Butterfly Koi 3-4"
Assorted Butterfly Koi
Butterfly koi, longfin koi, or dragon carp are a type of ornamental fish notable for their elongated fins. The fish are a breed of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, which includes numerous wild carp races as well as domesticated koi ("Nishikigoi").
Butterfly koi originated in the mid-20th century as a result of an effort to increase the hardiness of traditional koi. Japanese breeders interbred wild Indonesian longfin river carp with traditional koi. The resulting fish had longer fins, long barbells, pompom nostrils, and were hardier than koi. These were known in Japan as "onagaoi" or "hire naga goi", or translated in English "long tail carp".
These stunning UK-bred Butterfly Koi are perfect for outdoor ponds. They grow to a large size and will need a minimum depth of 3ft. Colour supplied at random.Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. We are unable to guarantee the exact size, colour, sex or age of the assorted butterfly koi you are purchasing.
Why are they called Butterfly Koi?
Randy LeFever, the son of Wyatt LeFever, a noted breeder of koi, is credited with suggesting they looked like butterflies, a trait for which the breed is named.
Do Butterfly Koi eat plants?
Ornamental Koi tend to have an uneasy relationship with pond plants. Either they will eat them, or move them around so much as to damage them. It is generally not a good idea to keep plants in a dedicated Koi pond. Plus, it is so much more rewarding to view your prized Koi fish unobstructed.
Features
Approx. supplied size: 8-10cm / 3-4"
Maximum size: 90cm
Origin: Japan - They are a hybrid
Family: Cyprinid
Ideal number kept together: 1+
Water Conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 12 °C
Water flow: low to moderate
Ideal temperature: 2–30 °C
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 12 °C
Water flow: low to moderate
Ideal temperature: 2–30 °C
Ease of Care
Easy to moderate. Will tolerate varied water conditions.
Easy to moderate. Will tolerate varied water conditions.
Compatibility
Butterfly Koi will happily live with other Koi and coldwater species, but avoid smaller goldfish or minnows who may nip their fins.
Butterfly Koi will happily live with other Koi and coldwater species, but avoid smaller goldfish or minnows who may nip their fins.
Diet
Feed a mixture of flake and small pellets. To achieve growth, feed a high-protein pond pellet. When it gets colder you can feed them Wheatgerm, however, do not feed them below 10°C.
Feed a mixture of flake and small pellets. To achieve growth, feed a high-protein pond pellet. When it gets colder you can feed them Wheatgerm, however, do not feed them below 10°C.
Breeding
Egg layers, readily farmed in captivity.
Egg layers, readily farmed in captivity.
Life Span
Koi can live 25-35 years in perfect conditions.
Koi can live 25-35 years in perfect conditions.
For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.
