Description
Butterfly koi originated in the mid-20th century as a result of an effort to increase the hardiness of traditional koi. Japanese breeders interbred wild Indonesian longfin river carp with traditional koi. The resulting fish had longer fins, long barbells, pompom nostrils, and were hardier than koi. These were known in Japan as "onagaoi" or "hire naga goi", or translated in English "long tail carp".
These stunning UK-bred Butterfly Koi are perfect for outdoor ponds. They grow to a large size and will need a minimum depth of 3ft. Colour supplied at random.Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. We are unable to guarantee the exact size, colour, sex or age of the assorted butterfly koi you are purchasing.
Why are they called Butterfly Koi?
Randy LeFever, the son of Wyatt LeFever, a noted breeder of koi, is credited with suggesting they looked like butterflies, a trait for which the breed is named.
Do Butterfly Koi eat plants?
Ornamental Koi tend to have an uneasy relationship with pond plants. Either they will eat them, or move them around so much as to damage them. It is generally not a good idea to keep plants in a dedicated Koi pond. Plus, it is so much more rewarding to view your prized Koi fish unobstructed.
Features
Approx. supplied size: 8-10cm / 3-4"
Maximum size: 90cm
Origin: Japan - They are a hybrid
Family: Cyprinid
Ideal number kept together: 1+
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 12 °C
Water flow: low to moderate
Ideal temperature: 2–30 °C
Easy to moderate. Will tolerate varied water conditions.
Butterfly Koi will happily live with other Koi and coldwater species, but avoid smaller goldfish or minnows who may nip their fins.
Feed a mixture of flake and small pellets. To achieve growth, feed a high-protein pond pellet. When it gets colder you can feed them Wheatgerm, however, do not feed them below 10°C.
Egg layers, readily farmed in captivity.
Koi can live 25-35 years in perfect conditions.
In stock orders placed before 2pm will be despatched on the same working day (not including palletised items, pond plants or fibreglass ponds).
Pre-orders are shipped once we have the stock available and will be shipped using the service chosen at checkout.
All services are working day services and do not include delivery on Saturdays and Sundays or public holidays as standard. Deliveries are usually Monday to Friday only, although some Royal Mail items may be delivered on weekends as standard if the service is available in your area.
SERVICE | SPEND | COST |
Packet/Courier items | ||
Royal Mail (2-3 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £2.99 |
Royal Mail Next Day (1-2 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £4.99 |
Parcelforce 24 (1 day) | £0.00-£49.99 | £7.99 |
Parcelforce 24 (1 day) | £50 and up | FREE |
Pallets (booked in) | aquariums / bulky items | |
Pallets Standard (3-5 days) |
- | FREE |
Pallets Express (1-2 days) |
- | £39.99 |
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*EXCLUDED ITEMS | extra delivery fees apply: | |
Fibreglass Ponds (booked in) | ||
Zone 1 (7-10 days) |
- | £79.99 |
Zone 2 (7-14 days) | - | £149.99 |
Zone 3 (7-21 days) | - | £249.99 |
Pond Plants (direct from grower) |
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All pond plants (3-10 days) | one-off fee regardless of order size/value | £5.99 |
Please see our full delivery information page and terms and conditions for detailed information on shipping policies and zones