| Koi are unique in the fish world. Let's face it... most | | | | circumstances! In 1965, a very large Koi was |
| fish you keep in an aquarium are pretty to look | | | | examined by a Japanese professor and was |
| at, but as a pet, they're pretty passive. Koi, | | | | declared to be 215 years old, according to a study |
| however, have personality and will actually interact | | | | of its scales under a light microscope. Before you |
| with you. Once you buy Koi, they will steal your | | | | buy Koi, you need to know they require the right |
| heart with their bright patterns, intelligence and | | | | kind of high protein food. Feeding time is usually |
| friendliness. | | | | the Koi fancier's favorite time of day. Koi will learn |
| Before you run out and buy one at the nearest | | | | to come up and eat from your hand. They may |
| fish store, there are a few things you need to do | | | | also do acrobatics and create a small feeding |
| first. If you want your Koi to grow large enough | | | | frenzy that can be very entertaining. Koi are able |
| to be impressive, you need a large outdoor pond. | | | | to taste, hear and smell quite well. They even |
| If you don't already have one, you'll need to look | | | | blush when they are stressed, so they have a |
| into building one and making sure that there is | | | | way of communicating with you when something |
| adequate filtration to keep your Koi happy and | | | | is wrong. |
| healthy. Make sure your Koi pond has hiding spots | | | | Koi can not only make an interesting and unique |
| for your new Koi so they can avoid potential | | | | pet, they can become a profitable hobby if you |
| predators like Great Blue Herons and other | | | | have the room. With enough space, Koi breed |
| predatory birds who fish. Other predators they | | | | easily and those with good markings can bring in a |
| will need protection from may include raccoons, | | | | pretty penny. There are many pattern |
| snakes and kingfishers. You will also need to make | | | | classifications to describe these colorful fish and it |
| sure your pond is safe from water runoff that | | | | can be lots of fun trying to identify the patterns |
| may contain insecticides and herbicides. As your | | | | your fish have. For serious hobbyists, there are |
| experience grows, you will learn to routinely test | | | | shows where your brightly decorated carp can |
| your water for chemical composition, since fish | | | | compete with others. |
| and food waste can convert to ammonia and | | | | For most Koi enthusiasts, however it is enough to |
| other chemicals that are harmful to your Koi. | | | | enjoy the capers of these smart, attractive fish |
| While your pond is being built and being readied | | | | and spoil their favorites with treats like |
| for fish, learn about what Koi need to survive. Koi | | | | watermelon rinds and spinach. Watching fish swim |
| are known for their longevity. Are you prepared | | | | can actually help relieve everyday stress and |
| to care for these beautiful carp for 20 years or | | | | strain. You'll soon find that koi are addictive and |
| more? Yes, you read that right. Unlike most | | | | you'll look forward to your time out by the pond |
| tropical fish in an aquarium, your Koi will live a long | | | | relaxing while you watch these captivating fish. |
| time, and may even outlive you in some | | | | |