Visit the Koi Pond and connect with nature!
This site is a part of São Paulo’s living history, set amid the natural surroundings of Água Branca Park. Visit and be enchanted!
Koi Pond
History, nature and education at Água Branca Park
The ponds were built when the park opened in 1929 to house fish and support aquaculture research conducted by the Fisheries Institute. Today, this historic space is a haven for nature, wildlife and learning for all ages.
TAKE CARE OF THE KOI POND
– DO NOT LEAVE LITTER.
– KEEP YOUR BELONGINGS SECURE NEAR THE WATER.
– DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS.
– DO NOT CLIMB ON THE RAILING. RISK OF FALLING.
Water is always in motion
The water you see here follows a natural, continuous path that keeps the ponds clean, oxygenated and full of life.
1. The water comes from a local spring and is pumped into the park.
2. It reaches the upper pond, where the fountain keeps the water moving.
3. The fountain also helps oxygenate the water.
4. Next, the water flows down a cascade into the lower pond.
5. In the lower pond, the water is constantly replenished and supports many species of fish.
6. Finally, the water is channeled onward to the Tietê River.
Why is there a fish ladder between the ponds?
It was designed by fish specialist Agenor Couto de Magalhães to study migratory freshwater species.
The structure replicates the route fish follow during piracema, their upstream spawning migration.
WHAT IS PIRACEMA?
In nature, fish swim upstream to reproduce. This fish ladder helps simulate that journey.
WHO LIVES IN THESE WATERS?
Meet the fish that inhabit the koi ponds.
UPPER POND (Koi live here): KOI (Cyprinus carpio)
LOWER POND (Koi and tilapia live here): KOI (Cyprinus carpio) and NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus)
WHO VISITS THE PONDS?
Look around. Who can you spot? Approach slowly and observe.
• BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
• GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
• RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
• GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
HEALTHY WATER, HEALTHY FISH.
The park’s technical team works every day to provide the fish with a clean, safe and balanced environment.
1. SAMPLING: We collect water samples from different points in the pond.
2. ANALYSIS: The samples are analyzed to check key water quality parameters.
3. MONITORING: We adjust and maintain ideal water conditions to keep the fish healthy.
4. DAILY CARE: Cleaning, oxygenation and constant attention keep the water in good condition.
We also test the water
every week
to ensure water quality
and the well-being of the fish.
