Butterfly Koi FAQs
What are butterfly koi?
Butterfly koi are a variety of koi (Cyprinus carpio) with long-flowing, graceful fins that resemble butterfly wings. The extended fins come from a genetic trait where fin growth continues longer than usual, making them particularly ornamental in ponds.
Are the koi I see on the site exactly what I get?
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Yes — for individual fish: The photos on the site are of the exact fish you will receive when you order that specific fish.
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For batch fish: The photographs are representative of the group — you’ll get a batch with similar patterns/colours, but not the exact same fish.
How are butterfly koi shipped?
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Windsor Fish Hatchery ships live fish by courier to your address (especially throughout NSW).
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They don’t send fish during short weeks or public holidays to avoid stress from courier delays.
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The hatchery does not currently offer on-farm pickup.
What size of pond do they need?Butterfly koi can grow quite large and require plenty of space:
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A larger, deeper pond (e.g., several thousand litres) is recommended — especially if you plan to keep multiple koi.
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They need room to swim and for good water quality.
What water conditions do butterfly koi prefer?
General guidelines (also useful for pond koi):
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pH: Around neutral to slightly alkaline (7.8).
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Clean, oxygenated water with excellent filtration is crucial — koi produce a lot of waste.
How do I feed butterfly koi?
Feed a high-quality koi diet:
Avoid over-feeding, as uneaten food can rapidly degrade water quality.
Do butterfly koi require special care compared to regular koi?
In many ways they’re the same, but:
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Butterfly koi sometimes have more delicate fins — avoid sharp decor,that could tear them.
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They may swim differently or appear slower than standard koi, but with good care they thrive like any koi.
Quick Tips for New Owners
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Test water regularly — healthy water is the most important factor in koi care.
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Filter well & aerate water — koi thrive with high oxygen and clean water.
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Feed appropriately and observe your fish often — early signs of stress or illness are easier to fix.
To learn more about shipping live fish, visit this page. If you want to know how to properly acclimatize your new fish, read the blog. If you're looking for high-quality food for your koi, we have it here. before your fish arrive match your pH to ours 7.8 Read the blog do i need to quarantine my new fish get the answers
