The pros and cons of female koi....

[koiczar]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell Peters Female Koi can throw their eggs without a male in the pond. I have had it happen and I have seen it happen at the Dutch Koi Show.

So much for boys night out!!LOL

[luke frisbee]

Do those Koi watch the "L" word?

[adreamer2]

Seems like the female would become "impacted" correct?....


adreamer2

[D@z]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori There has to be a trigger for the female to induce spawning and that is the male...

This is not the case. I had 2 females holding in 1000 gallons (UK) last spring, waiting for the right time to spawn them, and one of them spawned. Female koi can and do spawn even when they are completely alone. Female koi can and do have eggs 'stripped' by other females.

These fish were in a formal concrete pond too, no blanket weed or plants (potential spawning sites) at all.

The chances are hugely reduced if only females are kept but it still does happen.

[schildkoi]

Yes, females can throw eggs without males....not what I would actually call spawning though (Doing the nasty ). It typically still takes a triggering event though such as a change in water chemistry/temperature.

Most "show people" will always turn to the females for the reasons stated...imposing appearance of a large female and there is no doubt (at least for me) that females and males should not be kept together past the age of 2-3 (to prevent spawning and ultimately damaging a prized show Koi). Also, females typically develope slower and "finish out" at a larger size than males, also making them have typically a longer period of enjoyment.

BUT, for those with smaller ponds that enjoy competing in the smaller sizes, a male Koi/pond can be pure enjoyment as well. Also, males will tend to be cheaper (for the stute anyway) within a given "quality range". Males can also have their place with the non showing hobbyists due to the lack of size (typically) and easier care.

Just my $.02

Steve

[vipldy]

I have both at this time and my females are much more friendly and eager to eat. The males are more timmid. The body shape is also more pleasing to me.



Marie