Koi Fish FAQ
What types of koi fish can I order online?
Toledo Goldfish offers two fin types of koi fish for sale: standard fin and butterfly fin. Each type has unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences among koi enthusiasts. To see a full list of all koi fish for sale, check them out here.
Can I buy just male or female koi fish?
Most of the Koi and Butterfly Koi we offer are too young and immature to accurately determine their sex. Occasionally, some larger koi will have their sex identified in the listing title. Please note that any sex designation is our best estimate and not guaranteed.
Are your koi fish imported?
No, our koi fish are not imported. All koi for sale are raised on a family farm in the USA. All fish are sourced from this single farm.
What is the shipping policy for koi fish orders?
Toledo Goldfish provides free shipping on all koi fish orders $25 or more. We process orders for arrival to your door from Tuesday to Friday, with same-day shipping for orders placed by 10 AM EST, Monday through Thursday. Our shipping policy can be found here.
How do I ensure the health of my koi fish upon arrival?
To guarantee the health of your koi fish, it is essential to follow the acclimation process included in your order's packaging. This process helps your new fish adjust to the temperature and conditions of your aquarium or pond. You can also find our step-by-step acclimation instructions here.
How long can my koi fish stay in the box?
Upon receiving your order, follow our acclimation instructions promptly. Begin the acclimation process immediately after delivery. It is crucial to have someone at home to follow the step-by-step instructions, including floating the fish bag for no more than 15-20 minutes. Prolonged exposure to high ammonia levels in the bag can lead to stress and health issues for your fish. IF SOMEONE CANNOT BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE YOUR FISH SHIPMENT, PLEASE DO NOT ORDER.
Are there any restrictions on shipping koi fish to certain states?
Yes, koi fish are restricted from being shipped into the state of Maine. It is important to check local regulations before placing an order to ensure compliance.
What should I do if my koi fish arrive damaged or dead?
In the event that your koi fish arrive damaged or deceased, please check the number of live koi fish you have received, as well as the number of fish that arrived with issue. With most orders, extra koi fish are included with your order just in case any do not travel well. We do our very best to deliver a healthy product, but these are live animals and are susceptible to travel related stress. Because of this, we do have a Live Arrival Guarantee to make sure you do receive your ordered number of live fish. If you have any issues, contact us at info@toledogoldfish.com within 24 hours of receiving your order. Please include your order number as well as the number of live fish you did receive.
What is wrong with my koi fish? Can it be sick?
Like all other animals, aquatic species like koi fish are at risk of disease. Properly identifying what is wrong with your fish (if anything) is important in providing the best care of your pet. Check out our Identifying Koi Diseases link to learn more.
Can I request a specific delivery date for my koi fish order?
Yes, if you would like to receive your order on a specific date, please email us at info@toledogoldfish.com with your request after submitting your order. We will do our best to accommodate your request, keeping in mind that deliveries can only occur from Tuesday to Friday. You can also reach us thru our Contact Us form.
What types of food do koi fish require?
Koi fish require a balanced diet that includes high-quality koi pellets, which are specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Additionally, they can benefit from occasional treats such as fruits and vegetables, but these should be given in moderation. Toledo Goldfish offers two sizes of fish food pellets. Both can be found here.
How big does my koi pond need to be?
The general guideline for keeping koi fish is to allocate a minimum of 250 gallons of water for the first koi fish and an additional 100 gallons for each subsequent fish. This recommendation is based on the average size and growth potential of koi, which can reach lengths of up to 36 inches or more.
How can I contact Toledo Goldfish for further inquiries about my koi fish order?
You can reach us via email at info@toledogoldfish.com for any further inquiries or assistance regarding your koi fish order.
Can I pick the colors of koi fish in my order?
Yes, you can! We offer koi by color listings, as well as, individual koi that can be purchased as exact fish. These are great options for hobbyists looking to add specific koi fish to their pond or aquarium. Check out our Koi By Color listings and Individual Select Koi.
Can I order a different quantity of koi fish than what is listed on your website?
While we list our fish in quantities that optimize shipping costs, you may request a lesser number of fish. However, it is important to note that you will still be required to purchase the quantity we have listed.
How do you size your koi fish?
We adhere to the industry standard for measuring koi fish, which is from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. The size of the fish you receive may vary within the ordered size range. While we strive to provide fish that are close to the average size, it is possible to receive fish at the minimum size of the range. If you prefer larger fish, we recommend ordering a size up.
Can koi and goldfish live together?
It depends on your pond size. Goldfish and koi fish do well together under most circumstances. Straight-tailed varieties of goldfish, like comets, sarasa comet goldfish and shubunkins are very compatible with koi fish and will do fine in a pond with koi and butterfly koi. We offer a mix of all these varieties as a great starter pack if you are looking for a variety of fish and colors.
Fancy tailed goldfish like red fantails and calico fantails don’t always do well with koi. If you have a large pond, both varieties co-exist just fine. However, if you have a smaller pond, we recommend not putting fancy tailed goldfish with koi. Fantail goldfish are slower swimmers compared to straight tailed goldfish and koi. Koi can be more playful than goldfish, and will chase the slow swimming fantails, typically picking at them and damaging their tails.
A plus for keeping koi and goldfish, they are both cold water fish and thrive in the same water conditions. You do not need to have a separate set up for the varieties.
What water temperature do koi fish do best in?
Koi thrive in water temperatures between 59-77°F (15-25°C), making them adaptable to most climates. Their immune system improves in warmer water, leading to healthier and more vibrant fish. With the right temperature, your koi can live a long and happy life, bringing beauty and tranquility to your pond.
Do you take back koi if I can no longer care for them?
No, under no circumstances do we allow any koi fish back on our farm once it has left due to bio-security standards.
Do you ship overseas or to P.O. boxes?
No, we do not. We utilize FedEx and UPS to ship within the continental United States, and can also ship to Hawaii (with proper documentation from buyer) and Alaska. Shipping addresses must be a physical shipping address and cannot be a PO box. We do not ship overseas.
Do you have a retail location?
No, we do not. We currently only offer our koi fish for sale through our online website, as well as a few other online retailers. Your best price is purchasing directly from our website.
Can I pick up an order?
No, you may not. Our facility is a closed premise and we currently only offer shipments via UPS and FedEx.