Care before the journey.

Fish are allowed to settle after transport while behaviour and condition are observed. Readiness for onward travel matters more than an arbitrary dispatch deadline.

Skin and, where appropriate, gill scrape examination checks for external parasites. Any treatment must follow the findings and the needs of the fish and system; negative scrapes do not exclude bacterial or viral disease.

The team reviews condition and readiness before collection or onward transport. Ask for the source and relevant documentation for the specific fish you are buying.

Our published Japanese koi process includes a period around 22°C for observation and assessment, followed by gradual adjustment towards current UK pond temperatures. Warm observation is not a treatment or a guarantee of freedom from KHV or CEV.

Microscopy addresses external parasites. KHV (koi herpesvirus) and CEV (carp oedema virus) are different viruses and require appropriate virus-specific laboratory investigation where indicated. We do not imply that every individual fish has had a negative PCR test.

Temperature is adjusted gradually before release. Readiness, fish condition and transport conditions remain part of the decision; home quarantine and careful acclimation still matter.