Could wild koi fish contaminate my domestic koi fish?

M

mare

New member
We currently have an outdoor freshwater pond with a waterfall and plenty of cycling water. There are 2 koi fish living comfortably in there. Recently we came across a lake with wild koi living in it. If i caught them and put them in with my koi, will there be any problems? Would the wild koi die, or would mine? Please, i need any information you can give me about this type of stuff.
 
I don't know that you can call them "wild", as they were obviously introduced (illegally) by some irresponsible owner. In reality, you'd be doing the state--and probably the Koi--a favor by catching them. There is always a risk of introducing pathogens, but considering they were already in a pond, and your fish are in a pond, it's not that great (birds and other animals make great vectors). To be safe, I'd suggest you give the new Koi a good quarantine in a large, filtered tub (you can get such a tub at Walmart at a very reasonable price), and even consider a preventative dose of salt, potassium permanganate, methylene blue, or some other prophylactic measure.
 
you really shouldnt take the wild koi out of their habitat. they may carry diseases or parasites that you wont know about. best leave them where they are.
 
Back
Top