Choosing the right food for your Koi is one on the most important
decisions you must make. Absolute Koi is committed to offering a wide
selection of medicated, colour enhancing, growth stimulating and sustaining
foods.
The feeding pattern, and thus the growth rate, of Koi depends on
many factors, such as water temperature, water quality, stocking density and
genetic background Koi feed most actively at temperatures in excess of
15c(59F), thus sexually immature fish can grow rapidly during the summer
months when the temperature is warmer.
Once Koi are mature, their growth rate slows considerably; in sexually
mature fish, most of the food eaten is utilized in producing eggs or sperm
in preparation for breeding. However, unlike many other vertebrates, fish
continue to grow throughout their lives and it is easy for pampered Koi to
reproduce and continue to grow because of their artificially high feeding
rates. The cycle of rapid growth in summer and retarded growth in winter
produces rings on the fish's scales (much like the growth rings of a tree)
and a Koi's age can be determined by counting these rings. Some Koi-keepers,
however, who heat their pools in the winter, continue to feed their Koi
throughout the year. If a Koi has continued to feed during winter its rings
will not be clearly defined and it will therefore be difficult to age.
Koi feeding guide
Water Temp in °(C)
Feeding Quantity
Food Type
less than 10
Do not feed Koi
Temps. at 10° C of more than one month may require supplemental
feedings of low protein high carbohydrate.
10-13
2-3 times a week
(if Koi are hungry)
High carbohydrate, low protein, laxative type foods.
Wheat germ, squash, lettuce & brown bread.
13-15
4-5 times per week
(if Koi are hungry)
Add low protein (25%) pellets along with vegetables.
Increase quantities gradually as temp. increases.
15
Once per day six days a week
Low protein (25%) pellets along with high carbohydrate vegetables
and fruit.
15-18
Once or twice per day everyday
Gradually increase protein in pellets (35%) and quantity of pellets.
Vary diet with vegetables and fruits.
18-22
Once or twice per day
Bulk of diet should be 35% protein pellets.
Add fruits, vegetables and plankton for variety.
22-26
3-4 times a day
High protein pellets (35% to 40%) with color enhancers.
Add plankton, vegetables, fruits and shrimp.
