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The Butterfly Koi is originally from Japan and has been distributed worldwide. The Butterfly Koi varies in color and pattern, but is usually white, yellow, orange, or a combination of these colors. It differs from the standard Koi by having long, flowing finnage that resembles butterfly wings. Butterfly Koi can live over 200 years, but the typical life span is 25 to 35 years.
The ideal set-up for the Butterfly Koi is a pond of at least 1,000 gallons with a gravel substrate, rocks, and hearty plants. It likes to eat the roots of plants and will dig to get to them, so provide large rocks around the base of the plants to protect them. Adequate filtration should be provided in order to maintain proper water conditions.
The male can be differentiated from the female by the concave anal section, and sometimes, breeding spots on the head. Spawning may result in as many as 1,000 eggs and the fry emerge in about six days. Feed the fry small, live foods, and their color will emerge in about eight months.
The Butterfly Koi requires a quality pellet or flake food that does not exceed 30 percent protein.
Ideal pond mates include: Other Koi, Comets, and Fancy Goldfish of similar size.
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Name: Butterfly Koi (Cyprinus carpio)
Family: Cyprinidae Range: U.S.A. Size: Up to 36 inches Diet: Omnivore Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Hearty plants, rocks, gravel substrate Tank Conditions: 33-90°F; pH 6.8-7.2; dH 2-12 Minimum Tank Capacity: 1,000 gallons Light: Natural Temperament: Peaceful Swimming Level: No specific level Care Level: Easy Reproduction: Egg Layer |
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