Koi

Rick at Ichiban Koi hosted a koi health day at his premises on the 26 July. At the appointed time, around 25 of us gathered together. The weather could have been kinder but it stayed dry at the important times with just a little rain here and there.

The first part of the day was Koi treatment. This was to be a practical demonstration on a couple of fish that needed treating. Treating is a simple five-step process. First, you must act like a Boy Scout (or Guide) and BE PREPARED. Check you have all your equipment and treatments ready and to hand. Prepare your sedation bowl and then recheck  everything is ready, then go catch your fish. The bigger the head on your net the better, and I have to say that Rick had a big one! I envy the ease with which professionals catch their fish in a very short time with no chasing. The fish was guided into the floating basket and sedation bowl via a Koi sock.

While the fish is out of the pond it is worthwhile doing a scrape. Once the fish is out it is time to start the treatment. Place the fish on the treatment 'table', cover the head and tail with your wet towel and begin. This fish needed some dead scales removing, the wound cleaning up and a couple of scales trimmed back. The pictures are self-explanatory. Once the treatment is complete, return the fish to the pond; although some people prefer to keep the fish in a recovery bowl until they have 'come round'.    

Onto the next fish – same process as before, catch, sedate, scrape, treat and return.  The whole process is over with in a few minutes. The next process was to check the scrapes – Rick looked, we looked – damn, no parasites found, a pleasing but somehow disappointing result. We then moved onto a discussion on the most common parasites and their treatment.

 The “formal” sections of the day complete, the barbecue was lit and lunches prepared and consumed with some vigour. A close examination of Rick's personal fish followed and I did love one of his Goshiki, although Rick is a Showa devotee and has some fine examples. No day at a dealer’s would be complete without bowling up a few of the fish for sale and several were promptly purchased.  

Time to go, and it was a great day – thanks Rick for organising it. It is always good to get together with a group of fellow addicts, even my wife came and enjoyed herself. Treating fish is something we all need to do from time to time and it is important to have the confidence to do this. The day has helped me understand the steps required and I would now be more comfortable treating my fish when the need arises. 

Donald, forum moderator and Koi hobbyist