It is NOT intended to offend any importer or fish grower. We feel we have found the two BEST importers of Japanese koi. These two companies quarantine their fish for no less than 3 weeks before shipping to us. Any fish you purchase. Unfortunately most all the fish shipped to the retailer from the breeder will be infested with parasites.
Parasites bring on bacterial infection.
Both are contagious in the pond. Imported koi, more so than domestic, are especially prone to breaking down with bacterial infections weeks after we recieve them. This is partially due to disease problems overseas plus the herendous stress involved in shipping them here. Importers and wholesalers do not have massive facilities to hold their fish. One told me he holds his fish for a week and another told me that he has too much money tied up and can't sit on them, needing to recover his investment right away.