How to Purchase Koi

When it comes time to purchase your new Koi fish, you will need some knowledge in order to do it correctly.

Most likely this new Koi will be your companion for life. Prior to purchasing your fish make sure your pond is completed, your filtration system is working correctly and your plants are well established.

You may want to test your pond water with a few small goldfish. You know your pond is ready for Koi if they are able to survive and thrive. Koi’s live for several years, so it is important not to rush into things. Take the time needed to really prepare their space well. Prior to purchasing Koi there are some things you need to know.

One way to learn more is to contact your local Koi dealer. Some people choose to go all the way to Japan for a guided tour of Koi breeders. You will get to visit all the top breeders with a guide who is fluent in Japanese. You can also attend the All Japan Koi Show if you are in Tokyo during January.

Your guide will be knowledgeable about Koi and able to show you the unique characteristics of each fish. Once you pick a Koi, your dealer can help you negotiate the best price. The fish will be carefully packaged and arrive at your local airport shortly after you do.

You will want to begin with the basics if you are unable to distinguish a kohaku from an ogon. Picking the right Koi breeder is an important as picking the right fish. You want to find a dealer who specializes in Koi to make sure that you can get a healthy fish. Do not purchase your Koi from a huge warehouse pet supply store that only has a very small selection of Koi.

While you may be able to find a slightly larger selection at your local aquarium shop, you should not purchase your Koi from them either. Purchasing your Koi from a specialized dealer will not be that much more expensive than from a pet store. Make sure that you have the opportunity to pick your own fish. There are Koi catalogs, with some charging as much as $50 for a four to six inch long Koi.

You can get a nice Koi from Japan that you have viewed with a dealer for the same price. Be sure you are familiar with the average prices for the different varieties of Koi before you begin shopping. You can find some of this information by shopping online.

While it is possible to get many fine quality Koi through online dealers it is best not to purchase them from online auction sites such as EBay. When buying from EBay you really have no way to check the credentials and quality of the seller or the fish. Since Koi food has a limited shelf life you should avoid purchasing that on EBay as well. EBay can, however, be a great source of supplies for your pond.

Check the shipping costs on any purchases that you make over the internet. Sometimes you can end up paying more for shipping than you do for the fish. Any time you are spending more than $100 it may be worth your while to make the drive to your closest dealer. The internet is a great place to do research about Koi and Koi supplies. This way you can get an idea of pricing prior to going to the dealer.

You should bring a box with you to transport your fish when you go to the dealer. While your fish will be placed in a plastic bag it is easier to transport when placed in a box or cooler. Try and place your box somewhere in the car where it will experience the minimum amount of sloshing around.

Take a very careful look at a fish that catches your eye. Your dealer should be able to place the fish in a viewing tank so that you can view it from all sides. Don’t be afraid to ask for this service, most dealers are more than happy to do it. Watch how your fish swims carefully. You want a Koi that is alert and lively, not listless or swimming erratically.

A healthy fish will not just stay in one place with its head way up or way down. Check to ensure that the fish’s skin is in good condition and that the fins are proportionate to the rest of the body. While they may have different patterns, the left and right sides of the fish should be the same shape. There should be a nice U shape to the Koi’s head.

Also look for inflammation, splotches, scratches, and wounds on your fish. The eyes should be clear and the fins should be held to either side. The fins should be free of tears and rips. If you have really fallen in love with a particular fish that appears to have some problems ask your dealer if they are willing to treat it for a few weeks so that you can come back and get it once it is healthy.

You will also want to inspect the underside of any fish you are considering purchasing. You are checking to ensure that it has all of its fins and no injuries or inflammations.

Feel free asking your dealer lots of questions. Male fish are less popular than female fish, although it is hard to determine the gender of a fish under three years old. Your dealer should know where the fish came from and how long it has been in the store. This can help you determine its age. The bag containing the fish should be floated on top of your pond for 15 to 30 minutes before you place the Koi in the pond so that the temperatures can equalize.

Once you have waited about 30 minutes go ahead and let the fish out of the bag. You can use a net if you don’t want to touch the fish. The water from the bag should not be dumped into the pond. The fish most likely released a lot of ammonia and feces into that water during the stressful ride home.

Cover your pond with a net whenever you place a new fish into the pond. Whenever a Koi’s environment has changed drastically they are likely to jump. You do not want your new companion to jump out of the pond and die.

Leave the fish alone for awhile once it is in its new environment. The fish needs time to relax into its new home and release some of the stress from the big change. Wait a day or two before feeding your new fish. Their digestive systems will likely be upset by the trip and they will need time before they can eat.

New Koi should be put into quarantine for at least three weeks before being added to a pond that already contains fish. You don’t want your existing Koi catching any diseases that your new fish may be carrying.

More available information to help you with your yard:
Outdoor and backyard ponds
Landscaping around your pond
Pond furniture for relaxation
Home pools
Animals and pets

Koi Food Guide.com

Koi food guide

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Disclaimers

Where to buy