Koi "call for help": the language behind the floating head

       In a tranquil pond, koi swim leisurely, their brilliant colors like rainbows in the water, bringing endless joy to the viewer. However, when these beautiful creatures suddenly begin to float their heads, their mouths opening and closing as if they were struggling to breathe, the scene cannot help but make one's heart grow fuzzy with worry, as if one has heard their silent cries for help. Behind the seemingly simple behavior of koi carp floating their heads, there are complex and varied reasons.

Oxygen deficiency: a silent alarm for water quality

        First, floating heads are often a direct reflection of deteriorating water quality.

        In the spring, the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water drops as the water temperature rises abruptly. The relationship between water temperature and dissolved oxygen is like the relationship between summer ice cream and people's cravings; the higher the temperature, the more difficult it is to satisfy the cravings. In addition, when the water becomes cloudy due to overfeeding, acid rain or sudden algae death, the filter bacteria that purify the water multiply and consume valuable oxygen. At this point, the koi begin to struggle for breath, and floating their heads becomes their silent protest. This scene makes us reflect on whether we are giving them a clean enough living environment.

       More seriously, when overcrowding or filtration failures occur, chronic low concentrations of dissolved oxygen can lead to increased concentrations of nitrous acid. Nitrite, the silent killer, quietly erodes the health of koi. It enters the fish's bloodstream, discolors the gills, and, like carbon monoxide poisoning in humans, puts the koi in a life-threatening situation. At this point, replacing the water with new water and cleaning the pond and filter tanks becomes the only hope for saving their lives.

Gill disease: a fragile defense for life

        In addition to oxygen deprivation, gill disease is one of the culprits that cause koi to float.

        When the gills are attacked by parasites or germs, it secretes mucus for self-protection, but this thick layer of mucus becomes an obstacle to breathing. Sick koi with chocolate-colored gills float alone on the surface of the water, as if telling the fragility and helplessness of life. Faced with such a scene, how can we not feel compassionate and treat them as soon as possible so that they can regain their health?

Anemia: the pain of missing red blood cells

        Anemia, a term seemingly unrelated to fish, is another major cause of floating koi. Red blood cells, those tiny life carriers, are responsible for getting oxygen into the cells and carbon dioxide out of the gills. However, when the blood-forming organs, the kidneys, are damaged, the number of red blood cells decreases and the koi are left in a state of oxygen deprivation. Bacterial invasion and poor condition can become a burden on the kidneys, which in turn affects blood production. The gills of anemic koi are pale pink, and they breathe hard in the water, as if telling of the resilience and indomitability of life.

        And table salt, a seemingly ordinary condiment, has become a miraculous remedy for anemia. Through salt immersion, the salt concentration in the fish is adjusted to reduce the burden on the kidneys, thus restoring the hematopoietic function. This method not only reflects the wisdom and respect of human beings for nature, but also makes us deeply realize that every life is worth caring for and cherishing.

       Behind the seemingly simple phenomenon of koi floating, lies the mystery of life and the laws of nature. It reminds us to always pay attention to the changes in water quality, prevent diseases and respect the existence of every life. When we take care of these elves in the water, they will return our love and care with more brilliant colors and more cheerful gestures. Let's work together to build a harmonious and symbiotic water world, so that koi can breathe freely and grow happily in clear water.