These are answers to commonly asked questions on Koi...

1. Maximum life span is over 200 years in exceptional cases; average life span is more like 25 to 35 years.

2. Maximum length is about 3 feet. Koi will reach 18 inches in 3 to 4 years, depending on the pond size, food, and water conditions.

3. We feed our fish once or twice a day depending on the season. Koi can go for 10 or more days without food without harm. They will eat almost anything but we feed them pellets that are specially made for Koi. These pellets come in different sizes and varieties. Koi can also be fed dried or fresh shrimp, lettuce cooked rice or cooked oats.

4. Some of our fish are imported from Japan by air freight. The rest of our stock are the results of our own breeding operations here in California. Koi are transported in plastic bags with water and oxygen and packed in cardboard boxes.

5. Our ponds are not heated, but the water is constantly aerated and filtered. Our filters are cleaned regularly even though the pond water appears to be clear.

6. Selling price of Koi is determined by size, body shape, color, pattern, and availability.

7. Koi can withstand a wide range of temperatures, however sudden changes in temperatures are not good for them. Koi can survive under the ice in extreme cold as long as the water does not freeze solid. Koi will not move around or eat much if the pond water is very cold.

8. Some individual fish just inexplicably die, but overall, Koi are remarkably hardy and healthy fish; much more so than goldfish or tropical fish. Chlorine or chloramine in city water an i windblown insecticides are very dangerous to Koi. Smaller Koi have a much higher mortality rate than larger Koi and are more susceptible to diseases and changes in the environment.

9. Koi get along well with goldfish or other tropical fish; as long as the other fish aren't aggressive or small enough to eat.

10. Koi can be kept in aquariums as well as ponds. Aquariums need good filtration and aeration systems. A filter utilizing carbon is recommended for aquariums.

11. Koi are not live bearers but lay thousands of eggs in a single breeding. Koi must be at least 3 to 4 years old and of sufficient size before they breed. Koi require special water conditions and environment for breeding. The eggs and baby Koi must be separated from the adult Koi or they will more than likely be eaten. The baby Koi hatch in about 3 to 7 days depending on the weather. The survival rate for baby Koi is less than 50%.

12. There are several color varieties of Koi with different names for each variety. Koi with more than one color are unique in that there are no two that look exactly alike.

13. Raising Koi can be a fascinating and relaxing hobby. For the avid Koi enthusiast, there are Koi shows in which Koi compete according to their size and class.

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