Before putting fishes in your koi pond it’s essential to know which fishes are perfect for a koi to live with. The primary factor to be considered is habitat. For example- a colder pond is not a better option for tropical fish.
On the same token, sunfish, perch, catfish and minnows are an ideal option to pair your koi with. In Japan, the meaning of Koi is good fortune. Moreover, it symbolizes good luck and represents courage.
There are over 100 varieties of koi that are red, yellow, green, white, black and any combinations thereof. Koi and goldfish are both types of carp and they are found together in aquariums and ponds. They both are distantly related and are most compatible with all of the available options.
Similarities and dissimilarities between koi and goldfish-
They both look similar and eat the same things. As they are from the same hereditary line, they both are excellent pond or tank mates. Have a look at some of the reasons why they are an excellent pond mix.
- Both of them requires low maintenance
- Their requirements of water and ecosystem are the same.
- They both are passive fishes so their food sources are also the same.
On the same token, they have 7 key differences that you must know-
- They look similar but they are 2 different species.
- Unlike goldfish, koi have barbels on their lips.
- Goldfish have fancy features, which are absent in koi. For example, bubble eyes, telescope eyes, short round body and a lot more.
- The lifespan of koi is larger than goldfish.
- Adult koi is larger than the goldfish.
- Unlike koi, goldfish have a signature double tail.
- The body of koi is longer than a goldfish.
Why my koi stay at the bottom of the Pond?
They prefer the bottom of your pond because it is the safest part of the pond. It provides better air quality and it is the perfect place to hide, sleep and hibernate. Swimming up to the top wastes a lot of energy, so when they are sick, they love to rest deep down.
If you notice your koi sticking at one place then this would be the case. Here are some recommendations for things to be placed on the bottom of your koi pond.
- To boost the quality of water you can place plants at the bottom of the pond. They are good for hiding spots and as a food for microorganisms that your fish will eat.
- Pebbles that look natural and promote healthy bacteria.
- A drain for easier cleaning and refreshing the water. Technically it is not essential but having a bottom drain offers several benefits like-
- Help the filters for making way for harmful and smaller materials.
- Through simple drainage, helps to maintain a better quality of water.
- Makes it possible to perform regular water changes without stressing fishes.
Are they Aggressive towards other Fishes?
Koi is almost friendly with its mates. However, if your pond has a predatory fish then this won’t be the case. They won’t try to eat anything from the pond except insects and tadpoles. Consequently, the list of mates with which they can be paired is extensive.
If other fishes in your pond are also non-predatory then there will be a perfect match. To defend themselves from aggressive fish, they will hide as they don’t have teeth for fighting.
They don’t attack other fishes but it is not uncommon to see two fishes fighting for the food. The 2 popular reasons when they become aggressive include-
- Fighting for the food
- Self-defense
They are harmless to other pond fishes If there are unlimited food sources available. Or else, they will fight with a fish of smaller size for the food.
Is there any fixed limit of fishes in a koi pond?
The number of fishes you have in a koi pond depends on the size of the fish and pond. As a rule of thumb, the size of your koi is based on sufficient space it has.
If you have few fishes in a bigger pond, then they grow larger than the average size. On the same token, you will need multiple fountains, waterfalls and other aeration tools.
Tips to make your koi more friendly-
Koi are friendly but they become more friendly if there is enough food around.
There are hundreds of varieties of koi. Acc. to the report of helpusfish.com, Chagoi koi are the largest, smartest and the friendliest koi. They are referred to as the largest koi breed as they can grow to 2-3 ft. in the wide-open spaces of a large pond.
A Detailed discussion of various fishes that can survive with Koi-
- Barbel- They have a lifespan of 20 years. Their size, characteristics, temperature and diet are almost the same. So, they can be referred to as a perfect tankmate of Koi.
- Catfish- As they are tropical fish, they are capable to survive in a wide range of temperatures.
- Goldfish- They are commonly kept with a Koi in a tank because of their similar characteristics. Besides diet, they both are cold-water fish.
- Golden Orfe- It’s hard to differentiate them from golden koi when they swim. The body characteristics of both are almost the same.
- Tench- Keeping this doctor fish with Koi won’t create any problem. It is believed by society that they are physicians of fish.
Things to be considered before Selecting Koi Tankmates-
- Keeping a social fish with them will be a profitable deal.
- Prefer fish species that are a bottom feeder.
- It is better if their characteristics are similar to Koi.
- Make sure that they don’t require more care than a Koi.
- Make sure that their size is similar to Koi.
Conclusion-
Koi fish are well-known for their strength, longevity and unique characteristics. They are very friendly with their pond-mates if you provide them a clean and safe environment supported by nutritious food.
If you notice a sudden change in their behavior, it is an indication that they have a basic need that is not being met.
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