Question
I've decided to try to keep some of my impending fry, I have a few koi who look like they'll be spawning soon. Last year I cordoned off an area to provide a sheltered habitat for them. This year I thought I'd try a floating netted cage. They spawn against the smooth rocks, I don't have any or little plants, what's the best way to gather eggs, and what should I provide in the netted cage for the eggs? It looked like the young fry just ate whatever was on the rocks. Should I get some parrot feather? Any advice? Thanks.

Answer
Having plants would be good both for the spawning adults and for the fry.  It can really tear up koi to be bashed into rocks.  You can use soft plants like parrot feather, anacharis, etc. or use an artificial spawning mop which they sell.  Or, make your own from anything soft and non-toxic like plain acrylic yarn.  Is the floating cage for the fry or for the adults to spawn into it?  What's it made of?  Live plants also provide food and shelter for the fry.  If you get the adults to spawn into something soft (plants, spawning mop, etc.), you can then remove those things to raise the fry in their own pond where they are more safe from predation at least by the parents.  Koi fry like to eat algae, microorganisms, etc.  Your pond may have more microlife than you think.

Good luck!

Robyn
fishpondinfo.com