How fast to Koi grow? This is a question we hear often. A Koi's grow the rate
is dependent on the feeding pattern and several other factors. The key
determinates are the water temperature, water quality, number of fish in the
pond and the basic genetic background of the fish. Some types just grow faster
than others.
For good health and growth Koi need food that has a balanced
amount of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Sounds just like
us. The right diet is key to their good health.
The type of food and the amount
to feed them will depend on the size of the Koi. The smaller fish need food in a
size they can eat, while the larger fish will do just fine with larger pieces.
If you have the usual mix of smaller and larger fish then you will have to make
sure there is something for each. Make sure the smaller don't get left out.
To
insure proper nutrition I recommend commercial food. This comes in two types.
You can choose either a floating food or one that sinks to the bottom. There are
advantages and disadvantages to each. The sinking food takes advantage of the
Koi's natural bottom feeding characteristic. But with this you'll miss out on
watching them eat. This type of food lasts longer because it is formulated to be
less effected by cold water.
If you want to watch and enjoy your Koi while they
eat, then choose a floating food type. This type of food is steamed cooked to
create a shell that dissolves slowing allowing the food to float on the pond's
surface for a time before sinking to the bottom. Use this if you want to train
your fish to eat from your hand.
The amount of food given at each feeding is
important. You don't want to over or under feed your Koi. Remember that the
nutritional value of the food is based on the weight of the fish and not the
volume of food given. It's recommended that smaller Koi be given about 5% of
their body weight, while the larger fish no more than 2% of their weight.
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.
If you want to try bread
you can but make sure it is brown bread. White bread contains a mild bleaching
agent that is harmful to the fish. Remember never to give Koi fish peas, corn or
fish beans since the shells of these can't be digested by the fish. Lettuce
leaves, duckweed and other plants found in the pond will be just fine.
John Stoner is an author and Koi Fish Enthusiast. Learn more about Koi
feeding and many other secrets of maintaining a Koi pond by getting a copy of
his latest book Koi Care Made Easy.Article
Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/koi-feeding-maintaining-a-healthy-diet-905813.html
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