Should I continue to feed my fish in winter?

Should I continue to feed my fish in winter? We have received many questions as winter approaches and during the winter regarding the food to provide to pond fish.

The first reflex you should adopt is to measure the water temperature using a pond/swimming pond thermometer. To measure the water temperature, you will simply let this thermometer float on the surface of your pond.

When the water temperature is below 6-7°C, you will quickly notice that koi carp and fish will no longer come to "look for" food on the surface of your pond. However, if there were a thaw and milder temperatures, you could start feeding them again.

In winter or spring, if you have koi carp, it is recommended to use food adapted to low temperatures such as Aquifood Wheat-Germ. These foods help facilitate the digestion of your koi carp, whose metabolism is significantly slowed down in winter.

If temperatures are above 7°C, what food should be given?

In general, when the water temperature is between 7 and 15°C, we advise you to distribute "Wheat-Germ" food.

If you have any questions about the food to distribute according to the seasons, we have designed a food section on our shop that allows you to quickly select the type of food (filter on your right).

You can contact us directly on the online chat at the bottom right. If your fish are still eating at the moment, it is important that all the wheat-germ food is consumed within 5 minutes maximum to prevent this food from decomposing and creating organic matter.

Do not forget to continue feeding your sturgeon(s) throughout the winter, as they remain active despite lower temperatures.

Is it not recommended to feed fish in winter (temp below 7°C)?

A fish is a cold-blooded animal; when the temperature drops, its metabolism slows down. It enters a phase called "hibernation." For a few years now, it has not been rare to continue feeding these fish in the winter season when temperatures are still mild. This was the case in December 2022, with 12°C recorded in Valenciennes on 30/12.

When a fish is in "hibernation," it does not move much, hardly stirs at all, and therefore uses little energy. It draws on its fat reserves to get through the winter.

What food to choose for my pond fish in winter?

In the low season, when temperatures drop below 15°C, fish need more suitable food that is easier to assimilate. Most good food manufacturers use wheat germ.

• AQUIFOOD WHEAT-GERM LOW TEMPERATURE
• HIKARI WHEAT-GERM (very digestible at low temperatures)
• HIKARI WHEAT-GERM SINKING (sinking)
• ICHI FOOD WINTER SINKING (sinking, suitable for deep ponds)
• SAKI HIKARI MULTI SEASON (wheat germ-based, very digestible, and also contains probiotic bacteria).

How much food should be distributed at this time?

• From 20 to 30°C: 1 to 3 times per day: the portion must be consumed within 5 minutes.
• From 15 to 20°C: 1 to 2 times per day: the portion must be consumed.
• From 5 to 15°C: no more than 2x/day: the portion must be consumed within 5 minutes.

There are other brands, but here is a non-exhaustive list of manufacturers to recommend with your eyes closed :-) A question? Contact us via the form right here and continue browsing our blog dedicated to advice.