New Jersey Pond Care

Koi fish do not hibernate in the traditional sense, like mammals such as bears do. However, during the cold winter months, koi enter a state of torpor, which is a period of decreased activity. When the water temperature drops, typically below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), their metabolism slows down significantly. During this time, koi:

1. Swim much less and may stay at the bottom of the pond, where the water is slightly warmer.
2. Eat less or stop eating entirely, as their digestive system slows down.
3. Conserve energy and require less oxygen.

It’s important for koi pond owners to prepare for this period by gradually reducing food, ensuring the pond doesn’t freeze over completely (to maintain oxygen levels), and keeping the pond clean since koi’s immune systems are also less active during this time. This state of torpor allows koi to survive the cold winter months until the water warms up again in the spring, at which point they become more active.