dechoong
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Jun 17, 2005, 10:22 PM
Post #2 of 5
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Re: [Tiramishu] food and sumo body
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Hi,
I'm afraid the body conformation of koi is predominantly determined by genetics. Good food definitely helps, but I would give the influence of genetics to food at least a 7:3 ratio.
Another major factor not to be overlooked is the size and depth of the pond. As mentioned in a post elsewhere, the ideal depth of the pond is 3 times the length of the largest koi. Somehow the pressure from the water has a significant influence on how the body of a koi develops.
As for koi food, the best I've come across for gaining girth without causing pot belly is Hikari Hi-Growth, followed by Saki Hikari Growth. Apparently, Japanese breeders also suggest high protein paste food fed on a regular basis.
Most quality spirulina based food will do the job of enhancing the color of your kois. However, not all spirulina color food are made the same and most will cause yellowing of the shiroji if fed in high enough portion. Personally, I find Hikari Excel gives the best result in the long run.
I find the digestion cycle of kois to be around once in 3 hours. Ideally, kois should be fed between 1-2% of their body weight daily (depending on water temperature). Weigh the food and divide into 4-5 portions and feed accordingly throughout the day. The general guideline is less portion per serving but make it up with greater frequency.
Hope it helps.
Rgds,
Dennis
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