Buying koi fish can be an expensive hobby. They can range from $30 to more than $200, depending on the size and color. Most people can't afford to buy from the show line, but they can still get great fish from a quality broodstock. Here are some tips to help you make your first koi purchase.

 

First, you need to determine how large the fish will be. Generally, larger fish will cost more. Some breeds, like the Platinum Ogon, can grow to 24 to 36 inches. If you want a jumbo, you can expect to pay over $200. If you want a smaller fish, you can get a juvenile for as little as $30.

 

Whether you buy koi from a local pet store or an online dealer, you'll want to make sure that the fish are healthy. This means that you should check the water quality and test the pH, nitrite levels, and ammonia. Also, you should change the water to about 10% daily. This will help the fish adjust to the water they're being put in. Also, make sure that the filtration is adequate.

 

When you buy koi online, you'll usually receive the fish in the mail. The most common shipping method is air freight, but you can also get the fish delivered to your door. A good online koi fish seller will allow you to get refunds if a fish gets sick. You should also look for a seller that offers a warranty section and will communicate with you if you have any questions.

 

A good quality koi should have a thick body with a nice conforming shape, not a hollow back or a thin body. You should also make sure that the fish has all its parts. You don't want to get a fish that has a broken fin or hollow back.

 

If you're buying from a mail-order service, you should make sure that you know the breeder. Most of the best breeders raise their fish to 15 inches before they sell them. The rare colors can also be very expensive. You should also ask for photos of the fish you're looking at before you make your purchase.

 

When you purchase a fish from a mail-order service, you are not able to inspect the fish yourself. The dealer has no control over what happens to the fish once they're delivered. You should take pictures of the fish, and make sure that you're happy with the quality of the fish before you make your final purchase.

 

Buying butterfly koi fish online is a great way to add a beautiful piece of nature to your home. However, many online koi sellers will sell you poorly-bred fish and provide sub-par customer service. Before you make a purchase, check out several websites to find a reputable seller.

 

When you are ready to buy koi, take a look at the pictures of the fish offered by the dealer. This is important because some of these fish will change colors over time. They can also change shape, so you'll need to choose the one that is most like the one you want.