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Friday, March 16, 2007

Koi Fish Design: Employ it in Your Pond!

Building a pond in the backyard is not any minor undertaking. It entails a great amount of hard work, time, and at the same time, financial funds. Designing a pond must be taken seriously since it will form part of the permanent features in the garden. You cannot just decide on removing it whenever you feel like or whenever your passion to care for the fish fades away. As for the planning stage, you must already know which kind of fish you would be filling the pond with.

Before you hire the workmen and arm yourself with a shovel, carefully think about the type of pond that you wish to build and of course, the kind of fish that will be placed in it. Some fish do not survive in artificial water. So, the kind of water is another factor to think about.

The Types of Pond Designs

The Natural Pond. This design usually follows the contour of the natural bodies of water such as that of the natural beach with stone designs. This design of pond allows the growth of plants at the edge. It also gives out the impression that the pond has not been man-made.

The Formal Pond. This geometric pond design must complement the materials to be used plus the structures which are present in the environment. The formal pond is usually symmetrical and can either be squared or rectangular in shape. Its edge may be paved. The plants which are employed in a formal pond are those which are artistically chosen instead of the common wild plants that grow in natural ponds.

The Raised Pond. The raised pond is what the name exactly suggests. It is elevated from the ground with the use of stones, bricks, or blocks. Lesser waste materials are excreted from it but the construction expenses are higher as well.

After conceptualizing on the type of pond design, next comes the decision on what fish to house in it. The Koi fish is among the most loved pets of today. There are however several kinds of this Japanese carp fish. Most people mistake the Koi fish for goldfish and there are these experts that come up with the thinking that the Japanese people breed the Koi fish to imitate the physical well-being of the goldfish. Let us go into some historical accounts of the Koi fish.

The breeding of the Koi fish as a worldwide account came in 1914. In the past, its breeding came purely as a Japanese stuff. It was during the period when the shipping procedures came to be a lot safer and faster together with the fact that fish death ranked to be very low. Then suddenly exploded the hobby of rearing the Koi fish.

The Koi fish is classified according to its coloration, patterning, and scalations. The primary colors of the Koi fish are the purple, yellow, black, white, blue, and deep orange. A metallic gleam is often seen on the Koi fish’s scales. Hence came forth the term Gin Rin. There are Koi fishes that don’t have scales and they are called the Doitsu. This class emerged by the crossbreeding of the German carp and the Nishikigoi.

There are several Koi fish designs and it is up to you to choose which one you want to keep in your ponds. For some advices, you can seek the help of the Koi fish experts or the dealers.

Monday, March 12, 2007

How to Care for the Koi Fish

The Japanese carp, otherwise known as the Koi fish, embody deep symbolisms within its magnificent beauty and attractive shape and coloring. For the traditional Japanese beliefs, the Koi fish stands for perseverance, bravery, and courage most especially when dealing with life’s adversities and obstacles. The Koi fish design has also been the favorite subject of painters and sculptors. Today, the tattoo business has also discovered the genuine beauty emancipated in the design of the Koi fish.

The Koi fish is among the well-liked and best-loved class of those fish breeder. Most of the times, collectors of Koi fish purchase the best of its class for the purpose of breeding them and listing them up for prestigious fish shows and competitions. As it is said, the Koi fish ranks as one of the most peculiar fish there are in the world. The Koi fish can be tamed and trained. Koi fish collectors and breeders are amazingly able to stroke them and feed them with the use of their bare hands. It is known to be one docile fish.

The Koi fish lives in a natural habitat, that is, the pond. But then several of the Koi fish breeders and collectors keep them in big glass tanks especially when they are unable to afford the luxury of building ponds into their gardens. So how should you care for the Koi fish if you intend to purchase and collect them?

When you get Koi fish from reputed breeders, do not forget to ask for advices and tips regarding to the type of food that must be fed to them, the kind of water to keep them into, the chemicals to adopt and avoid, and the process of breeding them.

In general, the Koi fish class is very sensitive especially to the food and chemicals added into their survival. There are certain chemicals which need to be put into the water in their habitat so as they will be conducive to survive. Another sensitivity to which the Koi fish is often subjected to is the chemicals added into the food given to them. The chemicals on the food they eat are likely to affect their colors.

Now, if you wish to keep Koi fish in reddish or pinkish colors, you must give them foods that contain lots of carotene. If you intend Koi fish with multi-colors, you can opt to use the algae kind which is otherwise known as the spirulina. This food can bring out the red patches in the body of the Koi fish but without disturbing the other coloring pigments present in their physical appearance. Needless to say, the colors of the Koi fish can be maneuvered by simply controlling their diets. It is much advisable to feed them with the guaranteed Koi food.

Other supplementary foods include the tiny worms and little prawns. Such action tames the Koi fish and allows you to hand-feed them. Koi fish also loves fresh lettuces. But never overfeed your pets because the more they take in food, the more they excrete. Their wastes contain ammonia that likely pollutes the water. Therefore, always clean the tank. A very fat Koi fish will not look pleasant. Its body will become heavy. When it lacks in exercise, it will hence become sickly. Polluted water will bring several sorts of diseases for the Koi fish. Furthermore, be very certain with the care you give your Koi fish.

Monday, March 5, 2007

Points to Consider When Buying Koi Fish

If you intend to keep Koi fish in your home, you must be acquainted first with the basic knowledge and know-how with regards to their existence. Buying Koi fish is not a decision to rush about. You surely do not want to regret buying and keeping them in the next years to come. Koi fish, the Japanese-bred carp which mainly functions as an ornament, are major attractions to home keepers and pet lovers due to their immense beauty and coloring. The Koi fish can live for a span of twenty years or more in as much as three feet or so.

Most people are attracted to come up with a collection of Koi fish. The most beautiful sorts of Koi fish can cost up to half a million dollars. They can likewise be purchased from both private or public sources and whether by amateur or professional Koi fish collectors. A pond set up for a collection of Koi fish cannot be completed at once with just a wink of an eye. It takes time to gather up enough number of Koi fish species to be bred. Coming up with a Koi fish collection is surely an investment that accounts to sufficient money, heartache, and time devotions.

What do you expect from buying Koi fish? Why do you want to buy Koi fish? First and foremost, you must decide on your own personal taste when it comes to the breed of Koi fish you want to buy. When intending to buy Koi fish, look into and decide on the matters such as the class, quality, price bracket, and the source from where you will get the Koi fish. How much is your budget? Will it suffice to buy Koi fish? Remember also that you must have enough funds to sustain their maintenance such as their food and medications when diseases strike them.

What must you remember when buying Koi fish?

First, dwell into the readings pertaining to Koi fish, how they behave and live, and what amount of care is needed for them. You can consult several sources, clubs, and websites from the internet. You may also get in touch with Koi fish specialists.

Be ready with the pond before buying the Koi fish. The water must be filtered and must contain 18 inches of water level. In most cases, the Koi fish survive most in deep-set water levels. Moving water can aid in oxygenating the water. Ensure that there is enough space for the Koi fish to stay in quiet corners.

Buy healthy Koi fish. Get those with clear eyes, without any missing scales, and with erect fins.

Take note that the Koi fish’s price range depends on their sizes, color pattern, shape, and availability.

If possible, shop for Koi fish during the cool weather. It will be easier to transport them since their metabolism speed slows down during the wintertime.

Koi fish must be fed with pellets either once or twice in a day. The pellets are sold in most pet and fish shops locally or through online dealership.

Provide the ponds with some hiding places so that the Koi fish will be safe against predators. It will be best to secure a pond cover.

Bear these things in mind and you will surely enjoy buying and collecting Koi fish of all sorts!

Butterfly Koi Fish: The Ornamental Elongated-Finned Koi Fish!

Having Koi fish among garden ponds and aquariums is among today’s popular options when it comes to fish pets. Many breeds and varieties of Koi fish are now widely available in most continents especially in the United States and Japan. Koi fish, which originally came from China, is a type of fish that is being considered as the carp fish’s domesticated and ornamental variations.

Among the most popular varieties of Koi fish is the butterfly Koi fish. This is a variety of Koi that was developed from the Indonesian carp and distinctive of their long tails and fins; hence, they are called Longfin Koi or Long Fin Koi. This type of Koi is also known as dragon carp.

History of Butterfly Koi Fish

The butterfly Koi fish, which is notable for its elongated fins, was first introduced in the mid-20th century. It was the result of Koi fish breeders’ effort to create a variety of Koi with increased hardiness. A notable Koi fish breeder named Wyatt LeFever have interbred a traditional metallic-colored Koi with a Longfin river carp from Indonesia. The result was a Koi fish with longer fins, pompom nostrils, with long barbells and hardier than the traditional Koi.

LeFever called them “butterfly” Koi fish because they have a trait that looks like butterflies. It was then known in Japan as “onagaoi” or sometimes as “hire naga Koi” which means “Long-Tailed Koi” in English. That’s why Buttefly Kois are also popular as Longfin.

Butterfly Koi as Ornamental Fish

Nowadays, the Butterfly Koi fish is among the most famous and top choice when it comes to ornamental fish. That’s largely because of their beautiful traits. They have pretty, long and flowing fins that have feather-like appearance. Aside from that, this Koi fish have appealing pectoral, dorsal, caudal, and ventral fins.

Just like traditional-finned Koi fish, butterfly Kois also came in gorgeous scale patterns, colors and metallics. Hence, they were named by the Chinese as the “swimming flowers” and by the Japanese as the “living jewels”. But, the most notable characteristics of butterfly Koi are its hardiness and its ability to endure cold temperatures as compared to traditional Koi fish.

Butterfly Koi and Koi Fish Breeders

Despite the appealing beauty of the Butterfly Koi fish, however, they are not very popular among the many Koi fish breeders around the world; this is especially true among traditional Koi breeders. As for these breeders, the Butterfly Koi fish is an inferior breed of Koi and they dislike them. For this very reason, some retailers of Koi fish don’t have Butterfly in their inventories. Also, many popular and trusted Japan breeders seldom breed Butterfly Koi fish.

Butterfly Koi Fish and Japan’s Competitive Judging

The attitude of many traditional Koi breeders may also be the reason why Japanese Koi competitions have disallowed the Butterfly Koi to be included in competitive judging. According to them, Butterfly Koi can’t be classified the way a traditional Koi fishes are. This is because they have set criteria that are specifically designed for judging Koi and that butterfly is not a likely candidate. The following is among the criteria.

- The Fin’s Relationship to the Koi’s Body – For most Koi competition, the fin-to-body ratio is very important and a butterfly exceeds that ratio by at least 500%-1000%.

- The Conformation of the Koi Fish – Most Koi experts believe that for a Koi fish to qualify in a competition, it should be oval in shape and the butterfly are slender in nature.

- The Differences of the Body Patterns – Butterfly Koi fish have different patterns from traditional Koi and these patterns are also rather important in a competition judging.

But no matter what, some Koi lovers are still appraising Butterfly Koi as among the most beautiful breed of Koi. Thus, if you want your ponds or aquariums to have great-looking ornamental fish, the Butterfly Koi fish is a great option.

Friday, March 2, 2007

Basics in Koi Fish Breeding

Breeding Koi fish is very enthralling but can also be difficult sometimes. It is because Koi grows up large and also because you have to find good parent in order to spawn superb Koi offspring. In case you aren’t familiar with Kois, they are colorful fishes belonging to the carp family that were initially bred more than 200 years ago in Japan.

If you are among those individuals who want to breed Koi, the ideal months to start it is between April and July. These months are said to be the perfect time for mating.

Here are several other important aspects that need to know to get started.

-Quality of your Koi. In your aim to breed Koi, the first thing to consider is the quality of fish. Kois that are suitable and high quality will surely spawn good quality offspring. Hence, you need to select the parents that will give you Koi fishes that match your pattern and coloration preferences. It is advisable to maintain the cleanliness of the bloodlines of your Koi in order for them to make first-rate Koi fish.

-Age of the Fish. The age of your Koi also needs to be considered. Those that are young or old enough may not easily breed. Their age also influences the eggshells’ quality. The young females usually spawn thin shells, which may hardly survive while older females can give off hard shells wherein sperm can’t make a way into. The ideal age for a Koi to breed is 4-5 years.

-Fish Conditioning. Once you already have Koi males and females for the breeding activity, you need to condition them for a year. Your tank or spawn pond should contain two males for every female Koi. Male Koi will usually chase the females or rub the side of the female’s body using their heads. Through this, females will be inspired to spawn.

-Preparing the Location. There are various things that Koi needs in order to breed.

These are:

+Medium or a Place where they can lay their eggs – Medium for Koi breeding can be branches of evergreen that are tied together and perched. They can also lay their eggs on the grass, which is usually found in the bottom of the pond. The media can also be artificial such as PVC pipe having nylon rope that’s fastened and frayed.

+Privacy – The fry typically needs a place where they can hang out after being hatched. Since they aren’t capable of swimming yet, they have to be placed in a secure and safe area.

+Water Quality and Right Pond Temperature – aside from good quality of water, the breeding pond should have oxygen and proper aeration. After spawning, water in the pond should be replaced.

-Eggs. The eggs of Koi are very sticky so they will adhere well. If the eggs develop like a fungus substance, there’s nothing to worry about. That could also contain lots of eggs. Good-quality eggs are usually translucent while the unfertilized eggs are white. The eggs should be separated from the parents because together with the fry, they can be eaten up.

-The Fry. After hatching, let 3-4 days pass without feeding them. After this period, they should be exposed to a very good source of food. The ideal temperature for growing fry is 70-75 degrees. During the first month, you should start culling.

Koi breeding and raising can be a whole lot of fun, but you need to understand the basics if you want to be successful.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Baby Koi Fish: Thing to Remember When Breeding Them

There are a lot of enthusiasts who maintain ponds at home. They think that doing so will bring them close to nature. Wouldn’t it be such a nice experience to watch these Koi fish swim and glide? More so, it will be cute and interesting to rear baby Koi fish also. Indeed, when fish is within your care, they serve as a rejuvenating scene to look at. But then all do not end in simply paying for them. Koi fish comes in a variety of colors such as gold, deep orange, yellow, calico, and white. They also range in shapes and sizes. With their magnificent beauty, more and more fish lovers are engrossed towards buying baby Koi fish and eventually breeding them.

The Koi fish is of the carp family which came to be first bred in the country of Japan at about 200 years back then. In these days, most people come to breed Koi fish as part of their hobbies and at times they intend to list up for shows and competitions.

Do you wish to rear baby Koi fish? Then you must follow the steps listed below for a successful breeding of baby Koi fish.

You must understand there is an appropriate time for everything. As for the mating of Koi fish, the best time to have it is from the months of April up to July. When into the breeding process, try out the one-to-one proportionate ratio of the females with the males.

Bear in your mind the age of the Koi fish. The Koi fish which is neither too young nor too old do not easily reproduce.

When the female Koi fish appears to be bloated, it means that it carries in its womb the eggs. With this, you must put into the pond a male Koi fish which is of the same size. Try to separate the other Koi fish that will not be bred so that the male and female Koi fish will focus on each other.

Help out the Koi fish in forming some natural nesting places in the pond with the use of willow cuttings or synthetic brush which are to be submerged into the underwater. The Koi fish is likely to breed underneath the brush.

Just right after the spawning process, it is to be expected that the breeding pond will hence appear cloudy and will emit the most unpleasant odor.

In a single breeding, the female Koi fish will lay thousands of eggs. They thus need to be segregated from the adult Koi fish so that they will not be eaten.

Look out for the hatching of the eggs. They will come out in a week’s time.

As a part of the religious caring for the baby Koi fish, they need to be fed five times in a row within the day especially in the early months of their existence.

You must also realize that not all of the hatched baby Koi fish will likely go straight into adulthood. More than half of it may die.

The baby Koi grows as much up to 36 inches. Such growth is affected by the size of the pond, feeding scheme, and aeration in the area.

Are you now ready to breed for another set of baby Koi fish? Just bear these things in mind and wish yourself good luck!