Why Koi Jump Out of Ponds and How to Prevent It

Bob in Sacramento found a 5-inch koi on the ground with scrapes but no major injuries. Water was clear, and he'd been using Algaefix weekly since summer. Robyn explains that koi are natural jumpers—active, excitable, and prone to beaching themselves. Possible causes:

• Natural jumping behavior, especially when startled or chasing food.
• Predators (cats, raccoons) may snatch fish and drop them.
• Hand-feeding can blur the line between feeder and predator.
• Algaefix at recommended doses is unlikely to cause jumping.

Most koi that beach themselves can recover if returned promptly. No major changes needed unless jumping becomes frequent.