Why The Mud Pond Is The Perfect Environment For Koi

To the uninitiated, a mud pond might sound gross, but it is one of the best environments for koi. Below are some reasons why it is the preferred habitat for koi breeders looking to develop show quality specimens.

How Do Mud Ponds Differ From Standard Backyard Ponds?

There is a tendency among Westerners to focus more on how their pond water looks, as opposed to what is best for the koi. While this approach certainly works, it will not result in the world class koi that wins championships and commands tens of thousands of dollars per fish. The mud pond, while not as breathtaking visually as its Western counterparts, was popularized by the Japanese.

The water has higher turbidity, which means that the koi have an opportunity to easily swim at various depths in order to find their comfort zone. During the middle of the day, the rays of the sun are much stronger than in the morning or evening, but since mud ponds have greater turbidity, the koi are protected from sun damage since they can swim deeper to avoid it.

Why Water Turbidity Makes Mud Ponds So Effective

Some pond enthusiasts erroneously believe that mud ponds are effective due to their rich mineral water, which is the result of the clay that lies beneath. This is inaccurate, simply because the majority of Japanese soil is actually mineral deficient, especially when it comes to magnesium and calcium, which raises water hardness. This is why in many areas of Japan, especially Niigata, the only thing that can be grown effectively is rice.

The secret to mud pond effectiveness is the water turbidity. Summers in Japan get exceptionally hot, with lots of sunlight. It isn’t unusual for day time temperatures to reach 40 degrees Celsius, which results in pond water temperatures getting as high as 30 degrees Celsius. At such temperatures the koi will not come up to the surface for feeding. Instead, they will wait until morning when temperatures are cooler and then they will visit the surface for any floating food that is available. They will also search for food during dusk.

This is a sign that koi recognize the dangers of excessive sunlight and thus prefer deep, murky water, which is exactly what they get in a mud pond. High water clarity is actually detrimental to developing show quality koi. The best ponds are those which are murky and dark, because they result in fish that have outstanding, thickness, softness and clarity. Your goal as a koi breeder should be to protect your fish from the sun’s rays at all costs. While it might not outright kill them, they will never develop to their full potential. While mud ponds may not be easy on the eyes, the long term benefits of constructing them are well worth the effort.