Robert W asked:
How do you no if they have spawned or not?
How do you no if they have spawned or not?
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Is there a specific time koi spawn?3 comments to Is there a specific time koi spawn? |
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Depends where in the world you are keeping your Koi. In the UK spawning is usually between mid March and mid June and ultimately depends on the weather.
Look for the eggs around the edge of the pond or in the reed growth or round any other feature of the pond.
I am in the US, in USDA zone 5, and here the koi spawn in mid to late May. The answer above is correct, however, in that it depends on your water temps. Generally, your water temperature has to be about 68-70 degrees F. Also, a major water change (50% or so) can sometimes induce spawning, if the weather/temperatures are right, too.
As for telling if they have spawned or not: it’s usually kind of difficult if you haven’t actually observed them spawning, especially in the absence of any eggs stuck to the surfaces in your pond (that’s the best way to tell!). The only other way to tell is to observe and know your fish well. The females will look slimmer, and perhaps even slightly bruised or battered after spawning. The males’ body shapes don’t change, but they may look a little ragged, too – spawning is hard work!
Also, if your fish seem unusually quiet or tired, are off their feed a little bit, etc., for a day or two, that can be quite normal after spawning, too. However, if that sort of behavior goes on longer than just a few days, you need to check for other potential causes.
Finally, check your water parameters. A large ammonia spike can also be a sign of recent spawning, as all of the exertion from the chasing around, combined with the secretion of ***** in the water, can really foul your water quite quickly. It may even lead to a filter crash if you are not careful.
Hope this helps.
march to June in UK