I've bought them from Meijers, shoot they give a 7 day guarantee on them. So, put them in quarentine and if anything happens during the first 7 days, I can get my money back.
I've also, bought them pet stores, pond stores etc. Just where ever I see one I like, and looks healthy.
I know they're just mutts, but if I didn't like them I wouldn't have bought them. Sure its probably nice to own the expensive ones if you can afford it. But, the way I see it....mine swim just like the expensive ones, they eat just like the expensive ones, they are colorful just like the expensive ones and they add enjoyment to the pond, yes, just like the expensive ones.
And if something does happen to go wrong, like one bellying up. Or a heron, or anything. I've only lost 5-10 dollars instead of 100 plus dollars.
And butterflies not being Koi
they sure look like it to me, except for the flowy fins. I think yours is beautiful, and I hope you get alot of pleasure out of him in years to come. I love my butterflies.
Kim