25. Feeding Your Pond Fish
Good nutrition is essential for a healthy, sound and active population of pond fish, so feeding your pond fish on a schedule is very important. The pond fish available today are far removed from their carp ancestors, and though generally still very hardy, your pond animals require careful observation, good husbandry habits, excellent water quality and only the best foods. From their foods, fish absorb proteins, fats, carbohydrates and many other nutrients that build strong bones and muscles, sound organs, good slime coats, and healthy immune systems. Much research is conducted around the world, particularly among the top breeders of show-quality goldfish and koi, to produce high quality foods. Properly fed and well filled out fish are much more likely to survive an outbreak of disease than fish fed inferior foods.
Observe fish carefully for nutritional status. Pinched in bellies, large heads relative to the rest of the body, low activity levels, and washed out color may indicate nutrition problems. Feeding your pond fish per the food instructions is also important. You can also add enhancements to any Koi food with Bio-Pro by Aqualife.
Nutrition Schedule
Fluctuations in temperature in the spring season cause fluctuations in fishes’ metabolism. These fluctuations lead to digestive problems and you should avoid feeding diets containing high protein. We recommend:
As water temperature begin to warm, fish will become more active. This is a good time to observe how your fish overwintered. Slowly begin to feed taking care not to overfeed. We recommend:
AquaLife Koi Select ASF Premium All Season Formula
SER289 Sera Professional Spring/Autumn Food
Since this is their active growth season, fish will eat much more. Be careful not to overfeed – goldfish and Koi tend to overeat. However, a wide variety of foods should be fed for added nutrition. This is the time to feed a high quality food rich in protein and color enhancing characteristics. We recommend:
Spawning Season
Most fish just before and just after spawning will have heightened appetites and a normal diet will be adequate. During the spawning period appetites will drop off significantly. We recommend:
In early autumn, gradually reduce protein intake. As water temperature drops reduce feeding. We recommend feeding
AquaLife Koi Select ASF Premium All Season Formula
SER289 Sera Professional Spring/Autumn Food
If you have followed the schedule above, your fish will be ready to overwinter till the coming spring. When water temperatures cool to 55 degrees, cease feeding and the estivation will begin. If unseasonal temperatures increase and fish are more active, feed very sparingly.
Ser295 Koi Professional Winter Food
View All Recommended Koi Foods
