Detailed Feeding Instructions for Koi Fish
1. Natural Live Food
Animal-Based Live Food
Red worms (daphnia), cyclops, and tubifex worms: These have a protein content of up to 50%.
Disinfect with potassium permanganate solution before feeding to prevent parasite infections.
Mosquito larvae (wrigglers) must be frozen before feeding.
Plant-Based Live Food
Aquatic plants like duckweed and water lettuce: These are rich in dietary fiber.
Tear terrestrial vegetables into small pieces before feeding, such as spinach leaves and diced pumpkin.
2. Commercial Feed
Basic Feed
Growth feed: Contains over 38% protein, suitable for the growth of young koi.
Germ feed: Easy to digest, specifically designed for fry 1–15 cm in length.
Functional Feed
Color-enhancing feed: Added with spirulina and astaxanthin to boost color vibrancy.
Probiotic feed: Improves gut health, ideal for koi with sensitive digestive systems.
3. Special Foods
Animal Protein Supplements
Cooked fish or shrimp meat (remove bones and tear into pieces).
Pelleted feed made by mixing egg yolks with flour.
Fruits and Vegetables
Slice fruits like apples and bananas into thin pieces.
Carrot puree can enhance color brightness.
4. Forbidden Foods
Carbohydrates like bread crumbs and rice: These easily contaminate the water.
Untreated live food: May carry pathogens.
High-salt foods (e.g., pickled products).
Note: For daily care, it is recommended to use commercial feed as the main diet (accounting for 70%), with live food, fruits, and vegetables as supplements (accounting for 30%). Pay attention to water temperature changes during feeding; the optimal temperature for digestion and absorption is 20–25°C.