Koi Fish Food Guidelines

Koi are ornamental domesticated varieties of common carp for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and dependent on Koi fish food available mainly in pet shops.

Koi are categorized as omnivorous fish thriving for both plant and meat substances. Scientifically-manufactured fish foods are suitable for feeding them to enhance their coloration and propagation.

Koi are cold-water fish which normally live between temperatures of 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77degrees Fahrenheit) and do not react in cold weather temperatures. Their food intake decreases during winter time in view of the fact that their digestive system slowly processes the food they take.

Their appetite comes back when the water becomes warm in spring time.Pet supply shops offer assorted Koi fish food that is scientifically manufactured for Koi and other fish in the form of pellets.

Fish foods are formulated to be nutritionally balanced. Majority of Koi food comes into two varieties: floating and sinking. Floating fish foods encourage Koi to come to the surface and also provide the opportunity to feed your Koi in the palm of your hands. However, Koi are bottom-feeding fish and best suited to sinking food.

Formulated Koi fish food contains various elements such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals which are essential to promote healthy bodies, growth, and propagation. Proteins allow Koi to develop, repair damaged tissues, and produce eggs and sperms.

Carbohydrates are the source of energy for Koi and helps in the metabolism. Fats work in a similar fashion and pro. Vitamins are important for the growth of Koi, normal metabolism, and increased spawning activities. Minerals aid in basic metabolic functions of Koi as well. It includes building skeletal and nerve structures, osmoregulation, and efficiency of gaseous exchange in the blood system.

As an alternative to formulated fish food, Koi can be fed with a wide assortment of food including, watermelons, peas, and lettuce. They often enjoy devouring live foods including cockles, prawns and earthworms. Tadpoles from frogs are fed during spring, while in summer, silkworm pupae are great source of proteins.

Japan exports these live foods for your Koi and has a desiccated variety as well. However, overfeeding of these live foods will bring diseases to your Koi if not monitored properly. It is advised that these be fed as occasional treats to your Koi.

Koi enthusiasts should not rely mostly on live foods as a staple diet for their Koi.

There are some organisms and foodstuff which are not recommended to be fed to your Koi. Maggots are carrier of harmful bacteria from decaying flesh. White bread contains an element of bleach which will do no good to your Koi.

Peas, beans, and corns are hard to digest because of its hard outer casing.

Koi hobbyists should know the basic nutritional guides and feeding manner for their Koi.

Koi should be provided with enough food for them to consume. Leftover fish food will sometimes be stale and lack the nutritional value our Koi needs. Unattended food in the water promotes propagation of bacteria which brings disease and sickness to our Koi.

In order to have a reliable and nutritional fish food, formulated Koi fish food are recommended for feeding your Koi to attain and maintain Koi fish health, ideal color, growth and better propagation.

Randy Tan is a koi breeding expert. For more great tips on koi food and general koi care, visit http://www.koibreedingtips.com.