If you’ve ever mentioned koi keeping to a friend, you’ve probably heard a few dramatic warnings: “They’re impossible to care for!” or “You’ll spend a fortune!” or the classic “They’ll all die in winter!” Relax—take a deep breath. Koi keeping isn’t rocket science, and many of the so-called “facts” floating around are pure pond fiction. Let’s bust some of the biggest koi myths and put your mind (and wallet) at ease.
Myth #1: Koi Are Too Expensive for Regular People
Sure, you can spend thousands on a show-quality koi that could win competitions in Japan—but you don’t have to. There are plenty of beautiful, healthy koi available for $20–$50 each. In fact, most long-time keepers started with inexpensive young koi and grew them into stunning adults with great color and personality.
The truth is, koi keeping can fit any budget. The secret isn’t in buying expensive fish—it’s in providing good water, good food, and consistent care. Your koi won’t know if they came from a champion breeder or the local pet shop—they’ll just know they’re happy.
Myth #2: You Need a Giant Pond to Keep Koi
While koi do love room to swim, you don’t need a lake to keep them healthy. A well-designed pond of around 1,000 to 2,000 gallons is perfect for a handful of young koi. What matters most is depth (at least 2 to 3 feet) and proper filtration—not square footage.
Think of it like housing: koi don’t need a mansion; they just want clean water and stable conditions. Many hobbyists start small, then expand later as their love (and fish) grow.
Myth #3: Koi Can’t Survive Winter
Here’s the truth—koi are surprisingly tough. They can handle cold temperatures as long as the pond doesn’t freeze solid. In colder climates, simply keep a small opening in the ice with an aerator or de-icer so gases can escape. The koi will slow down, rest near the bottom, and go into a natural winter dormancy.
Come spring, they’ll wake up ready to eat, explore, and show off their colors again. Koi are basically the bears of the fish world—just with better fashion sense.
Myth #4: Koi Eat Everything (Including Each Other)
Despite their size, koi are gentle giants. They won’t eat other fish unless the “other fish” are microscopic. They do, however, enjoy nibbling at plants, algae, and pond insects. If you have delicate lilies or floating plants, you might want to add a floating plant ring or use tougher species like lotus and pickerel rush.
Otherwise, koi are peaceful community fish. They coexist beautifully with goldfish, shubunkins, and even frogs. Think of them as the friendly neighbors of the pond world.
Myth #5: Koi Keeping Takes Too Much Time
While koi keeping does require consistency, it’s not a full-time job. Once your pond is established and balanced, weekly check-ins and light cleaning are often all that’s needed. Automatic feeders, skimmers, and low-maintenance filters make life even easier.
In fact, spending time by the pond isn’t “work” for most koi keepers—it’s therapy. Watching koi glide through the water is one of the most relaxing hobbies out there. Your stress levels will drop faster than your koi dart to feeding time.
Myth #6: You Need to Constantly Replace Water
Nope! Frequent massive water changes can actually stress your koi. Instead, small, regular water changes—around 10% weekly—keep things fresh and balanced. Pair that with a good filter and some pond plants, and you’ll have clear, healthy water without draining the garden hose every weekend.
Myth #7: Koi Are Just “Decorative Fish”
Sure, they’re beautiful—but koi are also surprisingly smart. They can recognize their owners, follow you around the pond, and even learn to eat from your hand. Many koi keepers will tell you their fish have distinct personalities: bold, shy, curious, even playful.
So yes, koi are living art—but they’re also little aquatic comedians with attitude. The more time you spend with them, the more you’ll see their individuality shine.
The Real Truth: Koi Keeping Is Simpler Than You Think
With the right setup, koi keeping is easy, affordable, and endlessly rewarding. You don’t need to be an expert or a millionaire—just someone who enjoys nature, color, and calm. The myths might scare some people off, but those who take the plunge discover something special.
Because the real secret of koi keeping isn’t about perfection—it’s about peace, patience, and the joy of watching life shimmer beneath the surface.