Zen meets the Midwest

FINDLAY — A family-run koi farm is making waves with its vibrant fish, hands-on care and deep-rooted passion for aqua-farming. Black Swamp Koi Farms, located in rural Findlay, is more than just a business — it's a labor of love. Operated by Miguel and Amy Jordan and their children, the farm combines decades of experience with a commitment to raising healthy, colorful koi in clean, well-maintained environments. "It's all about the water," Miguel said. "If the water's right, the fish will thrive." The Jordans' dedication begins with daily checks of water temperature and oxygen levels in each tank and pond. Aerators and filtration systems are monitored twice a day, and partial water changes are performed weekly to maintain optimal conditions. Baby koi are fed up to five times a day to promote growth, while older fish follow a carefully managed feeding schedule. A key part of the farm's water management is a custom-built bog filter. Beneath the surface lies a network of perforated PVC pipes and drainage tile, topped with plastic pallets and layers of river gravel. Water flows through soil where beneficial bacteria convert fish waste into nutrients for plants like lotus, watercress, cattails, elephant ears, and bull weed — creating a natural filtration system that supports both water quality and plant life. Shipping koi nationwide is another point of pride. Fish are prepped for several days before being packed in oxygen-rich bags and sturdy, insulated boxes, then shipped overnight to customers from California to Maine. The farm's website - BlackSwampKoi.com - and eBay store allow hobbyists to browse and purchase koi 24/7. The farm offers a wide variety of koi—from show-quality specimens to affordable options for beginners. Customers are also welcome to visit the farm by appointment to handpick their fish and see firsthand how they're raised. "We've been amazed by how many beautiful koi ponds exist right here in Hancock County," Amy said. "It's exciting to see the local interest grow." The Jordans began their breeding program with koi purchased from Kodama, a respected Japanese company with farms around the world. Shipped via air cargo, the fish traveled nearly 48 hours to reach Findlay. Today, the farm is home to about 5,000 koi, including babies born from that original group. Varieties include Kohaku, Tancho, Showa, Kikokuryu (Dragon), Chagoi, Soragoi, Yamabuki, Platinum Ogon, and Butterfly koi, among others. Miguel's journey into aqua-farming began long before Black Swamp Koi Farms was founded. As a medical student in Columbus, he paid for school by harvesting crayfish from Eagle Creek, Lye Creek and the Blanchard River for the Jordan Bait and Tackle Company, a family business formerly located in Columbus. He sometimes gathered up to 400 dozen in a single night. "After catching crayfish all night, I'd sit by the reservoir until daybreak, fishing before hauling my catch home," he said. One of the farm's most remarkable residents is a koi that Miguel first raised in a hand-built, 220-gallon tank in the 1970s. "I couldn't move the tank, but I could move the fish," he said. The koi, which has lived in the farm's largest pond for the past 34 years, was recently relocated to an indoor tank. It's not for sale. Miguel has worked as a practicing OB/GYN in Findlay for over 35 years. He earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University and completed his residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital, both in Columbus. His undergraduate studies in nutrition, biology and animal science continue to inform his approach to koi farming. "It's all connected," he said. "Understanding life systems helps us raise healthier fish." Amy Jordan, a Findlay native and Miguel's wife of more than 14 years, helps run the farm and manage customer outreach. "We want people to envision their own koi oasis," she said. The farm's seasonal rhythms are as demanding as they are rewarding. In November, the team drags the baby pond with a giant net, hand-sorting the fish to bring indoors for winter. In spring, the breeding season begins with carefully matched koi spawning in netted enclosures. Eggs hatch within days, and the microscopic fry feed on algae and tiny organisms as they grow. Protecting young koi from predators is a daily challenge. "Everything wants to eat the babies," Amy said, "Snakes, frogs, turtles, birds ..." As a young business, the Jordans are constantly seeking ways to improve. Plans include digging shallow mud ponds for natural growth and completing a Japanese garden around the breeding pond to inspire visitors. With a blend of science, tradition and family spirit, Black Swamp Koi Farms is bringing the beauty of koi to ponds across America — one fish at a time.