Temperature---Revisited

In two (2) recent studies, determinations were sought as to the effects of temperature on (1) egg development and spawn growth in Koi/Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) and (2) foraging and growth rate of juvenile Koi/Carp (Cyrpinus carpio).

It was shown in the first study that “The present results suggest that water pH 7.5 at water temperature 26°C/79F is best for hatchability of eggs and pH 7.39 for growth of spawn of Cyprinus carpio at same water temperature.

  (Optimal water temperature and pH for development of eggs and growth of spawn of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

P.H. Sapkalea*, R.K. Singha & A.S. Desaia)

The second study showed “Temperature had a significant and positive effect on the foraging and growth of juvenile common carp Cyprinus carpio (90–105 mm) between 16C/61F and 28C/82F …… These outputs suggest an increase in foraging and growth of C. carpio according to a thermal gradient that were maximal between 24C/75F and 28C/82F.

   (Effects of temperature on the foraging and growth rate of juvenile common carp, Cyprinus carpio   D.O. Oyugi1, J. Cucherousset2, D.J. Baker, J.R. Britton )

Comparing the results of these two (2) studies we quickly see that the temperature of 26C/79F was independently arrived at as the optimal temperature. This temperature is very close, though slightly lower, to what we stated in our previous blog post on temperature in December of 2010.

“Even though no discomfort (stress) is manifested between 20C/68F and 34C/93F, ideally we want the temperature to be close to the midpoint of this range which is 27.5C/81-82F.  This is well above the median temperature recommended by many sources, but is shown to be the ideal temperature for the Carp’s (Koi’s) optimum metabolism.”