You're not feeding them enough. To reach full potential, koi need to be fed balanced pellets at least twice a day during the summer, and with approriate reduction in feeding during the cooler months. They can survive in a pond that size on what they find, but if you're wanting jumbo koi, they need to be fed daily.

ooooo - thats what I have been thinking - food = big (at least it does when I eat ... HA HA)

this is good to know but my other half wont like it. we dont agree on feeding schedules and compromised on the 2x a week idea - Ill need to sneak them some food when im not being watched.

How long were your koi in a small pond?
For the first 3-5 years is where they get their most growth. It is possible their growth has been stunted.

Also, I agree with the feeding. I wouldn't want to eat just 2 times a week. A koi usally starts resuming a normal eating habit when the water temps go above 50*-55*, well with my fish anyway.

I feed mine pellet food 2 times per DAY , plus snacks of Cheerios , fruits and veggies at times. Mine also hand feed and like salad shrimp on occasion.

Thanks karenrf - sadly, they were in the small pond the first few years of life, well, the first few years after we bought them. I have already started feeding more often, they gobble up anything so fast ... they are great fish, maybe the increased feeding will help somewhat - I am not after monsters, just normal healthy fish - thanks

Just keep an eye on your filters.
Do you check water parameters like ammonia and ph?
With more feeding there will be more waste produced by the fish.
Healthy fish is what we all strive for.....I hope.

Hi
I lost all my tropical fish over a cold spell in Feb and fearin mosquitoes I put in some feeder gold easily under and inch Got 12 for a buck to explain the quaility lol Anyway I know I had 2 losses and can't get a count on the remainder but the 6 min are pushing 5 inches in length already! They are just now learning that I bring food and are now coming to me rather than hiding lol. I have at least 7 and appear to be of several varieties certainly distinct colors. Should soon be able to get a clear view of them to assess their growth.
I'm astounded at it so farr lol. Might mention that they are in an unfiltered 5x10x3 deep lily pool .
Koi should grow eeven faster and larger I'm sure!!! gary

Hi Gary,
Glad you are enjoying those goldies.
I also keep a few in my lily pools to keep down the mosquitos, but the best thing to rid you of the mosquitos though is a mosquito fish. They can clean up an infested pool in no time. They have a short life span of about 3 years I think but they produce enough offspring to keep you in stock. ;)
Just make sure you are keeping the lily pools clean. Rotting materials will rid your water of oxygen and kill the fish. If it's black and stinky clean it up.

Yes, koi CAN grow to about 3 feet long if given the proper environment: quality water, good diet, and lots of space to swim.
My largest koi is about 30 inches. Most of my large koi are closer to 24-27 inches long.

I stunted my Koi's growth when they were younger due to believing in the Aquascape dealer advice I received to feed my fish only twice a week. But- the rationale I am sure is that if you don't feed your fish often and they stay small you do not need good filters. So make sure you have a good filter system or perform partial water changes and get rid of the debris in your pond. You may already have a system in place for this, but thought it was worth mentioning. My fish are between 22 to 26 inches roughly so they are not tiny, but they could have grown bigger.

Also google Koi food recipes. I have been feeding mine home made food all spring. The spring food is made out of wheat germ, eggs, fish, broccoli, OJ, vitamins and garlic. I will purchase some Koi pellets soon once the old stock is off the shelf. I like Hikari brand.

Lisa

If the fishies were in a small pond for a season it is possible their ability to eat enough for growth is reduced. I have a few comets that have never grown much after a season with little food. Maybe they will change but I won't hold my breath.

Karenrf
The goldfish are only temporary until I find some appropriate tropical fish. I particularly like swords /platies but this time I'm going for a specific strain "Red jets". Have kept those since 1982 but the recent wipeout will allow to start with better stock.
I can'y keep goldfish or Koi due to Herons the night variety mostly lol.
Mosquito fish breed too heavily in my situation and they lack the color of swordtails. I'll probably be adding some of the larger tetras later to help with population of the swords. This time I will bring a few pairs indoors for winter . It's funny I'd always done that in the past but it was never necessary this year I didn't and WIPEOUT lol. Well it does allow me to start over with better stock The goldfish will probably become "dinner for my marine fish .IF they don't get too big.lol gary

thanks, all,

I have been secretly sneaking food out to the fish twice a day since I posted this message. Of course they arent growing any yet, but they love getting fed more often (and even the mean little guy we call Satan is becoming friendlier.)

Sleepless, how can a fishes ability to eat enough for growth be compromised? I dont understand.