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Koi Aquarium Care Guide

Cyprinus rubrofuscus

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Keeping Koi in an aquarium requires the right conditions.

Aquarium Information

  • Care level: intermediate
  • Temperament: peaceful
  • Diet: omnivore
  • Minimum tank size: Koi are not suitable for typical indoor aquariums due to their large size and need for ample swimming space. They require large outdoor ponds, ideally with a minimum of 1,000 gallons (3,785 liters) for the first fish, and an additional 100-200 gallons (378-757 liters) for each subsequent fish.
  • Compatibility: Koi are generally peaceful and can coexist with other large, non-aggressive pond fish such as goldfish, Shubunkin, and other carp species. They should not be housed with small fish that could be perceived as prey or aggressive species.
  • Special requirements: Koi require well-filtered, oxygenated water with good circulation. Ponds should be deep enough (at least 3-4 feet or 0.9-1.2 meters) to provide thermal stability and protection from predators. They benefit from a varied diet and regular feeding. Overwintering in colder climates requires careful management, often involving pond heaters or moving fish indoors.

Water parameters

Temperature
39-77°F (4-25°C)
pH level
7.0-8.0
Hardness
100-250 ppm (5-14 dGH)

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