Koi Standard(Cyprinus carpio) is an ornamental carp selected for its variety of colours and patterns. It's a robust, lively and inquisitive fish, ideal for populating a correctly sized, filtered and oxygenated garden pond. It fits in well with our freshwater range and needs to be carefully installed, just like our well-equipped ponds and aquariums.

Behaviour & maintenance

Koi carp are gregarious and very sociable pond fish. It needs to be kept in groups in a large volume, with a good depth for overwintering.

• An active fish, it scours the bottom and constantly looks for food.
• Very
• To be kept in groups of at least 4-5 individuals in a suitable tank.

An outdoor pond of at least 1,000 litres for young koi is recommended, with a depth of at least 1.2 m for overwintering in our regions. It should have powerful filtration, good mixing and enhanced oxygenation. The use of starter bacteria is strongly recommended to kick-start the biological cycle. Check your parameters regularly with water tests.

Power supply

Standard Koi are opportunistic omnivores. It accepts a wide range of foods but must be fed a diet suited to koi to ensure good development and beautiful colours.

• Base: floating or sinking pellets for koi of the right size.
• Supplements: food rich in spirulina and carotenoids to intensify colour.
• In the warmer months: you can add natural prey (insects, worms, crustaceans), poached vegetables (small pieces of lettuce, spinach, peas).
• Reduce the ration sharply when the temperature drops below 10°C (slower metabolism).

Find our foods for koi and pond fish adapted to each season.

Water quality

• Ideal temperature: 15 - 24°C (tolerate 4-28°C depending on acclimatisation)
• pH: 7.0 - 8.0
• GH: 5 - 15 °dGH
• KH: 4 - 10 °KH
• Conductivity: 150 - 500 µS

Before introduction, treat mains water with a water conditioner to neutralise chlorine and heavy metals. Koi are sensitive to nitrite peaks and high nitrate levels: make sure the filtration is adapted to the volume of the pond, limit overcrowding and change the water regularly.

Decor & environment

A koi pond should be designed for the well-being of the fish as much as for its appearance:

• Pond bottom: smooth substrate (rounded sand/gravel) or bare geomembrane for easy maintenance.
• Zones of varying depths: shallow coping, intermediate zones and deeper pit.
• Hardy aquatic plants (water lilies, bank plants) to be protected as koi dig a lot.
• Add hiding places (tunnels, boulders, shaded areas) to reassure the fish.

Complete your installation with appropriate lighting to highlight the colours and maintenance equipment to keep the water clear.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

Always anticipate the adult size of your koi before you buy: fewer fish are better off in a large, well-filtered tank than the opposite. Monitor your parameters with water tests and adapt the quantity of food to the season.

Shipping & delivery of live fish

The fish are shipped with care in suitable isothermal packaging, ensuring their safety during transport.

Delivery methods

• France Express (secure home delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg)
• In-store collection at Sombreffe (Belgium)

Shipment organisation

• Orders closed: every Monday at 10.00 am.
• France: departures on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the delivery department, for delivery between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium & Luxembourg: departures on Monday and Tuesday for delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.