People in the Philippines are very happy to see the return of the fresh water, as fish play an important role in their diet. The good thing is that the demand for freshwater fish is forecast to double by the year 2025.
What is koi fish you may ask? Koi fish, also known as koi carp, are beautiful and valuable fish that originated in Japan. They are usually gold or orange in color with a distinctive black stripe down their back. They are usually between 5-7.5 inches long.
Where can you find koi fish in the Philippines? You can typically find koi fish in lakes and ponds, as well as in small streams and rivers. Unfortunately, there are no known koi fish reserves in the country. While the government does try to protect all forms of wildlife, commercial fishing takes place in most waters. Illegal fishing for any form of fish is also a problem. It is therefore highly advised that you do not attempt to catch koi fish if you don’t know how to handle the situation professionally.
Table of Contents
Price Of A Kilogram Of Koi Fish
One popular brand of koi fish in the Philippines is Koi King, which costs about $38 a kilogram. A kilogram of freshly caught Koi King is considered to be the most tender and delicious fish you can ever eat. They are usually sold live, so when you buy them in the market, they will be at least 24 hours old. They should be prepared and cooked as soon as possible after being caught. You can store raw fish for only a short time in the fridge, but it is always better if you cook it as soon as possible after stocking your fish tank.
If you want to get your hands on some fresh koi fish in the near future, try going to an organic market or shop where they sell wild caught animals. This way, you will ensure that the fish are caught ethically and that they haven’t been exposed to any pollutants or chemicals. If you buy them from a reputable seller, you can rest assured that they were raised in an eco-friendly manner and will have a good percentage of their body weight in fish food when they are cooked. This is the best way to determine how much your fish will eat without the need to measure the size of their mouth first!
If you decide to raise your own koi fish, you will need to find out how much each kilogram of their food costs in the first place. Fish food for koi fish is relatively inexpensive, costing only a few dollars a bag, which is quite cheap. The good thing is that you can find a wide selection of fish food at any given time, which makes it easy to determine how much money you have left over after paying for the fish themselves! Remember: the more expensive the fish, the more expensive the diet!
Where Does The Name Koi Fish Come From?
The name ‘koi’ is used to refer to a group of specific fish that originated in Japan. These fish are distinguished from other varieties of fish by their distinctively large eyes and the slanted back along their bodies. Most notably, the koi fish are also known for their beautiful coloring and the way they move gracefully in water. They are also eaten for their high nutritional value alone, as they are extremely rich in both fat and protein. The ancient Japanese believed that the color yellow brought good luck and prosperity.
Koi fish have been around for centuries, with the first record of them being captured in Japan in 1017 AD. However, it wasn’t until the Edo period (1603 – 1868) that they began to be considered a fashionable food item.
How Long Does It Take For Koi Fish To Maturity?
The time it takes for a Koi fish to reach maturity depends on several factors, including its gender and the water temperature. Typically, it takes around three years for a male Koi fish to reach maturity, while the females mature a little faster. The best time to mate with a Koi fish is during winter, as the water temperature determines the sex of the offspring. When the temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it is mostly male offspring, while 75 degrees Fahrenheit means that it is mostly female offspring. When the temperature is at 65 degrees Fahrenheit, it is usually a mixture of both, with some male offspring and some female offspring.
If you want to raise your own koi fish, make sure you buy the correct variety for the temperature of your water. It is also advisable to get two of the same kind so that you can determine the sex of the offspring at a glance once you have stocked your fish tank! Due to their unique look and behavior, the majority of the koi fish sold in the market are between 2-3 years old. However, if you plan on displaying them in an ornamental fish tank, make sure that they are at least six months old because of their large size.
Is It Easy To Care For And Breed Koi Fish?
As with any other type of fish, it is relatively easy to care for and breed koi fish. You will simply need to ensure that you provide them with enough light and water so that they don’t become stressed or suffer from any diseases. It is also advisable to feed them a balanced diet of vegetables and fish food so that their color and appearance stay consistent. You can also take this opportunity to socialize with them.
It is also possible to buy the eggs of a female Koi fish and raise them to adulthood alongside your other fish. The eggs of a mature female are typically cream colored and have a thin covering that will peel away when you are ready to cook them. The yolk is a rich orange color and the texture is similar to that of a duck egg. While this may be a convenient way to ensure that you have some eggs for your breakfast, it is not advisable to buy unfertilized eggs, as it may be difficult to determine whether an egg is already fertilized or not. These eggs are typically not as delicious as the previously mentioned ones and it is always better to go the natural route.
Koi fish are beautiful creatures, not only because of their coloring but also because of their unique behavior. They are attracted to shaded areas near water and make their homes among plants and roots that provide them with camouflage in their surrounding area. They are also very peaceful and will not pose any danger to humans if left alone. Despite all these benefits, it is still not advised to buy or keep this type of fish in your home due to the fact that most varieties sold in the market are already 2-3 years old and have probably already been through at least a few spawning cycles. If you decide to keep them, make sure that you have a professional aquaristic company come and set up a comprehensive filtration and air purification system for you.
The demand for freshwater fish in the Philippines is expected to double in the next few years, which means that the supply will most likely become scarce. If you want to be able to continue eating delicious fish, you should consider buying or raising your own. This is especially relevant if you are in a country like the Philippines, where regulations regarding the sale of wild caught fish are lax. This makes it all the more essential that you are aware of how much each kilogram of food costs, so that you can budget accordingly when stocking your fish tank!