How Do I Know If I’m Under Feeding My Koi?

Underfeeding can be just as harmful as overfeeding, even if it’s less common. When water temperatures are low, a koi’s metabolism slows down. Feeding them in these conditions can be risky. During peak feeding times, underfeeding can lead to poor health and even death. Koi are natural survivors. Throughout their evolution, they have learned to eat almost anything in their habitat. If you stop feeding your koi, it can still find food in a healthy pond environment. If there’s nothing to eat, a healthy koi can survive without food for nearly a week. Signs your koi might be underfed include: – A thin body – A head that seems wider than the body – A sunken stomach – Sunken eyes – Dull coloration – Lethargy or low activity. Underfeeding can lead to negative effects such as: – Quick weight loss, especially in warmer months when they need more calories – Malnutrition – Slowed growth, which can affect smaller fish for a long time – Death As a general rule, if your koi are growing about ½ to 1 inch each month, they are likely getting enough food. But remember, other factors like the size of the pond or tank and the type of food can also affect their growth.