How much does a golden koi cost? A detailed guide to what it eats and how to choose one

The golden koi has only a single golden color over its whole body, with neatly arranged scales, and its entire body gives off a bright, crystal-like golden glow. When the water temperature is higher in summer, the golden color turns dark golden yellow. So, how much does a golden koi cost? What does it eat? How do you choose one?

1. How much does a golden koi cost?

The price of a golden koi is generally around 50-80 yuan each. The head of a golden koi must be bright and clean, with no shadows; the outer edges of the scales must be bright golden yellow; the pectoral fins must also be bright. Those that stay glossy and bright regardless of seasonal or water temperature changes are top-grade, and they are often used to crossbreed with various koi varieties to produce luxurious metallic koi, making them a major player in koi improvement.

2. What does a golden koi eat?

The golden koi is an omnivorous fish; plant fragments, bloodworms, earthworms, mealworms, silkworm pupae, rice, bread and fruit can all serve as food. However, today most keepers feed it a combination of artificial bait with vegetables, silkworm pupae, mealworms, shrimp and earthworms. Generally, a ratio of 60% plant-based feed and 40% animal-based bait is most appropriate. Or use special koi feed; a 1 kg golden koi needs to eat 30 grams of fish food per day, fed in 3-4 meals.

3. How do you choose a golden koi?

1. Body shape: the body shape of a golden koi is especially important; choose one with a well-proportioned, stout body.

2. Texture: the beauty of the golden koi comes entirely from the metallic texture on its body, together with its original golden yellow color.

3. Scale pattern: when choosing a golden koi, look at its scale pattern and check whether it is clear and neat.

4. Head: when choosing a golden koi, check whether the head is clean; only a fish with a clean head is a good fish.

5. Red markings: when choosing a golden koi, check whether it has any red markings on its body; red markings greatly reduce its ornamental value.

6. Bloodline: a golden koi's bloodline should also be considered, but bloodline cannot be seen or touched, so you can only rely on the fish seller's honesty.