Buying Koi Fish: A Guide for Beginners

If you’re thinking about adding color, peace, and charm to your garden or backyard pond, koi fish are a great choice. Known for their beautiful colors and graceful movements, koi have been loved for hundreds of years, especially in Japanese and Chinese culture. But before you buy your first koi, it’s important to understand the basics. This beginner-friendly guide will help you make smart choices when it comes to buying koi fish online.

1. Set a Budget That Works for You

Before you start shopping, decide how much you want to spend. Koi fish come in different sizes, colors, and patterns—each with its own price range. Some koi are very affordable, while others can be quite expensive, especially if they are rare or come from well-known breeders.

Think about how many koi you want, the size of your pond, and what you can realistically afford. Having a budget in mind will help you avoid overspending and focus on the best options within your price range.

2. Learn About Koi Varieties

Koi come in many different types, each with unique color patterns and names. It’s a good idea to learn about the most popular varieties so you know what to look for. Here are a few common types:

• Kohaku – White with bold red markings
• Snake (Taisho Sanke) – White with red and black spots
• Showa (Showa Sanshoku) – Black with red and white markings
• Ogon – Solid metallic colors like gold or platinum
• Utsuri – Black base with bright markings of red, white, or yellow
  

Look at pictures, visit koi ponds, or read about different koi types to see which ones you like best. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time to pick your fish.

3. Buy From a Trusted Seller

Choosing a reliable seller is one of the most important steps. A good seller will care about their fish and provide healthy, well-raised koi. Here’s how to find one:

• Ask local pond owners or koi clubs for recommendations
• Read online reviews and look for sellers with good feedback
• Visit local koi shops or look for certified breeders
• Ask questions about the fish—such as where they were raised and what they eat
  

Reputable sellers will be happy to share this information and help you choose the right koi for your pond.

4. Check the Koi’s Health Before You Buy

When you visit a seller or browse their koi online, pay close attention to the fish. Healthy koi should look and act a certain way:

• Clear, bright eyes
• Smooth scales without marks or injuries
• Active swimming, not floating or lying at the bottom
• Clean fins and no signs of parasites
  

If a fish looks sick or is separated from the others, it’s best to avoid it. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller about the koi’s age, size, and health history. A good seller will be open and honest with you.

5. Quarantine New Koi Before Adding Them to Your Pond

After you bring your new koi home, don’t put them in your pond right away. It’s very important to quarantine new fish for at least two weeks. This means keeping them in a separate tank or small pond where you can watch their behavior and check for signs of illness.

Why quarantine? Because new fish can sometimes carry bacteria or parasites that might harm your other fish. Giving your new koi a short time in quarantine helps protect your whole pond.

Bonus Tips for Beginners:

• Start Small: If you’re new to koi keeping, start with just a few fish so you can learn how to care for them properly.
• Get the Right Equipment: Make sure your pond has a good filter and proper aeration (oxygen flow) to keep the water clean and safe.
• Feed Wisely: Use high-quality koi food, and don’t overfeed. Too much food can make the water dirty and harm the fish.
• Enjoy the Process: Koi keeping is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby. Take your time, learn as you go, and enjoy building a peaceful space around your pond.

Final Thoughts

Buying koi fish is more than just picking out pretty colors—it’s about making smart, caring choices. By setting a budget, learning about koi varieties, finding a good seller, checking the fish’s health, and quarantining new koi before adding them to your pond, you’re giving your fish the best chance to thrive.

Koi fish can live for many years and grow quite large, so your care and attention matter. With a little knowledge and love, your backyard pond can become a peaceful and beautiful home for these amazing fish.