CICHILD& KOI

Question
QUESTION: Hi Lynda
I want 2 Know if I can put a 3"cichild(red) in with a 3-4"
koi.I was going to raise the water temp to 78F. I know that the Koi is cold blooded.I want to know if you think they will fight or hurt each other. I only need it for a short time so i can build a pond. My son bought me it.{the Koi}.
Ihave other cichilds but they are not letting him eat so he is not growing as fast. I thought if I took him out he might grow faster & then put him back later.They are 6"they were all the same size when I got them. thank you ..DAVID

ANSWER: Hi David,
I would never mix koi with chiclids...this is not a good idea.  Chiclids are very territorial, have very different habitats, and are aggressive.  In my book, this is a big NO NO...Your Koi would probably get stressed, stressed fish get sick, and spread disease in an aquarium.  No matter how big the Koi gets, there will be trouble in the aquarium.  Koi are peaceful fish, have no defense when it comes to chiclids...also the water temperature is important here too.  Chiclids must have 78-80 degree water, much too warm for the Koi.  I'm sorry, but I wouldn't advise you to do this.
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Lynda,
1. Why do you think the other two fish picked on the one.
   They were all the same size when I bought them.
2. Do you think I should put him off by him self till he
   grows.
3. And last put him back when he is bigger.
   Thanks for letting me use your brain.
   DAVID..

Answer
Hi David,
Size doesn't matter.  I've seen small chiclids pick on big ones.  I had an oscar afraid of an Angel Fish - lol  You can imagine the poor Koi that has no defense, and is timid by nature.  They will pick on him no matter the size.  Koi do not mix with chiclids.  He is an easy prey for the aggressive chiclid, and they know it.  Don't ask me how, or why, they just know, and will pick on him, and most likely kill him.  Chiclids have good teeth, and will nip, and bite him, big or small, it doesn't matter...He's not one of the gang - lol  Poor Koi, your best bet would be to explain to your son, and change it at the Pet Shop for something else.  I'm sure your son would understand.  You could get two pretty rainbow fish or more to put in with the chilids.  People go against the rules all the time, and learn the hard way.  It's sad.  I wish I could tell you to go ahead, but I can't.  I'm sorry.
Lynda