We have 15 Japanese koi and fantails and 2 bottom feeders (algea eaters) that live in our 2500 gallon pond. The top pond is pretty deep and there is a waterfall that connects it to the bottom part where the fish live. It looks small in the pictures, but it's actually quite huge. Click on any picture to enlarge.
I thought I'd just share some pictures with you of my gorgeous pets. They each have their own personality and they're just awesome. A lot of people that come over ask how can they be your pet when you can't play with them. Well, see, they're great that way. They hardly require any maintenance expect food and clean water.
Koi can live anywhere from 20-60 years, they're like the parrots of the fish species. People leave them in their wills in case they die before the fish do. I'm sure mine are destined to outlive me! They also know their owners vibrations. When I come outside, they all swim up to the edge of the pond for attention and of course their food. Let's not forget their food - these animals live to eat. They love their food. You cannot disturb them when they're eating because you can tell they're gettin' pissed. They also don't know when to stop eating - they are like humans in that way. You have to be a little stingy with their food or they will overeat.
I read somewhere that if they are under stressed conditions like if the water ph is too high or there is not enough oxygen, then they will literally jump out of the water to try to commit suicide. In Japan, some people resort to installing mesh netting above the water to prevent this from happening. Hence, I get my water checked often. I do not want any $500 koi jumping ship.
