Keep Healthy Pond Fish | The Facts About Over Feeding Koi And Other Fish
Today I would like to discuss how you can maintain the health and vibrancy of your Koi, goldfish and other popular pond fish varieties by feeding the right amount of fish food.
Your Body Digests Food Differently To Billy The Fish
Unlike human beings, fish don't have a stomach as such. Instead they have one long intestine that extends from their throat to their vent (anus).
A Koi's digestive tract is more efficient the longer food remains in contact with its gut. The longer the contact, the greater the number of nutrients absorbed. In many ways this can be likened to the speed at which water containing microscopic algae cells passes through a UV clarifier. If water passes through too quickly then exposure time to UV light will be insufficient; rendering the unit pretty much useless.
These nutrients are essential for development and growth, fin and cartilage repair, maintenance of healthy bones and blood flow. In fact these nutrients are required for nearly every bodily function.
That is why it is important when choosing a fish food to always consider the nutritional content (protein and vitamins) as well as the shelf life and freshness. Avoid foods that contain plenty of fillers. They are of little calorific value and quickly pass through the fish's digestive tract.
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Observe Your Fish and Watch Their Behavior
Pond fish will often appear to be constantly on the look out for a tasty morsel; this is especially true of koi carp (the pigs of the pond) who are fantastic foragers and often responsible for uprooting potted pond plants, in their quest for food.
You can't really blame them because they are acting according to their nature. They are looking for a favourite snack; some tasty insects. Ever the opportunist, they will often venture to the service hoping that some fish pellets have been added to the surface of their home.
In fact if you add floating pellets to the surface and the fish show little interest then one of two things is happening: they have already been fed and are full or they are sick (unhealthy).
In a healthy pond that contains the right fish loading (number of fish) and adequate biological filtration for the size of the pond then your fish should have a whale of a time ... sorry I couldn't resist throwing that one into the mix.
Ok moving on swiftly ... If given the above scenario you are still experiencing pond water problems, then chances are you are over feeding Billy and his buddies. This is a waste of fish food and money. It also places increased strain on the pond filter.
It takes roughly four days for your pond fish to expel today's food through their vent. During this four day period, enzymes will break it down and utilize the nutrients for cell structure, egg production, or growth and energy.
How Do The Different Seasons Affect Nutrient Usage?
In spring, all the nutrients will go toward reproduction. After spawning, any available nutrients will be used to bolster immune systems, and also for growth and replacing depleted energy reserves. Just before the onset of winter, and the slowdown of the metabolic rate, is the time when your fish will experience a growth spurt.
A common mistake by pond owners, particularly during the warmer summer months is over feeding. This is not only a waste of money but also a major contributor to water quality problems.
Feeding fish every other day, so as to minimize waste is not cruel. As stated earlier it takes around four days for food to pass through the fish's digestive system.
When it comes to feeding fish their fish food then less is definitely better; for the fish and the pond water quality.
The little fish in the corner will manage to get a meal at least every four days, I assure you, if it is healthy. And if it is healthy, that is all it will require.
Fish are lucky in many respects. If they miss a meal then it's not the end of the world. We humans on the other hand need to feed at least once a day; preferably three, and become cranky and irritable if we don't.
Let's try not to think of our water dwelling friends as being like us. They are built differently and have different requirements. Once you understand this, and realize that under feeding them is doing them a favor then you can have the nice, clean pond your fish deserve.
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