The colourful koi during feeding are a real spectacle for the eyes and soul, also their liveliness, elegance and above all their behaviour during this special feeding phase. Feeding the koi is not only an everyday ritual, but also an opportunity to observe the koi with their environment and with their conspecifics. Before the koi food even touches the water, a dance begins beneath the surface. Koi are highly sensitive to vibrations and sounds. As soon as they notice the approach of a familiar person bringing the koi food, they begin to move in silent but noticeably joyful anticipation. Their elongated bodies glide gracefully through the water, their colours from shimmering orange to deep red to the purest white glow particularly intensely in the light. It is as if the koi are expressing their anticipation of the upcoming meal in a synchronised choreography. When the first koi food falls into the water, the koi rush in almost like a shoal, even though they are not technically schooling fish. It is a very impressive spectacle as their heads rise to the surface to snatch the tasty morsels. Each koi has its own personality, many are reckless and jump right into the action, while other koi are more cautious and watch the action from a safe distance. However, even the shyest koi cannot resist the lure of koi food for long.

There is something almost hypnotising about the movement of the koi as they eat. Their tail fins flap gently as they snap at the koi food with their lips. The sound of the water punctuated by their movements and the gentle splashing as they gasp for air create a soothing acoustic backdrop. Koi are surprisingly versatile in their diet and can be fed special koi food that is rich in protein and vitamins, but fresh treats such as peas, prawns or even fruit are also appreciated by koi. Feeding the koi a varied diet is reflected in their behaviour. For example, if a piece of fruit is thrown into the water, real fights can break out over it, with the koi trying to outbid each other to get hold of the coveted fruit. This also shows how playful these koi can be. Through regular personal feeding, many koi develop a kind of trust and lose their natural shyness towards humans. Many koi even swim directly to the keeper's hand and then eat directly from the hand, which works really well with the nibbling sticks. This behaviour strengthens the emotional bond between the owner and the koi and gives hand feeding an intimate and almost therapeutic quality.

During koi feeding you can also observe the social structure within the koi pond. Dominant koi often push other koi aside to get the best morsels, while the less dominant koi have to wait for their chance. However, despite this hierarchy, the community in the koi pond appears harmonious. It is as if every koi knows its place and accepts it. For humans, feeding koi is often more than just a chore. It is a moment of peace, an opportunity to forget everyday life and concentrate on the beauty of the koi. The gentle movements of the koi, the clear water and the harmonious atmosphere of the garden create a state of meditation that is both calming and uplifting. The behaviour of the koi during feeding also provides valuable insights into their health. An active koi with shiny scales and a good appetite is usually a sign of well-being. A koi that withdraws or does not eat, on the other hand, could indicate stress or illness. Feeding koi is therefore also an important aid to caring for and understanding these fascinating koi. Feeding koi is much more than just providing them with food. It is a profound experience that celebrates the connection between humans and nature. Every moment, every bite, every movement tells a story of beauty, instinct and harmony. The koi, with their graceful appearance and unique behaviour, teach us to appreciate the simple but wonderful things in life. Thus, feeding the koi becomes a ritual that nourishes not only the koi, but also the soul.