How to Breed Red Male Koi

The koi fish are also known as Nishikigoi or "living jewels" by the Japanese, who initially reared koi for their amazing beauty. These ornamental fish are bred for a diverse range of striking colors, including orange, black, yellow and red. Red male koi are vibrant-colored fish that offer a fascinating display of primeval mating tactics.

Things You'll Need

  • Male and female red koi fish
  • Infusoria and algae supplements
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Instructions

    • 1

      Breed red male koi only after they reach maturity. Red male koi should be bred between 3 and 5 years of age, and females should be bred between 4 and 6 years of age.

    • 2

      Identify a red male koi to breed. Adult koi are smaller in size than female koi, and they have white spots on their pectoral fins and gills.

    • 3

      Breed red male koi in late spring if you are breeding them in an outdoor tank. Female koi produce eggs during this season, as the water temperature is favorable for breeding, rising to between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Isolate two male red koi with one female red koi in a separate pond for at least a month to ensure successful breeding. Male koi tend to push the female koi against the pond walls as part of the mating ritual, to force the eggs out and fertilize them.

      Tie together several branches of fern or rafus palm and scatter them throughout the pond. The sticky eggs from the female koi will adhere to the surface of the foliage. The foliage should not have sharp edges that can injure the koi.

      Keep a watchful eye on the male koi, so that they do not harm the female koi. Separate the female red koi from the male koi if the male koi become overly aggressive. Give her time to recover and reintroduce her to the tank later.

    • 5

      Observe the female spawn or release the eggs in the water. She will release a thousand sticky eggs in the early hours of the morning. The male will follow her and fertilize the spawned eggs, which attach themselves to anything they touch, particularly the foliage. The eggs will hatch within a week. Separate the eggs from the parents, as the koi will eat the eggs. Place the male koi and the female koi in two different ponds or indoor aquariums to rest.

    • 6

      Feed the fry a day after they hatch, as they will survive on their yolk sac on the first day. You should feed the fry infusoria and algae supplements four times a day for 3 months, and newly hatched brine shrimp thereafter.