Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a new (or newest) addition to your pond.
Like any getting-to-know-each-other period, there is going to be an adjustment and acclimatization period. You may experience some unusual behaviors or quirks. Here are a couple of things that you can do to make your koi fish feel a little more at home.
The Right Environment
A new home that is already finished is great for your koi’s stress levels. Dechlorinated water, with a pH of 7.2-7.8 and acceptable nitrite and ammonia levels will make the transition a lot smoother.
To help keep that water within ”normal” parameters, it can be helpful to introduce your koi fish in smaller numbers as opposed to all at once, which—depending on the size of your pond—can impact the water’s chemistry substantially.
Let it float
If you have had your koi shipped, it is important to float the bag (with the fish still in it) on the pond or tank’s surface for 30 minutes to let the ambient water and bag water temperatures calibrate. Extreme temperature changes aren’t good for your koi who may already be stressed.
If you are introducing during the summertime, try to keep the bag out of direct sunlight or put a towel over the top of it to stop the water overheating.
Of course, not all koi will have enjoyed the trip as much. In the instance that you notice your koi’s mouth is above the surface and is gasping for air or generally lethargic and having a hard time remaining upright, skip the floating and get it into the water.
Safety Net
It can be helpful to put netting over the pond for up to a week after you introduce your newest addition. It is a stressful time for a koi and they can leap out of the water. It can also be helpful in keeping predators from snacking on them.
Some Other Things to Consider
There are some behaviors that your koi might exhibit when they first get into the pond that shouldn’t cause immediate panic. They include:
- lying down on the bottom of the pond
- rapidly darting to the water’s surface and then back down
- swimming with their mouth above the surface
- hiding
- seeming lack of appetite
These are all normal reactions to the stress of shipping/transportation, and these behaviors should subside quickly.
The first couple of weeks are an important period for new koi fish. Monitor them closely to look for signs of stress. Make sure that they are fed (but don’t over do it). And, as noted already, if they don’t seem interested in eating for the first few days, don’t fret. Koi can go up to a week without eating.
Some enthusiasts recommend quarantining new koi for up to two weeks before adding to the pond to ensure that any pathogens or parasites are not inadvertently introduced. That is why it becomes important to know where your koi are coming from and to use reputable sources and suppliers wherever possible.
At Next Day Koi, our koi fish for sale are sourced from some of the biggest and most reputable suppliers in the industry. All of our fish are quarantined in separate holding facilitates, and during the minimum 2-week quarantine period the fish are monitored for any signs of health issues. We also offer a 14-Day Worry Free Guarantee.
Additionally, if you have questions or concerns about the health of your koi, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.