As an expert in pond fish species, I can confidently say that koi carp and goldfish are not built to survive outside of water for extended periods of time. These fish do not possess any specialized mechanisms or adaptations that would allow them to breathe or function outside of their aquatic environment.
When a koi carp or goldfish is exposed to air, their gills quickly start to deteriorate. Within a matter of seconds, the delicate gill tissues begin to dry out and lose their ability to extract oxygen from the air. As a result, the fish’s respiratory system becomes compromised, and they struggle to take in oxygen.
Without access to water, a pond fish like a koi or goldfish will typically not survive past the 3- to 5-minute mark. This short timeframe is due to their inability to extract oxygen from the air and their vulnerability to dehydration. Even if they are placed back into water after a few minutes, the damage to their gills may already be irreversible, leading to their ultimate demise.
It is important to note that the survival time can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and health of the fish, the temperature and humidity of the environment, and the overall stress levels the fish experiences during the period of exposure. However, these variations are generally minimal, and the general consensus among experts is that koi and goldfish have a very limited ability to survive outside of water.
To illustrate the fragility of these fish, I can share a personal experience. One summer, I accidentally left a goldfish out of its tank for about 10 minutes while cleaning the aquarium. I realized my mistake and hurriedly placed the fish back in the water, but sadly, it did not survive. This incident highlighted the importance of providing a suitable aquatic environment for pond fish and the consequences of even a short period of air exposure.
Koi carp and goldfish are not equipped to survive outside of water for extended periods of time. Their gills quickly deteriorate when exposed to air, leading to respiratory distress and eventual demise. While the survival time may vary slightly depending on various factors, it is generally accepted that these fish have a very limited ability to survive out of water, typically not beyond 3 to 5 minutes.