May 14

Sarah Robertson

Kumonryu Koi Fish – A Complete Guide

Koi Fish has been a popular pet for centuries in Asia. They are the descendants of the common type of Wild Carp and are known for their vibrant colors and patterns. Koi are also a popular symbol of good luck in many cultures. There are many beautiful koi varieties, the kumonryu koi fish being one of the most popular.

Kumonryu is a strain of Doitsu koi that only exists in this variety. It's a rare and fascinating breed with a white foundation overlaid with ink-black Sumi, which may be thick, billowing patterns, cover the entire body except for the fins, or form as tiny yet very black markings or spots.

Kumonryu Koi are among the most fascinating fish in the world, from their unusual coloration to their unique swimming techniques. For centuries, Japanese culture has adored these lovely creatures, and they continue to be popular today. If you're considering adding a Kumonryu koi to your aquarium, there are a few things you should consider first.

In this post, we'll look at the appearance, diet, and care needs of Kumonryu koi fish in detail. You'll know everything there is to know about these wonderful creatures by the time you're done reading.

What Is a Kikokuryu Koi?

The Kumonryu is a Doitsu koi with a jet-black pattern that spreads like dark storm clouds against a white body or white base color. The black design varies and fluctuates, vanishing when the water temperature changes and reappearing as another design entirely.

Kumonryu's coloration is determined by a variety of factors, including water temperature, pH, age, food, gender, stress level, and overall health. It can happen in as little as a few weeks if the water is too hot or cold; it might also change colors at any time because of biological processes affecting its life cycle. Kumonryu is the only koi known to undergo such rapid and a consistent color and design changes, regardless of its age.

Kumonryu Koi Meaning

Kumonryu means "nine-crested dragon". It is said that they got this name from an ancient Chinese tale about a dragon (Ryu) that was able to transform itself into clouds and fly through the sky. This is a fitting name for this koi because incredibly Kumonryu have highly unpredictable coloration and may completely transform their design!

Origin 

The Kumonryu is said to have been developed by breeding a Shusui with a Matsukawa Bakke. The Shusui was the first Doitsu variety of koi and is one of the few blue koi! They're a Doitsu (scale-less) version of Asagi. Matsukawabakke is a scaled koi with a white or grey base and black pattern over top of it. By breeding these two koi, the Kumonryu was created!

Size

The size of a fish mainly depends on the type of koi, but Kumonryu can grow to be about 36 inches long. Many factors affect how quickly a koi grows, including diet and water quality.

How Do You Select Kumonryu Koi

Lifespan

Kumonryu Koi Fish can live for a very long time, up to 20-25 years in captivity! In Japan, there is even a story of a koi named Hanako that lived to be 226 years old. However, the average lifespan of this species of fish is more like 15-20 years.

How Do You Select Kumonryu Koi?

As this is an expensive koi fish it is important to know what characteristics make a perfect Kumonryu. Below are some guidelines that will help you in your purchase:

  • The Kumonryu should have a bright white background.
  • The black pattern should be well defined and have a three-dimensional look.
  • The black color should be deep and rich, not faded or dull. 
  • There should be a good contrast between the black and white colors. It should have a crisp edge.
  • They must have a good body shape or body conformation.
  • There should be no abnormalities on the tail or the pectoral fins, which are common in this type.
  • The fish should be healthy and have a good appetite.
  • The Kumonryu should be at least 18 inches long.

Note: Ask your breeder what bloodline he normally has on hand or can suggest, since it is certainly the most important element in any koi's growth and development.

Habitat Set-Up

Setting up a Kumonryu koi pond is not much different from setting up any other type of koi pond. Like any other koi, Kumonryu koi do well in colder water. This fish unlike any other fishes constantly keep changing its coloration. Therefore it is important to consider a few things while setting up its habitat.

Below is a list of things you need to take care of while setting up the Kumonryu pond:

  • The pond should be at least 1000 gallons or more if you are planning to keep multiple fish.
  • There should be at least 3 feet of water depth to allow the fish to grow to their full potential.
  • The water should be clean and well-filtered as these fish are very sensitive to poor water quality.
  • The pond should have a gentle current to keep the water moving. This will help prevent the algae from growing and the water from becoming stagnant.
  • Providing plenty of oxygenation is also very important. This can be achieved by using a good aeration system or by adding waterfalls and fountains.
  • The water temperature should be between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit and the ph level should be 7.0 - 8.5.
  • The pond should have plenty of hiding places for this koi type to feel safe and secure. Rocks, caves, and plants like water lily can all be used for this purpose.
  • To safeguard the fish from the harmful effects of the sun, the pond should be placed in a shaded location.
  • The bottom of the pond should be covered with a soft, sandy substrate.
Kumonryu

Diet 

Kumonryu koi are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. However, it is important to provide them with a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, proteins, and fiber and will help them grow to their full potential. Not only does food help them grow, but it also plays a big role in the coloration of these fish.

Here are some of the best popular type food options for Kumonryu koi:

Koi pellets and flakes- Pellets should make up the majority of the diet, about 60-70%. They are rich in nutrients and help the fish grow. It can help the koi to maintain their coloration as well. Flakes are also a good choice and can be given as a treat.

Fruits and Vegetables- Koi love vegetables and they are a great source of nutrients. Vegetables such as zucchini, lettuce, and spinach can be offered to the koi on a daily basis. Fruits such as watermelons and grapes are also enjoyed by koi and can help in providing them with essential vitamins and minerals.

Live food- Live food such as earthworms, brine shrimp, and crickets can be given to the koi on an occasional basis. This will help them in getting their necessary protein intake. It is important to remember that koi should never be overfed as this can lead to health problems such as obesity. 3-5% of their body weight is a good amount to feed them on a daily basis.

Frozen food- This type of food can also be given to koi on an occasional basis. Some good choices include bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.

What Not to Feed Kumonryu Koi Fish

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to Kumonryu koi is that they are very sensitive to the wrong type of food. It is important to avoid giving them any food that is high in fat or sugar as this can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.

Additionally, it is important to avoid giving them any food that is not properly cooked or processed. Foods rich in carbohydrates or fats should also be avoided as they can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Some examples of food that should be avoided include:

  • Bread
  • Cookies
  • Chips
  • Ice cream
  • Chips
  • Greasy foods
  • Processed meats
  • Raw meat
  • Canned food
  • Dried food
Feeding-Kumonryu

Feeding Tips to Consider

Not only is it important to know what type of food Kumonryu koi can and cannot eat, but it is also important to know how to properly feed them.

Here are some tips on how to best feed your Kumonryu koi:

  • It is best to feed them 2-3 times per day in small quantities. This will help to prevent them from becoming overfed.
  • The food should be rich in nutrients and vitamins to help them grow and maintain their coloration.
  • Pellets should make up the majority of the diet, about 60-70%.
  • Make sure to check the label of any processed food before giving it to your koi as some of them may contain ingredients that are harmful to koi.
  • The feeding quantity varies according to the season. In spring and summer, when the water temperature is high, the fish are more active and need more food. In winter, when the water temperature is low, they need less food as they are less active.
  • Koi have a tendency to eat until they are full, so it is important to remove any uneaten food from the pond to prevent pollution.

Conditioning and Spawning

Breeding Kumonryu Koi Fish is a difficult and time-consuming task, especially since they are the end result of selective breeding. Before you decide to breed them, be sure you're ready.

Like any other koi, they are ready for spawning when they are about 2 years old and at least 18 inches long. The best time to breed them is in the spring when the water temperature begins to rise.

It's crucial to pick the perfect pair for breeding since this will have a big influence on the offspring's quality. The two koi should be of similar size and shape and have complementary colors.

There should not be any visible defects such as holes, spots, or scales missing. This will help to ensure that the offspring are as close to perfect as possible.

When you have chosen the perfect pair, it's time to condition the parents. This means that for about 6 weeks, you will need to feed them a high-quality diet and make sure they are in good health.

Increase the feeding amount during this time so that the parents are well-nourished but not overfed. This will help to ensure that the eggs are as healthy as possible.

Once the parents are ready, it's time to set up the breeding pond. The pond should be at least 1000 gallons and have a depth of at least 3 feet. It's important to have a lot of plants in the pond as they will help to keep the water clean and provide hiding places for the fry.

The water should be well-filtered and have a pH level between 7.0 and 8.2. You can even place a fry mat in the pond for the fry to hide in.

Now it's time to actually spawn the koi. The female will lay her eggs on the fry mat and the male will fertilize them. Once the eggs are fertilized, they will hatch within 5-7 days. It's important to remove the parents from the pond at this point as they may eat the fry.

Kumonryu Koi Fish Fry Care 

At this point in time, the fry is very delicate and needs to be cared for properly. Only with proper care will they be able to survive and thrive.

Here are some tips on how to care for the fry:

  • The fry should be kept in a separate aquarium from the adults. The tank has to be cleaned frequently.
  • The temperature in the fry tank should be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH level should be between 7.0 and 8.5, and the water should have a hardness of 10 to 20 dGH.
  • Kumonryu Koi don't require feeding for the first few days because their yolk sacs will provide enough nutrition. You may start feeding them live foods or pellets after that. Feed them several times a day in little amounts.
  • Cull out any fry that is deformed or has defects. Culling is the process of removing koi fry that is not up to standard. This is done to make sure that only the best koi are kept and bred.
  • As the fry grows, you can slowly start to introduce them to the main pond. Do this gradually over a period of a few weeks so that they can get used to the new environment.

Diseases and Cure

Like all koi, Kumonryu is susceptible to a number of diseases. The most common include:

  • Koi Herpesvirus (KHV): This is a highly contagious virus that can kill koi within a few days. There is no cure for KHV and it can easily spread from fish to fish.
  • Koi SVC (Saprolegnia): This is a fungal infection that can cause koi to develop white spots on their body.
  • Flukes: These are parasitic flatworms that attach themselves to koi and feed off their blood. They can cause koi to become lethargic and lose their appetite. If left untreated, flukes can kill koi.
  • Fin rot: This is a bacterial infection that causes the fins of koi to rot away.
  • Dropsy: This is a bacterial infection that causes koi to develop white spots on their body.The best way to prevent it is to keep the pond clean and free of debris.
  • Fungus: This is a fungal infection that can cause koi to develop white spots on their body.
  • Fish Lice: These are parasitic crustaceans that feed on the blood of koi. They can cause koi to become lethargic and lose their appetite.
  • Ulcer diseases: This is a bacterial infection that causes open sores on the body of koi. This can be fatal if left untreated.

Causes

Kumonryu Koi Fish are a hardy and resilient breed. However, there are a number of things that can cause them to become sick. The most common include:

  • Improper water conditions: Kumonryu koi need clean and well-oxygenated water to stay healthy. Dirty and stagnant water can lead to a number of diseases.
  • Poor diet: A diet that is lacking in nutrition can cause koi to become sick. It's important to feed them a high-quality diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals.
  • Injuries: Kumonryu koi are susceptible to injuries, especially when they are young. They can get injured by rocks, other fish, or predators.
  • Stress: Stress is a common trigger for diseases in koi. Kumonryu koi can become stressed by a number of things, including poor water conditions, lack of food, or aggression from other fish.
  • Pond predators: Kumonryu koi are a favorite target of pond predators such as herons, raccoons, and cats. These animals can kill koi or spread diseases.
  • Overcrowding: Overcrowding can cause stress and lead to the spread of diseases. It's important to have enough space for koi to swim and hide if needed.
  • Incorrect temperature: Kumonryu koi need to be kept in water that is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is too cold or too hot, they can become sick.
Symptoms_Kumonryu

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that can indicate that Kumonryu koi are sick. The most common include:

  • Loss of appetite: Sick koi will often stop eating.
  • Lethargy: Sick koi will often become lethargic and swim slowly.
  • White spots: Kumonryu koi that are sick will often develop white spots on their body. This is a symptom of a number of diseases, including KHV and Koi pox.
  • Red spots: Kumonryu koi that are sick will often develop red spots on their body. This is a symptom of a number of diseases, including ulcer disease and fin rot.
  • Gasping for air: Sick koi will often gasp for air at the surface of the water. This is a sign of stress or poor water conditions.
  • Floating upside down: This is a sign of stress or poor water conditions. It can also be a symptom of a number of diseases, including dropsy and swim bladder disease.
  • Clamped fins: Sick koi will often keep their fins close to their body. This is a sign of stress or poor water conditions.

Prevention 

If you think that your Kumonryu koi is sick, it's important to take action quickly. The sooner you start treatment, the better the chances of a full recovery. The following tips can help you prevent disease in your koi:

  • Quarantine new koi: Before adding new koi to your pond, it's important to quarantine them for at least 14 days. This will help to ensure that they don't have any diseases that could spread to your other koi.
  • Test the water quality: It's important to test the water quality on a regular basis. This will help you to identify any problems early and take action to fix them.
  • Change the water regularly: It's important to change at least 20% of the pond water on a weekly basis. This will help to keep the water clean and free of toxins.
  • Feed a high-quality diet: A diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals is important for the health of koi. It's important to choose a food that is specifically designed for koi.
  • Remove sick koi: If you have a sick koi, it's important to remove it from the pond as soon as possible. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.

FAQ 

What Is Koi Beni Kumonryu? 

The Beni Kiko is a completely scaleless or partially scaled Koi that is always golden in color. A Beni Kiko is simply a Kikokuryu with a red or orange pattern on top of the basic colors of black and white.

What to Do When Your Kumonryu Koi Is Not Eating? 

If your koi is refusing to eat, there are a few things you can try. The first step should be to ensure that the water is acceptable. If the water is dirty or of poor quality, this might be the cause of your fish's refusal to eat. The water should be clean and well-filtered.

Another thing to look for is the temperature of the water. If the water is too cold or too hot, it might be preventing your koi from eating. The ideal temperature for koi is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the water quality and temperature are both adequate, it's conceivable that the koi isn't eating because it isn't hungry. Koi can go for hours without food and will only eat when they are hungry. If you're concerned that the koi aren't getting enough to eat, consider feeding them smaller portions more often.

Finally, it is conceivable that the koi isn't eating because it is ill. If you believe this might be the case, take your koi to a veterinarian for an examination.

What Are the Different Types of Kumonryu Koi?

Kumonryu koi come in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, and orange. There are also a number of different patterns that koi can have, including spotted, marbled, and striped.

What Is the Difference Between Kumonryu and Other Koi?

The main difference between Kumonryu and other koi is their tendency to change color or patterns more frequently. Even though other types of koi can also change color, they don't do it as often as Kumonryu koi.

Conclusion 

Kumonryu Koi is one of the most beautiful types of koi fish that are native to Japan. They are one of the popular varieties that can be added to any garden pond. They are considered the offsprings of common carp.

Kumonryu Koi are known for their ability to change their bright colors, which can make them a fascinating addition to any pond. Kumonryu koi come in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, and orange. These pond fish are a popular choice for fish keeping, as they are tough and can live for many years if properly cared for.

If you are thinking about adding these varieties of koi to your pond, then Kumonryu koi are a great option to consider. They are easy to care for and will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Make sure to provide them with a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Also, make sure to keep the water quality high and change the water on a regular basis.

In this article, we have covered everything you need to know about Kumonryu koi. We have also provided some tips on how to care for them. If you follow these tips, then you will be sure to have a happy and healthy pond full of beautiful Kumonryu koi.

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Sarah Robertson

I am a passionate blogger who also happens to be a fish keeping enthusiast. Writing about my hobby is something that I absolutely love to do, and it's no secret that my chosen topic is always centered around fish keeping.

Sarah Robertson

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