In koi keeping, discussions about food often begin with brand, protein percentage or whether a feed is meant for growth, color or all-season use. But that is not really where nutrition begins. Nutrition begins with metabolism, and metabolism begins with water temperature. Koi will often rise to the surface with energy, appearing eager for food. […]
The pond hobby’s gateway drug or valid small-space alternative? The backyard pond, with its beauty and tranquility, is on the wish list of many a homeowner. But the required space, excavation, upkeep and expense drives many away from this dream. And what of those in apartments with just a window, or a condo/townhome with just
If you’ve spent more than a minute around koi ponds (and let’s face it, most pond builders spend way more than a minute), you’ve likely seen graceful koi with long, flowing fins that glide like dancers beneath the water’s surface. These are usually the fish that make clients stop mid-sentence and point. Butterfly koi have
Butterfly Koi: More Than Just Pretty Fins Read More »
There’s a special kind of excitement in the air when the first crisp mornings arrive in Iowa. The leaves turn, the ponds settle, and at Kloubec Koi Farm that can only mean one thing – it’s harvest time! While others mark their calendars by spring, summer, autumn, and winter, we measure ours by koi rituals:
Fall Harvest on an American Koi Farm Read More »
When I first began traveling to the United States more often, around 10 years ago, I had no clue how big, bold and busy the American pond and koi world really was. Over the years I’ve visited many pond builders, dealers and hobbyists across the US, including multiple trips with Brian Fitzsimmons and his team
How the UK Pond and Koi Hobby Compares with the US Read More »
Every spring in the mountains of Niigata, Japan, a quiet but extraordinary ritual begins. In the shadow of snow-capped peaks, amidst neatly arranged rice paddies and cedar forests, generations of koi breeders rise before dawn. Their lives revolve around one singular pursuit: crafting the perfect koi. As The Koi Partner, I’ve had the rare privilege
The Art of Koi Breeding in Japan Read More »
For koi lovers, there is nothing quite like a koi show. It is a special time to meet friends, learn from each other, and celebrate the beauty of koi. Whether you are just starting in this hobby or you have many years of experience, koi shows are a wonderful way to enjoy and grow your
Understanding Koi Shows Read More »
The life of a koi farmer and dealer is a demanding yet deeply rewarding journey, build on a foundation of passion, precision, and perseverance. From sourcing koi in Japan to caring for them on the farm and showcasing them at events, every day brings a mix of challenges and triumphs. Though the work is rigorous,
Life as a Koi Farmer & Dealer Read More »
It’s a wild time to be a koi enthusiast in America. As the 2025 All-American Koi Show season approaches, koi dealers are flocking to Japan with dreams of landing “The One” — you know, the perfect koi that stops people in their tracks, with patterns so beautiful that it could hang in an art museum
Dealers Search for Perfect Koi in Japan Read More »
Many of us can attribute our love of fish of all kinds to the very first fish we cared for as a child, which probably was a common goldfish- in a classic goldfish bowl. As time progresses, many of us move on to other varieties and leave the goldfish as a fond memory of the
Can Koi and Goldfish Be Pond Mates? Read More »