1. Natural Foods (Suitable for Pond Rearing)

• Aquatic Organisms
  Plankton (algae, rotifers, paramecia – ideal for fry), benthic organisms (tubifex worms, bloodworms, midge larvae), small creatures (daphnia, mosquito larvae), and mollusks (snails, mussels – shelled and crushed).
• Plant-Based Foods
  Aquatic plants (duckweed, algae, watermeal) and shoreline plants (tender grass leaves, fallen petals, and fruits).

2. Artificial Feeds (Primary Feeding Method)

Types of Feed

Specialized Functional Feeds

• Color-Enhancing Feed: Contains spirulina or astaxanthin (from krill) to intensify red and white markings.
• Growth Feed: High-protein formula (≥35% protein) for rapid growth.
• Germ Feed: Wheat germ-based, easy to digest in low water temperatures.
• Health Feed: Contains allicin or probiotics to boost immunity.
  

3. Homemade Foods and Supplements

• Animal-Based Additions: Fresh shrimp meat (shelled and minced, enhances color), boiled egg yolk (excellent starter feed for fry), animal liver (small amounts for vitamins).
• Plant-Based Additions: Cooked spinach or pumpkin (for fiber), fruit slices (small amounts of watermelon or orange).
• Nutritional Boosters: Vitamin soak (dissolve multivitamins B and C in water to soak feed), garlic juice (prevents enteritis and stimulates appetite).

4. Feeding Guidelines by Growth Stage

5. Feeding Taboos and Precautions

• Avoid: Human processed foods (bread, crackers with additives), greasy meats (pollutes water easily), moldy or expired feed (produces aflatoxin).
• Seasonal Adjustments:
  Spring: Increase protein for post-spawning recovery.
  Summer: Add vegetables to help cool and hydrate.
  Autumn: Boost nutrition for winter energy reserves.
  Winter: Stop feeding or switch to germ feed when water temperature <10°C.
• Scientific Feeding Principles:
  5-Minute Rule: Feed only what can be eaten within 5 minutes.
  Small, Frequent Meals: Each feeding should not exceed 1–2% of body weight.
  Observe Feces: White feces indicate indigestion – reduce feeding amount.

6. Special Feeding Needs

• Show Koi: Use specialized color-enhancing feed 3 months before competitions, paired with dark background maintenance.
• Breeding Broodstock: Increase high-activity foods like daphnia and bloodworms.
• Post-Illness Recovery: Feed medicated feed (mixed with small amounts of antibiotics or herbal powder).

Professional Tips

1. In pond rearing, allow some algae and aquatic organisms to remain, forming a natural food chain.
2. For indoor tank rearing, rely mainly on artificial feed, supplemented with fresh food 1–2 times weekly.
3. When switching feed brands, transition over 3–5 days by gradually mixing old and new feeds.