Habitat

Butterfly Koi are typically kept in outdoor ponds or large aquariums. They require a clean, well-oxygenated environment with plenty of space to swim. A pond with a depth of at least 3 feet is ideal to protect them from temperature fluctuations and predators.

• Water Temperature: They thrive in water temperatures between 59°F and 77°F (15°C to 25°C).
• pH Level: They prefer a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5.

Size

• Length: Butterfly Koi can grow up to 24 to 36 inches (61 to 91 cm) in length, depending on their environment and care.
• Weight: They typically weigh between 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kg) when fully grown, though some can grow larger.

Offspring

Breeding Butterfly Koi is similar to breeding traditional koi. They typically spawn in the spring when water temperatures rise. Females lay eggs on aquatic plants or spawning mats, and males fertilize them. After spawning, the eggs hatch in about 4 to 7 days, depending on water temperature.

• Fry Care: The fry (baby koi) should be kept separate from adult koi, as they might eat the eggs or young fry. The fry are usually fed with specially formulated fry food until they are large enough to eat regular koi food.

Behavior

Butterfly Koi are peaceful fish that can coexist well with other koi and similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. They are active swimmers and are known for their graceful movements, particularly when their long fins and tails flow behind them. They are also social animals and can become tame enough to be hand-fed.

Diet

Butterfly Koi are omnivorous and have a varied diet. In the wild, they feed on algae, plants, insects, and small aquatic animals. In captivity, they should be fed a balanced diet of high-quality koi pellets, supplemented with fresh vegetables (like lettuce and peas), fruits, and occasional protein sources such as shrimp or earthworms.