Koi Feeding – Give them the Best

July 3, 2009

A Koi’s growth rate is directly related to how they are fed. Their feeding pattern in turn, is dependent on a lot of factors, including water temperature and quality, number of fish in the pond and the genetic background of the fish.

They need food that contains various elements such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. These elements are essential for all animals to maintain healthy bodies, grow and reproduce.

The size of the Koi will determine what type of food and the quantity you need to offer them. You have to choose a food size that is small enough to be eaten by the smallest koi in the pond. If there is a mix of small and large Koi in the pond, you need to give them an assortment of large and small foodstuff. Make sure, though, that the small ones are fed enough and don’t suffer much from food competition.

Commercially prepared food is usually the best choice. It is available in two types – floating and sinking. Since Koi fish are naturally bottom feeders some owners will choose sinking food since it is matches the Koi’s natural habits. This type of food will last longer since it is specially formulated with fats that are not easily affected by cold water.

Fortunately for those of us who enjoy watching our fish eat there is another way. The floating food type is specially developed to remain on the surface. It is actually steam cooked so that an outer protective shell is created to keep food particles from water saturation for a while thus they float on the surface before it sinks. Using this type of food is great if you want to train your fish to eat from your hand.

Just enough food for about five-minute consumption must be given. The nutritional value of Koi food is calculated by weight and not by volume. Thus, as is the usual practice in most Koi farms during summer, smaller Koi are fed 5% of their body weight per day, and large mature ones are only fed 2%. In favorable conditions, it is normal that a 1 kg food will increase Koi growth by 500 gm or even up o 700 gm.

Most Koi will also have live food included in their diet. This should always be considered a supplement and never the main dietary component since they lack the necessary vitamins and amino acids necessary for good health. Koi will eat cockles and worms as well as tadpoles in the spring. The smaller fish will love chironomid and mosquito larva. Daphnia and water fleas are also usually plentiful in a garden pond and good for small Koi fry.

Brown bread can be given to your Koi, but the white variety has a mild form of bleach that is harmful to Koi. Never give your fish beans, peas or corn since the outer casing of these foods cannot be digested. Koi will accept lettuce leaves, duckweed and other plants in the pond.

John Stoner is a long time koi enthusiast. For more information on Koi Feeding care of your koi pond, visit http://www.koifishenthusiast.com.