Breeding koi fish is a fun hobby although it is a time-consuming process. In order to breed koi fish for profit, it is very important to choose fish that exhibit ideal physical characteristics. Keep the pond clean and free of predators to increase the percentage of koi eggs that hatch and survive the first few weeks.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Choosing Koi Fish to Breed
Step 1. Choose fish that are at least 3 years old
Koi fish are not sexually mature until the age of 3 years. Wait until they are 3 years old to increase breeding opportunities and produce quality seedlings.
Koi are about 25 cm in size when they are 3 years old
Step 2. Find at least 1 male and 1 female to put in the breeding pond
Male and female koi fish generally look similar. However, during the breeding season, males have small white bumps on their pectoral and head fins. Remove any fish that do not want to be bred; otherwise you will get unwanted koi fish seeds.
- It is very easy to recognize the male fish during the breeding process because he will chase the female fish in the pond.
- You can put several male koi fish in the same pond.
Step 3. Select the koi fish with the physical characteristics you want to replicate
Consider the attributes you want to get from the koi seed. If you want to get a certain fin shape, choose a fish that shows these characteristics. Regardless of your desired physical characteristics, choose koi whose scales look healthy and are no less than 25 cm in length.
- If you are looking for a specific color, choose a parent koi that has that color.
- Do not use children's pet koi fish for breeding because these fish can suffer fin damage, bruises, abrasions, and even death during the breeding process. Take your koi fish to the vet if you are concerned about its injuries.
Method 2 of 3: Creating Ideal Conditions for Breeding Koi Fish
Step 1. Breed in late fall or early summer (if you live in an area with four seasons)
Koi fish usually mate when the air is warm and the water temperature has risen. It is very important to prepare yourself because koi can produce up to 1 million eggs.
If you're not in ideal conditions or don't have the space to hold the fry, consider removing the male fish from the pond this season. You need a pond as deep as 1 meter with a size of 2x3 meters to accommodate 5 koi fish. Prepare a larger pond to accommodate more fish
Step 2. Use a filtration system to keep the water clean
A clean pond is very important for the health of fish and their young. Use a special filtration system for koi ponds to keep the water clean during breeding season. This system is quite expensive, but necessary for breeding fish.
- Pond filtration systems can be purchased at pet stores or ornamental fish shops for around IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 20,000,000.
- If the pool is very dirty and full of algae, you may need to clean it thoroughly.
Step 3. Use a skimmer net to remove debris or predators from the pool
Predators (like other fish) and debris must be removed from the pond to protect the fish fry. Use a pond net or similar tool to remove anything that could injure the koi.
- Pool nets can be purchased at craft supply stores.
- If a cat or bird approaches the pond, cover the pond with a safety net to protect the koi. Use a net large enough to cover the entire pool area and secure it with large stones.
Step 4. Feed the koi 4 times a day during the breeding process
Increase the chances of successful breeding of koi fish by feeding them regularly for one month before mating. Feed the fish as much as the fish can eat within 5 minutes. Whole grain bread, oranges, and lettuce are some nutritious food options for koi fish.
Increase the protein intake given to koi fish because this can strengthen the body for mating. Protein supplements can be purchased from pet stores. Follow the breeding instructions on the back of the sales package
Step 5. Place a sheet of fry mat in the pond
This thing is a sticky carpet that koi can use to lay eggs. If the koi can't find a place to lay its eggs, it may not want to mate. Place the rug in an easily visible area at the bottom of the pool.
Purchase a fry mat from a pet store or ornamental fish store
Step 6. Set up a separate tank for adult koi fish
If you want to breed a large number of koi fish, it is very important to remove the adults so they don't eat the eggs. Make sure the koi tank is clean and equipped with a filtration system.
- If you want to breed koi in small numbers, keep the adults in the pond.
- Purchase a koi tank at a pet store. For 2 koi fish, you will need a tank of at least 380 liters.
Step 7. Let the koi mate
This process can take place quickly or take several weeks. Don't be afraid if the fish don't seem attracted to each other. Storms, moonlight, or changes in water temperature can help encourage fish to mate. So, be patient and let nature do its work.
After the koi fish mate, you will see the foam appear on the surface of the water and the eggs will be visible on the fry mat
Method 3 of 3: Caring for Koi Fish Seeds
Step 1. Look for foam or froth on the surface of the water
This indicates that the fish eggs have been released by the female fish. These eggs will be fertilized by male fish so that they are ready to turn into fish seeds.
- The eggs will hatch within 4 days.
- If you are breeding koi fish for profit, remove the mother fish from the pond when you see eggs or foam on the surface of the water.
Step 2. Give feed in the form of special powdered koi pellets after the fish seedlings are 10 days old
Mash the koi fish pellets with a blender or mortar and pestle until they become a fine powder. Sprinkle the powder into the pond. Pour in enough powder to allow the fish to eat for 5 minutes. Feed 4 times a day.
- Continue to feed the powdered fish fry until they are 4 weeks old.
- Over time, you will begin to understand the amount of feed your koi seedlings need to eat during the 5 minutes of feeding.
- Koi fish may take a few days to get used to eating powdered food.
- Feed on the tenth day after you see fish eggs.
Step 3. Add the amount of feed after the koi fish is 1 month old
Start feeding the pellets about the size of breadcrumbs after the koi is 4 weeks old. You'll still need to crush the pellets, but they don't have to be too fine.
Step 4. Kill weak fish if you are breeding them for profit
If you have a small pond and want to breed koi fish for profit, you may need to kill some fish. Look for fish that are too small, deformed, or have an unwanted color pattern.
- Ensure that the fish are disposed of humanely.
- You don't have to destroy the fish. Consider giving it to a friend or relative if the fish is still healthy.
- Koi fish can be culled at any age. However, it's best to wait until the pattern on the body appears so you can choose the fish of the color you want.
Step 5. Re-insert the mother fish after the koi seedlings reach a length of 8 cm
After the koi fish seeds start to grow, the mother will be friendly to her children. If you have removed the broodfish from the pond, this is a good time to return them to the pond.
