Koi carp – ancient and beautiful

For centuries, people have been enthralled with the living artwork that is koi carp, which goes beyond simple fish. These ancient animals, which are well-known for their vivid colors and graceful movements, have a long history that began in China and Japan, where their resilience and beauty were first bred for.

Over time, koi have come to represent endurance, prosperity, and peace. They are prized for both their aesthetic value and the cultural significance that they have across a wide range of cultures. It is difficult to match the elegance and tranquility they bring to an aquarium or garden pond.

Knowing the background and distinctive features of koi carp can enhance your appreciation of these amazing fish, regardless of experience level. Their tale, which combines human artistry with natural beauty in a way that never ceases to astound and inspire admiration, is just as fascinating as their appearance.

With their vivid colors and extensive history, koi carp are more than just fish—they are representations of serenity, beauty, and cultural significance. Originating in Japan and revered for centuries, these historic fish add a touch of refinement to any pond or aquarium, making them a classic option for enthusiasts who value these fish’s historical significance in addition to their aesthetic appeal.

Care and maintenance in an aquarium

A 500-liter minimum capacity home pond is needed for koi. The amount of water in the aquarium is typically determined by the pet’s size. For carp, 5 liters per 1 cm is the standard.

Water parameters table for koi carp keeping:

Indicator name	Value
Volume per 1 individual	150 l
Temperature	20-25 ° C
Acidity	7—7.5 pH
Hardness	4–10 dGH

For brocade carps, a reliable, well-established filtration system is essential. Choose two or three strong external filters that can clean both mechanically and biologically, and have a large tank capacity. When making your selection, be mindful of the filter material; if it has fine pores and grains, the device will clog quickly.

Installing a sterilizer will help to keep the water pure and stop infection outbreaks.

Give the carp as much sunlight as possible if you want to keep the koi’s original color. Place metal halide lights next to the aquarium or affix them straight to the wall if there is not enough natural light. Using cold-toned lamps that produce contrast is preferred.

There’s no need for a heater because koi carp prefer cool water. Pets also enjoy the warm summer months when the water reaches a temperature of thirty degrees.

Fine or medium-fraction sand soil is ideal. On a beige background, white fish with multicolored spots appear more appealing. Choose dark soil for species that are red.

Carp are brought inside when the fall weather arrives, as their outdoor life comes to an end. When the aquarium is first started up, fill it with pond water to aid the koi in adjusting to their new surroundings more quickly.

When designing an aquarium, bear in mind that plants and decorations get dirty easily and take attention away from the lovely koi. Large fish wreak havoc with small decorative elements.

Every week, thirty percent of the water is replaced.

Carp for decoration are omnivores. Protein and plant food are necessary for complete development and should be provided in small amounts, no more than 3% of the body weight, two to three times a day. Food dosage is aided by automatic feeders.

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Pet owners provide organic dye-containing food to their animals in order to preserve the breed’s traits. Carotenoids-rich dry granulated food forms the foundation of the diet. Additionally, chopped fruits and vegetables add variety to the menu.

Care and maintenance in a pond

Koi carp are better suited to live in ponds because many species were originally bred to be admired from above.

Additional benefits of owning animals in a sizable man-made reservoir include:

• normal development, growing to maximum sizes;
• the possibility of reproduction;
• maintaining a rich color due to prolonged natural lighting.

The number of fish determines the size of the pond or pool, but for a school of eight to ten carp, it is advised to follow these guidelines:

• depth — from 1.5 m;
• volume — from 8 t.

In order to ensure the comfort and convenience of the owners, the location for koi storage is selected close to the house and away from busy roads.

Tall trees and bushes are not planted close to the pond in a way that would shade the water’s surface.

Fit an outdoor pond with soft waterproofing or concrete with high-performing filters. Never stop the biological and mechanical purification of water.

An aerator is submerged in the pond in the event that the summertime temperature and fish density exceed allowable limits.

Filters are not needed in flow-through ponds, but there is a greater chance of fish eating plants and scrubbing up the soil. In this instance, a second reservoir is constructed and connected to the first. It has planted water lilies, arrowheads, sedge, and pebbles.

Compatibility

Koi don’t need neighbors because they can survive on their own. Tiny animals appear pallid in comparison to the elegant carp.

General guidelines for maintaining koi and two varieties of goldfish: shubunkins and comets. They get along well in outdoor settings during the summer. Koi carp require time to acclimate when the cold weather sets in after they have been moved inside. Goldfish aid in acclimatization by demonstrating that there is no danger through their serene, well-balanced behavior.

Smaller aquatic creatures are seen as food by koi. Neighbors are chosen based on similar living conditions and size.

Apart from shubunkins and comets, there are other large catfish such as synodontis, plecostomuses, and pterygoplichthys that live a nocturnal life, do not bother carp, and live in harmony with koi.

Diseases

Overcrowding makes pond water colder, which weakens immune protection and increases the likelihood of koi diseases.

Typical koi infections:

Aeromonos and pseudomonos

Carp get bruises on their bodies and fins, which eventually turn into ulcers. The animal stops eating and, in extreme circumstances, passes away before showing any symptoms. Low immunity is the cause. Antibiotics are administered with meals or combined with medicinal baths. Large ulcers need to be cleaned specifically while sedated.

Ichthyophthirius

Several pustules that resemble semolina are the primary symptom of the illness. The koi paws the earth, presses its fins against its body, and becomes numb. In the event that the illness is not treated, the carp will lose its fins, its skin will peel off in pieces, and it will sink to the bottom and perish.

Koi therapy only works when ichthyophthirius is still in its early stages. Increase the water’s temperature to 30 °C and add salt at a rate of 3 g per liter to eradicate the illness.

Use SeraOmnisan, JBL Punktol ULTRA, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, and malachite green (0.09 mg/l) as directed for treatment.

Carp pox

The illness hasn’t been thoroughly researched. The herpes virus is thought to cause waxy growths on the body and fins, reside in the trigeminal nerve for years, and most frequently show symptoms in the spring. The growths naturally vanish as the water temperature rises because immunity rises as well. Relapse doesn’t happen before a year has passed.

In addition ..

Tapeworms, ciliates, and flagellate ectoparasites all have an impact on pond fish. Proven food is used during a two-week quarantine to prevent infection. Preventing temperature fluctuations and high koi density is crucial. Preventing the spread of infection involves creating ideal conditions for maintaining comfortable water parameters for pets.

Feature	Description
Origin	Koi carp have their roots in ancient Japan, where they were selectively bred for their striking colors and patterns.
Appearance	Koi carp are known for their vibrant colors, ranging from white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream, often in beautiful combinations.
Symbolism	In Japanese culture, koi carp symbolize perseverance, strength, and good fortune.
Size	These fish can grow up to 36 inches long, making them one of the larger ornamental fish species.
Care	Koi require large ponds with clean, oxygen-rich water and regular feeding to thrive.

For centuries, people have been captivated by the exquisite colors and elegant movements of koi carp. Their historical significance—particularly in Japanese culture—emphasizes the significance of these fish beyond mere ornaments. These venerable animals are beloved elements of ponds and gardens around the world because they represent tenacity, beauty, and strength.

Although caring for koi demands commitment and comprehension, the benefits are enormous. One feels at ease and more a part of the natural world when they watch them gliding through the water. Adding koi to your pond can turn your outdoor area into a living work of art, regardless of your level of experience with aquaristry.

Koi carp’s ageless charm never fails to enchant and inspire, serving as a gentle reminder of the precarious equilibrium that exists between human habitation and the natural environment. They are a treasure in any environment because of their beauty and tenacity, which bear witness to the rich cultural legacy they represent.

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