Just as much as the growth of every human being is greatly affected by the nutrition he gets, the Koi fish’s growth rate also depends on the feeding pattern employed by the owner. Many other factors affect the rate of growth of the Koi fish. Included are the genetic backgrounds, water temperature, stocking density, and water quality.
It goes to explain as well the fact about how the Koi fish rapidly grows in the months of the summer season when the temperature is relatively warmer than ever. When the Koi fish matures, its growth rate slows down. When the Koi fish is thus ready for sexual intercourse, the food that it eats is primarily utilized in the production of the sperm or eggs as a preparatory step for the breeding process.
Secondly, the quality of water present in the Koi fish’s habitat also affects the growth rate. Logically, the appetite of the Koi fish is affected by a poorly managed environment. The quality of water likewise poses great effect on the metabolism of the fish so the digestion of the Koi fish food is hindered.
Thirdly, the pond’s stocking density affects the enlargement of the Koi fish. The Koi fish lengthens as it ages but the limited space in a pond may hinder it.
Koi Fish Food - How it affects Their GrowthFourthly, the genetic background is of course one factor which cannot in any way be altered. The genetic background of the Koi fish produces the same effects as those with the human beings.
Fifthly, the Koi fish is ectothermic. Meaning, the temperature in its body is affected by the water temperature present in the pond. When the water is warmer, the appetite of the Koi fish escalates. It is the same with its capacity to digest. But then when the water is cold, the opposite thing happens. During the winter months, it will be best to give the Koi fish some cereals so that it will be easily and quickly digested. If the food remains too long in the Koi fish’s gut, bacteria will be formed that will therefore cause infections to the fish’s body.
Koi fish food must contain all the vital minerals and vitamins so that a healthy body will be possible. These elements are the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The proteins are consisted of amino acids. In the Koi fish diet, all of the thirteen vital amino acids must be included. These elements allow the Koi fish to grow healthy, repair any damaged tissues, and likewise produce the sperms or eggs.
The protein deficiency causes the Koi fish to engage in slower growth rate and the deformation of the spine. The fats are the main source of energy for the Koi fish. They also form the membranes that surround the walls of the cells. The carbohydrates, on the other hand, provide energy to the Koi fish and likewise help out in the metabolism process.
More so, the vitamins are divided into two principal categories. They are the water-soluble and the fat-soluble. The fat soluble vitamins are stored into the body fat and any excess in it causes hypervitaminosis. Meanwhile, the water soluble vitamins are quickly absorbed by the body and are not excreted. The minerals which must be included in the Koi fish food aid in the skeletal building structures, building of nerves, osmoregulation, and in the maintenance of the gaseous exchange in the blood system.
As for the feeding process, the food that must be given to the Koi fish will depend on their age, size, and appetite. It is a must to supply enough nutrition to the Koi fish so that they will grow healthy.
