Transporting Koi

Author: Richard Guest of Pets Parade Team

Occasionally you may need to move your fish from one pond to another or to transport
them to a koi show or even to the vets. When the situation arises it is essential to
use the correct techniques and equipment to ensure safe and easy transport of your
fish. The first requirement is a good strong net large enough for your pond. If the
net is too small much time will be wasted in chasing the fish around and a great deal
of stress caused to your koi. The correct method of catching a Koi is to move the net
underneath the fish without lifting it from the water and guide it into a bowl or
other suitable container. Lifting the net out of the water with the koi in it runs
the risk of the anal or dorsal fins becoming entangled in the mesh. This can be very
difficult to untangle and can cause damage to the fish. Once in the bowl the Koi
should be lifted into a strong plastic bag, these can be purchased from aquatic
centres or online from Pets Parade.

The fish swims in to the bowl safely
No harm or stress is caused to the fish

The correct way of handling your fish

Just enough water to cover the Koi should be put into the bag, this allows space for
the maximum amount of air to be trapped inside. This last point is very important
the air trapped in the bag dissolves in the water during the journey and provides the
koi with oxygen. Filling the bag to the top with water will not allow any fresh oxygen
to dissolve and on a long journey your Koi will die! Any Koi over 12 inches / 30cm in
length should be double bagged as their fins are quite capable of puncturing a single
bag. Each bag should be fastened by its own elastic band. If you are transporting fish
over a long distance and they will be in transit for an hour or more it is best to
inflate the bags with oxygen. This can usually be arranged at your local aquatic centre.
It is good practise to stop feeding your fish 4 -5 days prior to moving them if you
have any great distance to travel. This minimises the amount of waste passed by the
fish as they travel and reduces pollution in the water in the bags.

Just enough water to cover the fish should be put in the bag

Once the fish are safely bagged place them into a strong cardboard or polystyrene box to
stop them rolling about in the car. With the box lid closed the Koi will also remain
quieter and less stressed in the dark. The bags are best placed flat in the box as this
prevents any fish becoming trapped in a corner and also exposes the maximum surface area
of water to air. Pack any excess space with inflated empty bags. Large Koi should be placed
with their length across the width of the car to prevent their noses rubbing on the bag.
Finally once you have arrived safely at your destination the Koi should be floated on the
surface of the water in the bag for 20 - 30 minutes to allow a gradual equalisation of
the temperature. It is a good idea to open the bag and mix a small amount of the new pond
water in with the water in the bag to gradually acclimatise the koi to differences in
water chemistry. Ensure the top of the bag is kept open during this period to allow oxygen
to mix with the water, or place an airstone into the bag to gently aerate it.

Gradually mix the pond water in to the bag

© Petsparade Ltd

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Transporting Koi

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