When most or all of your koi or goldfish are jumping excessively this is an indication that either there is a problem with the water or parasites are driving your koi and goldfish crazy.  If only one of your fish is jumping it could be that the fish is a female and is being chased during spawning.  If you have just added fish and they are the ones jumping this is a very natural thing for them to do and they will stop when they get accustomed to their new home. 

Our greatest concern is that none of the fish jump out of the pond so covering the pond with netting and lowering the water level can help prevent that from happing.

First Aid Steps:

1. Test the Water for Ammonia, Nitrites and pH.
2. If tests indicate a problem with the water, make a major water change and don't forget to add de-chlorinator if needed.
3. Lower down the water about a half to a full foot and/or cover it to keep the fish from jumping out.

Find the Cause:

First rule out poor water quality.  Koi and goldfish will jump when the water is not to their liking.  Test the water for ammonia, nitrites and pH.  If there is any reading of ammonia or nitrites the fish are experiencing burning of the gills and/or the effects of nitrite poisoning.  If the pH is higher than 8.0 they are feeling yucky from water that is not comfortable to them.  If the pH is lower than 7.0 chances are your pond has experienced a pH crash but it hasn't gone so far down YET to kill the fish.

If the water tests indicate no problem with water parameters they could have parasites.  Have you added any new fish to the pond within the last few months?  Are they exhibiting other signs of having parasites such as scraping themselves along the bottom or sides of the pond, head-hanging, gulping for air or excessive jumping?

Rule out the obvious.  Have you made a water change recently and forgot to add de-chlorinator?  Have you treated the water with an algaecide or clearing agent within the last 24 hours?

The fish that are jumping -- are they new?  It takes a while for new koi and goldfish to become accustomed to their new environment.  If this is the case and none of the older fish are jumping you need not go any further.  Simply cover the pond and/or lower the water level down about 1/2 to 1 foot.  This should keep them inside the pond until they adjust to their new home which should take just a few days.

If only one fish is jumping you could have a pregnant female being chased by the males. 

Choose the ONE statement below that best fits the situation:

• Tests show I have ammonia and/or nitrites in the water.
• My pH tests extremely low.
• My pH tests high.
• Dummy me!  I changed the water and didn't add de-chlorinator.
• I just did a water treatment and I think I overdosed my pond.
• My water parameters are fine but I added new fish less than a month ago.
• No ammonia or nitrites but they are scratching themselves or showing other signs of parasites.
• Only one or two fish are jumping and none of the other suggestions fit my situation.  Could I have a female spawning?
• None of these fit my situation.  Take me to the Diagnostic Clinic.

Items You Might Need:

Master Liquid
Drop Test Kit

Doc's De-Chlorinator

Pond Netting

© copyright, 2008, PondDoc.com.  Reproduction or use of any content on this website prohibited without written consent from PondDoc.com.  This advice is given free of charge and serves as information only to help you with determining the cause of fish health problems.  The content given is to be used as guidelines only.  By following the guidelines on our website you are agreeing that we will not be held responsible or liable for any losses.  We cannot diagnose your specific case.  We are simply forwarding the benefit of our extensive experience with koi and goldfish health.