Butterfly Koi

Butterfly koi is a variety of ornamental fish developed during the middle half of the 20th century by Japanese breeders to increase the traditional koi’s hardiness. The other fish involved in the butterfly koi’s creation is the longfin river carp, also responsible for its elongated finnage. Wyatt LeFever, a famous koi breeder’s son, pointed out this species’ closeness to butterflies, also giving them their name. Besides Japan, where the butterfly koi originated, their popularity has also spread to North America, where they are nicknamed American Koi.

Quick Information

Other Names	Dragon koi, dragon carp, longfin koi
Origin	Japan
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Not recorded
Behavioral Characteristics	Peaceful, friendly, adjustable
School Size	3 – 4
Physical Traits (What do they look like)	Slender body, hardy built, long, flowing finnage (that gets more attractive with the fish’ age), long barbells (forming elaborate designs as they increase in length), and large pompom-like growth around their nostrils
Colors	White, orange, cream, yellow, red, black, and blue
Size (How big do they get)	Big; 92 – 102 cm (36 – 40 inches)
Lifespan	25 – 35 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Present; Males are slender, while females appear rounded especially when they carry eggs in their abdomen. The male butterfly kois also have pointed and solid-colored pectoral fins than their female counterparts
Probable Diseases	Fin rot, cloudy eye
Approximate Price	$ 25 onwards

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Intermediate
Tank Size	30 gallons (113.5 liters) for juveniles; 50 gallons (189.2 liters) for adults (per fish)

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.8 – 7
Temperature	36-90° F
Hardness	9 – 18 dGH
Aquarium Water Flow	Moderate

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Moderate
Substrate Type	Fine gravel, rocks, hardy plants
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Goldfish, common pleco, tiger barb, golden orfe, and common barbel Incompatible with: Fin nipping species, particularly those of the tetra family like the emperor tetra,  serpae tetra, and neon tetra
Suitable Position in the Tank	Top or middle

Feeding

Diet	Flakes, pellets, live of frozen foods like daphnia and bloodworms
Frequency	2 -3 times a day

Important Things to Know For Fish Keepers

• Many owners have expressed concern about their butterfly koi not growing to the size it should. The reason could be a lack of space, stress, or even inappropriate water conditions, which need to be addressed immediately.
• Butterfly koi tends to jump, so attaching a tight lid to the aquarium is essential. There may be ample reasons behind their jumping from excitement to agony. However, too much of it could result in injury to their fins. So, make sure that their dwelling place is stress-free, for which partial water change is needed on a routine basis.

FAQs