Phantom koi carp: a complete guide to understanding and breeding this variety

La ghost carp koior Ghost KoiThe koi fascinates with its metallic appearance and mystical charm. Bred for both beauty and robustness, it combines the qualities of a traditional koi and a common carp. Let's delve into the fascinating world of this exceptional fish, exploring its distinctive characteristics, care requirements and a few anecdotes.

Ghost koi and care

Le Ghost Koi is distinguished by its brilliant metallic colours and can reach an impressive length of 60 cm. Its rapid growth and resistance to disease make it a firm favourite with pond fish lovers.

To rear these fish, a large pond is essential. This tank must :

• Be at least 1.50 metres deep.
• At least 1000 litres of water per fish.

For clean, well-oxygenated water, a powerful filter is essential. Add in good oxygenation, which is essential, especially in summer. These impressive fish can live to 40This means that a sustainable investment in their environment is important.

Ghost Koi are notorious for becoming familiar with their handler. I've already seen customers spend a good while stroking their fish, and a unique bond is created. But beware, these fish are targets for herons and cats. I'd advise you to put in place adequate protection to protect your magnificent Ghost Koïs.

Phantom carp exist everywhere

It is interesting to note that the term 'ghost carp' can also refer to fish that are difficult to catch. The ghost carp are often seen in natural bodies of water, but remain elusive despite numerous attempts by anglers.

These carp can be divided into three categories according to their eating habits :

• Gourmet carp: They feed easily and often.
• Wary carp: They are more cautious and hesitate before taking the bait.
• True ghost carp: These seem to ignore bait completely and are rarely caught.

The behaviour and breed of carp greatly influence their catchability. During my fishing trips, I've often heard fascinating stories of carp anglers tirelessly stalking a single ghost carp for months or even years without success. This behaviour makes them particularly legendary and fuels many passionate discussions.

A few anecdotes

It's not unusual to come across fans of Ghost Koi who love to swap anecdotes. In the UK, these fish are popular thanks to their affordability and relatively cheap food compared with Japanese koi.

I have a loyal customer who always tells me that her Ghost Koi recognises her hand and comes to greet her as soon as she approaches the pond. This kind of interaction really strengthens the bond between human and animal.

Another factor to consider is protecting the plants in the pond. Ghost Koi can be quite curious and sometimes destructive towards plants. My advice is to place the plants in floating islands or separate them with a swamp filter. Not only does this protect the plants, it also makes your pond more attractive with lush vegetation that your fish won't eat up.

The breed of carp

Ghost Koi are not highly prized in Japan and have little commercial value there. However, they can be impressive in a pool thanks to their distinct, brilliant appearance, especially in sunlight.

These carp eat top quality food, including vitamins and minerals. This contributes to their rapid growth and robust health. As a young pet shop floor manager, I always make sure I offer quality products for our customers and their fish.

For carp anglers, ghost carp represent a real challenge. These fish are often stalked and watched, but rarely caught. This adds an exciting dimension to fishing, a mix of patience, strategy and sometimes luck.

To conclude, you might ask yourself: "How can I take these impregnable carp ?" The key lies in patient observation, understanding their specific feeding behaviour and adapting your fishing techniques. I've known anglers who only succeeded after several years of repeated effort and innovative methods. So prepare well and be patient!