How to Keep Butterfly Koi

The butterfly koi is a relative of the koi fish species. It has long, flowing decorative fins, which look like a butterfly -- hence its name. It is believed the butterfly koi is a cross between an ordinary koi and an Asian carp. It comes in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow and white. Butterfly koi should be kept in a pond.

Things You'll Need

  • Pond
  • Heater (optional)
  • Water pH and dH testing kit
  • Net
  • Pond filtration system
  • Pellet food
  • Aquatic plants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the fish in a large pond. Butterfly koi can grow up to 36 inches long. Place your koi in a pond of at least 1,000 gallons. Make sure the pond is more than 1 meter deep so it has enough room to swim and grow. There should be enough open space in the pond so your fish can swim and breathe.

    • 2

      Keep an eye on the temperature of the pond. The butterfly koi is robust and will survive in cold weather. However, make sure the pond doesn't freeze in the winter. Place a horse trough heater in the pond so the water doesn't get too cold. Butterfly koi can survive in temperatures between 30 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 3

      Maintain the pH and dH level of the water in the pond. Keep the pH between 6.8 and 7.2 and the dH between 2 and 12.

    • 4

      Protect your fish and keep the pond clean. Place string nets over the pond to stop debris from falling into the pond and to keep wild animals from disturbing the fish. Install a pump and filtration system to keep the pond water clean and clear.

    • 5

      Provide a good diet for your fish by feeding it a high-quality pellet food. Check that it doesn't have more than 30 percent protein. Place plants in the pond for the fish to nibble on. Koi like to eat roots, so make sure your plants are sturdy.