Adjusting feeding before and after long-distance transport is crucial to minimize stress and ensure water quality. The primary goal is to prevent the fish from polluting their transport water with waste and to support their recovery.
Pre-Transport Protocol (Preparation Phase):
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Fasting: Implement a complete 48-hour fast in clean, well-aerated water before bagging. This is non-negotiable to allow for full gut evacuation, preventing fatal ammonia spikes in the sealed transport bag.
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Stress Mitigation: During the fast, add vitamin C and commercial anti-stress formulas to the holding water to help bolster the koi's immune and stress response systems.
Post-Transport Protocol (Recovery Phase):
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Initial Fasting: Upon arrival and after proper temperature/ph acclimation, continue fasting for at least 24 hours in the quarantine/holding tank. This allows the koi to recover from the journey's shock and stabilizes the new water.
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First Feeding (Critical): The first meal should be a highly digestible, low-protein feed, such as wheat-germ or a specially formulated "recovery" diet. Offer a minimal amount—only 10-30% of the normal ration. Observe closely; if any food is ignored or regurgitated, remove it immediately and extend the fast.
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Recovery Feeding Regimen: Gradually increase the quantity over 5-7 days back to normal rations. Integrate probiotics and immune enhancers (like β-glucans) into the diet during this period to support gut flora repair and immune system function.
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Vigilant Monitoring: Throughout recovery, closely monitor water parameters, especially ammonia and nitrite, as the biological filter in the quarantine system may not be fully mature. Observe fish behavior for signs of distress, lethargy, or loss of appetite, which are indicators to pause feeding and investigate.
Summary: The regimen follows a strict Fast → Acclimate → Fast → Slow, Medicated Refeed sequence. This careful approach prioritizes the koi's physiological recovery and prevents secondary health crises caused by premature feeding in a stressed state.
