What do Koi Carp eat besides fish food?

Koi carp are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. While commercial fish food is a staple in their diet, they enjoy a variety of other foods, including:

Plants:

* Water plants: They love to nibble on water lilies, water hyacinths, and other aquatic plants.

* Vegetables: They can be fed chopped vegetables like lettuce, spinach, zucchini, and peas.

* Fruits: They enjoy some fruits like watermelon, bananas, and strawberries (in moderation).

Animals:

* Insects: They will happily eat insects that fall into their pond, such as mosquitos, flies, and worms.

* Worms: Earthworms and bloodworms are a popular treat.

* Brine shrimp: These tiny crustaceans are a good source of protein.

Other:

* Algae: They will graze on algae that grows in their pond.

* Plankton: They filter small organisms like plankton from the water.

Important Notes:

* Avoid feeding them bread and other human foods: These foods are not nutritious for koi and can cause digestive problems.

* Don't overfeed: It's essential to only feed them a small amount of food that they can eat within a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to water pollution and health problems.

* Vary their diet: Offering a variety of foods ensures that they get all the nutrients they need.

Pro Tip: You can even try making your own homemade koi food using a mix of different ingredients!