People like to keep Koi fish because of the color they have as well as their ability to swim. These things become important to maintain them beautiful and most important for them to eat well. This vital nutrients makes them grow in size, develop color and maintain good health as is determined by the right koi fish food. Have you ever pondered on what the proper diet of koi fish is and how to feed those lovely fishes? This article will do that.
Koi Fish Diet: Normal Routines of Feeding
Food that can be given to Koi fish include protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. Proteins are useful for their growth and fats are useful for storing energy. Carbohydrates also provides energy and vitamins and minerals contributes to general well being. Those who purchase koi fish feeders must have this information in mind.
Quality Proteins for Growth
The proteins are the important nutrients to the koi fish since they are the growth factors. The important feed that should be used in producing koi fish food include fish meal, shrimp meal and soy bean meal since they are very high in protein. These proteins guarantee appropriate development of the pets and maintenance of muscles. In choosing the appropriate type of koi food to buy, always look for the label that lists the protein as the first ingredient specified.
Carbohydrates for Energy
The Koi fish food vector in the form of carbohydrates provides a relatively swift amount of energy. Koi fish is a good swimmer which implies some energy is always needed. Such carbohydrates sources as wheat germ rice and corn are frequently sources of carbohydrate in koi food. But the carbohydrate components ought to be moderated since too many carbs distort their shape and cause weight gain.
Fats for Energy and Color Enhancement
Koi fish require a certain amount of energy and their source includes fats. Also, they play a role in color improvement. Omega-3 and omega-6 fats present in food ingredients such as fish oil are responsible for sustaining color in koi. These fats also help in enhancing skin and scales thereby the beauty of your koi fish.
Vitamins and Minerals for Health
Vitamins and minerals are also needed to enhance the health of koi fish. It is most particularly vitamin C that is important in boosting the immune system and inhibits diseases. Some minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are important for bone and scale development. Koi fish food must be elaborate with some vitamins and minerals in a bid to promote health.
Pellets, Flakes, or Live Food: Which is the Best?
Koi fish food is available in different forms including pellets, flakes or ‘live’ food. Pellets are the most common and are available in various types, forms and sizes. The floating ones give you a chance to watch your koi eating while the sinking type is suitable for the bottom dwellers. Flakes provide a good feeding solution for the smaller koi but most flakes will disintegrate in water and create wastage. Access live food like worms or insects offers another way of feeding koi however, it should be about amino acids thus not overdone.
Choosing the Best Koi Fish Food
The koi slaughters are quite particular when it comes to selecting koi fish food. Younger koi require a higher protein content that is capable of supporting growth while adult koi are on maintenance feeding. Koi would have a slower metabolic rate in cold conditions, hence it is advisable to cut back on the amount fed. Make it your priority to look for koi food that has been formulated in line with these varying factors.
Seasonal Diets for Koi
The carrot is the seasonal ornamental fish koi that is mindful of the time of the year. In spring and summer seasons, koi fishes are more active and need more food. Therefore, this is
the time perfect to use a high-protein diet. Change their diet to wheat germ-based diet as the autumn sets as this is a more easily digested diet. Winter arrives and the water temperature drops below 10 °C. In this case, koi go to sleep and do not feed them.
Avoiding Overfeeding
Most Koi keepers make a mistake of overfeeding their koi fish. Too much food can lead to poor water quality and illness in koi fish. Give them food that they can finish off in few minutes, probably no more than five. Right after disturbing the water because of feeding make sure that you remove the left over food so that the quality of water does not reduce. Although frequent feeding which is not too excessive ensures the well being of your koi and the conditions of the pond.
Koi Food for the enhancement of Colors on the Fish
Color-boosting koi food has special ingredients that enhance the colors of koi fish, making them look beautiful. A certain algae called spirulina is a good example since it is loaded with carotenoids that enhance reds and oranges in koi. Another ingredient that enhances color is shrimp meal. There is so much of these nutrients they change the brilliant color of your koi into their natural color.
Treats for Koi’s Diet
Even though commercially prepared koi fish food is nutritionally complete, some treats every once in a while won’t hurt anyone. Lettuce or peas are very suitable treats to offer them as well. These treats also supplement the amount of nutrients offered to the koi and help improve their diet in general. However, treats must not be substitutes of their normal feeds.
Conclusion:
In feeding your koi fish there is thing that you must consider and that is feeding it with the right type of food. Proteins, carbohydrates, fat and fibre along with vitamins and minerals should be taken in daily diet. Feeding change according to season and the specific needs of the koi are useful to make koi to be more active and healthy. Taking care of the koi and providing them with the best nutrition possible will result into a beautiful koi pond.
