Buying koi fish can be an enjoyable experience. You may be surprised by the size and color of the fish that you see, and you will get to watch them grow over the years. However, there are many things to consider before you make a purchase. It's important to do your research and find a good koi dealer.

 

Koi fish prices are determined by several factors. The size of the fish is the most obvious. However, the color of the fish is also important. You will find that rarer colors cost more. You also need to check the quality of the fish. You'll want to look for a fish with a broader body and head, and one that has no hollow back.

 

Buying koi by mail is an option, but you will have to make sure that you are getting quality fish. You don't want to end up with a fish that is undernourished or unhealthy. It's also important to check the quality of the fish's breeding lines. You should find a seller who is transparent about their source and their operations. You should also look for a seller that provides you with a warranty. You want to know that you can get a refund or replacement if you need to do so.

 

One way to find a good koi fish dealer is to call one up and ask for a recommendation. Most koi dealers will have books and other resources available for you to browse through. They will also give you photos of their fish and prices. This will let you make a wiser choice.

 

If you do decide to buy koi fish by mail, you will have to consider the shipping cost. Most dealers guarantee live delivery. You can choose between air freight, which requires you to pick the fish up at the airport, or door-to-door overnight delivery. The latter is the safest and least nerve-wracking of the two options. You'll also need to make sure that your koi are quarantined for at least four weeks.

 

Mail-order koi are often cheaper than buying the fish in a store. You can also find discounts based on the size of the fish. Generally, larger fish are more expensive. However, there are also times when a smaller fish is the cheaper option. You can get a high-quality 6-inch fish for around $3,000. However, you will need to pay more if you want a more rare variety.

 

You can find all kinds of koi breeds including butterfly koi type of fish and you'll need to find a good seller. The best koi breeds live for over 50 years with proper care. The same can't be said for cheap koi, which can be neglected or undernourished.

 

The best koi breeds have sexually mature females that are larger than the males. They also tend to have more rounded fins. The sexually mature females of top quality are more expensive than the males. The best koi breeds also have unique patterns, and this is more important to buyers than the color of the fish.

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