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I wanted to breed koi as soon as I started keeping koi. It is more exciting to breed koi than most other types of fish because you never know what you will get. Its sort of like the assortment box of choclates or a lottery ticket. As tedious as it is, I love the culling process.
That said, you have to realize that only about one fish in 10,000 to 100,000 will be really nice - and then only if you are working with good genes. A few more can be acceptable, but most are junk. So, to make a really nice fish and to make any money in the business, you have to start with a lot of room - much more than just a back-yard pond or swimming pool. When you start measuring your ponds in acres instead of gallons, then you are at the right scale. I only have about 100,000 total gallons (1/10th acre) which is way too small to expect much. I am proud of myself if I can make one decent fish per year and sell enough junk fish to break even on the expenses.
This should not keep anyone from breeding koi though because the process really is a lot of fun. While you are not likely to win the lottery, that possibility still exists and, wiith practise, the odds increase. If nothing else, you will come to appreciate why good koi are so expensive. All it takes is a couple of mature brood fish and an empty pond or large tank for the offspring. If you go into it realizing that breeding koi is just another way to spend time and money on a hobby, then it will be really enjoyable. It you expect to make your fortune or become famous, you will likely be disappointed.
steve hopkins
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