Consider damage to koi from spawning

<p><span style="font-size: small;">Whilst breeding your own koi may be an exciting prospect and maybe the next step in your hobby, it must be remembered that spawing itself is often a very stressful time for the fish. As with anything there is always the element of risk and with koi breeding it is no different. Large numbers of koi keepers do not wish their koi to breed because of this stress. Usually koi are graceful and tranquil in both their movement and demeanour. It is this that leads so many of us to have a koi pond in our gardens as sitting and watching the fish makes it is a calming place to be. However koi are not graceful or reserved when spawning and it is quite upsetting for some to observe. If there are significantly more males than ripe females in the pond the females especially are likely to become exhausted and often physically damaged. this is due to the fact that the males will ram and bash at the females swollen sides in their attempts to get them to shed their eggs. This is why removal from the main pond is advisable, using only the hardiest broodstock and having a ratio of one female to three males. Even in these circumstances damage may occur, the fish should always be checked over after removal from the breeding tank and given a quiet period of time to recover before returning to the main pond. Spawning damage can result in loss of scales and permanent damage. Serious wounds can also occur which may result in the loss of a fish. Any wounds should obviously be treated immediately as secondary infections may make them fatal. Some koi keepers may decide to have their fish to be injected and the females stripped of their eggs and the male of their milt (sperm). This procedure is of course a job for a professional, as an amateur can cause stress and discomfort to the fish. </span></p>