi Care – Koi Feeding

Koi Care - Koi Feeding

Koi fish are gorgeous in color and more importantly entertaining to own. Most people who own Koi will tell you that they can be trained to eat right out of your hand. Koi will recognize the person who feds them and gather around them at feeding times. With such an enjoyable creature livening up the waters of a backyard pond, how can anyone get bored but you must know about Koi Care.

Koi fish are omnivorous which means that they will eat a variety of foods including meat matter and plant matter. They have keen appetites dwelling in water temperatures from 61 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summer months when Koi fish are the most active owners should feed their fish a good quality diet. Koi receive their food from two sources; their owner and the environment. These fish are an opportunistic eater which means that they will eat whatever comes their way and will fit into their mouths. Koi fish will sometimes nibble on the foliage of underwater plants giving their owners a hard time. They will also eat a variety of insects that are unlucky enough to get within their range including worms, and snails. Some owners have also reported seeing their Koi pull themselves part of the way out of the water to obtain fallen acorns or nibble on grasses.

Koi will also enjoy a variety of foods offered to them by their owners. Pond owners can offer their Koi a special treat of peas, lettuce, or even watermelons. Koi fish require the right combination of protein, fats, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Owners can ensure that their Koi are receiving these combinations by feeding them pellet food. Most store bought pellet foods for Koi are made to float at the top of the water so the fish are forced to come to the surface. With the Koi in view it gives the owner the perfect time to observe the fish. They can make sure they have good appetites, that they are healthy, and that they are free of injuries. A healthy diet results in vivid colors of the fish.

During the winter months the digestive systems of these cold water fish slows down. It is not necessary to feed them. They may nibble on algae at the bottom of the pond but, once the temperature goes below fifty degrees Fahrenheit, any food left in their stomachs can become rancid and cause illness to the Koi.

Since Koi have such great appetites, owners do not need to put a lot of stress into how much they are being fed or the way they are being fed. Because of this, one of the best and most relaxing parts of the day for a Koi pond owner is when it is time to feed their fish. Owners take pleasure in the Koi’s willingness to interact with them and see their fish in a different way. While, it is true that Koi need a balanced diet, when it comes to food, it is all fun and games.