Should I continue to feed my fish in winter?

Should I continue to feed my fish in winter? We have received many questions as we approach and during winter regarding what to feed my pond fish.

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

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

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

If temperatures are above 7°C, what should I feed?

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

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

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

Remember to continue feeding your sturgeon(s) throughout the winter as they continue to be active despite lower temperatures.

Is it not recommended to feed fish in winter (temperature 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 uncommon to still feed these fish in the winter season when temperatures are still mild. This was the case in December 2022, 12°C recorded in Valenciennes on 12/30.

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

What should I feed my pond fish in winter?

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

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

How much food should be distributed during this period?

• From 20 to 30°C: 1 to 3 times a day: the dose must be consumed within 5 minutes.
• From 15 to 20°C: 1 to 2 times a day: the dose must be consumed.
• From 5 to 15°C: no more than 2X/day: the dose 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 to browse our blog dedicated to advice .