|
Most serious koi breeders I know like to breed their koi in a controlled environment. The reason they do this is to be able to avoid fungus and other things that can adversely affect a spawn. Once the eggs are treated, removed from the foul water of the spawning container and the water temp controlled, they have fry to release in the ponds in about 3 days.
KFG, you can spawn your koi in a natural environment, and on lilly pads. It's just that you won't get the survival rate with the fry. Of concern is any rocks or sharp edges that a female might be shoved into causing additional grief. As your learning you can become more diligent. Maybe the first spawn effort should be as much for the education of it than doing exactly as the professionals. Many times a spawn will start around 4 am and you must monitore so that the parents are not seriously injured. Besure and have a quiet spot for the female to recover for several days. The males can go back into the regular pond but not the lady till the spawning scent gets off her ( or she will continue to be driven )
I have found the timing important to get a couple to pair up. I like 4 days before a full moon, increased oxygenation in the spawning area and the ability to drop or raise the temps 4 F to help set off the spawn but then to be able to stabilize the temps so that the water does chill leaving the eggs/fry at risk. So this spring see if you can get near a full moon with stable evening and day temperatures forcast for about a week or so.
the secret with fry is to be able to feed them live foods the first month. You'll need to read up on how to have an explosion of daphne in the rearing place for your fry. You can try brine shrimp but it's lots of work and not near as effective. Your first cull will come after 30 days and the babies should be able to be close to an inch long already. Solid whites and reds are offed the first time, then as each month progresses, a proper pattern is sought after.
|