Information on Butterfly Koi

Butterfly koi are a hybrid species that share colors and patterning with traditional koi but have slimmer bodies and longer fins. They also are more hardy than the traditional breed and withstand cold temperatures better. Their beautiful appearance, peaceful nature and ease of care have made them popular with pondkeepers.

  1. Description

    • Butterfly koi are usually white, gold, orange or some combination of those colors. They can grow up to 3 feet long. Like their close relatives longfin and dragon koi, their bodies are slender, rather than oval-shaped, and their long fins contribute to their butterfly-like appearance.

    History

    • There is some disagreement about when, where and by whom they were developed, as well as what species went into the mix. Breeders in Japan, the United States or both seem to have bred traditional koi with wild Asian carp 30 to 60 years ago to produce a sturdier strain. Some people have speculated that butterfly koi are a goldfish-koi hybrid, but most experts dismiss this idea.

    Care

    • Because they can grow so large, Butterfly koi should be kept in ponds with at least 1,000 gallons of water. The fish can survive a range of temperatures, from just above freezing to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and can eat high-quality, moderate-protein fish pellets. Butterfly koi typically live 25 to 35 years according to PetEducation.com.

    Pond-mates

    • A butterfly koi pond needs hardy plants because the fish tend to nibble at them and will even dig to reach the roots. Pondkeepers sometimes surround roots with gravel or a similar barrier. Butterfly koi have a mellow, non-aggressive temperament and coexist well with other koi, as well as goldfish and comets. They can also interbreed with traditional koi.

    Judging

    • Because of the differences in appearance and proportion from traditional koi, butterfly koi do not usually place well in competitions. In addition, because they're a hybrid, some purists don't consider them genuine koi.