[MikeM]

The November, 1994 issue of Rinko (English) has an article concerning koikeeping on this Japanese island located near Taiwan. Typically, water temperature stays above 20C during the coolest part of the year. Due to the warmth year-round, the hobbyists interviewed observed:

1. Their koi grew much faster and larger than on Japan proper.

2. They feed without any fasting year-round.

3. High protein food is given "twice to three times longer than in Japan proper".

4. They have difficulty with heightening color, as occurs when koi experience cold seasons.

5. The hobbyists were wanting to develop their own food for color heightening.

6. Koi were fed at night to avoid the heat of the day. One hobbyist stated: "I try to give food at night, three or four times a day, starting from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m." The same hobbyist commented: "They are likely to grow bigger when they are given food at night than when they are in the daytime."

The hobbyists commented that statements on proper koikeeping techniques in Japanese magazines were not necessarily appropriate on their island. They had the challenge of learning what was proper in their conditions.

And, that is why I'll continue adding to this thread as I come across warm climate koikeeping articles. I am not endorsing these viewpoints. Just sharing them.