Koi

Koi are ornamental carp bred in Japan for their colours and patterns, with popular varieties such as Kohaku, Sanke, Showa and Butterfly koi. They are social, long-lived fish that can grow to 60 cm or more, so they belong in a pond or a very large tank, not a small aquarium. A koi pond needs strong biological filtration, good aeration and plenty of depth, and koi should be kept in groups.

In the UAE summer, shade the pond and keep the water moving, because warm water holds less oxygen. Remove chlorine from tap water before top-ups, and feed less on the hottest days. Quarantine new koi for a few weeks before you add them to an existing pond, so you do not bring in parasites or disease.

When you buy, look for koi that swim actively, hold their fins open and have clean skin without red streaks, ulcers or white spots. Selling koi in the UAE? Post a free ad on AnimalMarket24 with photos, sizes and the variety, and buyers can contact you directly.