BUTTERFLY FIN KOI

Butterfly Fin Koi—also known as Longfin Koi or Dragon Carp—are the graceful ballerinas of the pond world. What sets them apart is their long, flowing fins that resemble the delicate wings of a butterfly, trailing behind them as they glide through the water. These fins continue to grow throughout their lives, unlike the more compact fins of Standard Fin Koi.

Origins & Appearance

Butterfly Koi are a hybrid of traditional Japanese koi and long-finned Indonesian carp. While purists sometimes debate their classification, most hobbyists embrace them for their elegance and variety. Their bodies are typically more slender than standard koi, and their barbels (those whisker-like appendages) tend to be longer too.

Varieties

Just like standard koi, Butterfly Koi come in many color patterns:

• Kohaku: White with red markings
• Asagi: Blue net-like scales with orange highlights
• Hariwake: Metallic white with yellow or orange
• Kumonryu: Dramatic black and white patterns
• Ki Utsuri: Rare yellow and black combo

Preventive Care

• Quarantine new fish for 2–4 weeks.
• Use a pond net or cover to protect from predators that may target their long fins.
• Regularly test water and perform partial water changes (10–20% weekly or biweekly).

Environment

They thrive in the same conditions as other koi:

• Pond size: 1,000+ gallons for a small group
• Water temp: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
• pH: 7.0–8.6
• Diet: High-quality koi pellets, veggies, and occasional protein treats

Diet & Nutrition

• Feed a balanced diet rich in protein and color-enhancing nutrients like spirulina and carotenoids.
• Avoid overfeeding—excess food leads to poor water quality and digestive issues.

Common Health Concerns

• Fin Damage: Their flowing fins can tear on sharp rocks, aggressive tank mates, or during spawning. Clean water and smooth pond decor help prevent this.
• Parasites & Infections: Like all koi, they’re susceptible to flukes, Ich, and bacterial infections—especially if water quality dips.
• Swim Bladder Issues: Overfeeding or poor diet can lead to buoyancy problems, which are more noticeable in long-finned varieties due to their drag in the water.

Water Quality Is Everything

• Temperature: Ideal range is 65–75°F (18–24°C), though they can tolerate 33–90°F with proper acclimation.
• pH: Keep it stable between 7.0 and 8.0.
• Ammonia/Nitrite: Should always be at 0 ppm. Even small spikes can stress their immune systems.

Butterfly Fin Koi are generally hardy, but their long, delicate fins make them a bit more vulnerable to environmental stress and injury than their standard fin cousins.

Their long fins make them slightly more vulnerable to injury and water quality issues, so pristine conditions and gentle tank mates are key.

Butterfly Koi are a stunning addition to any pond, especially if you're drawn to movement and elegance.