When you have a pond, you want to make sure it’s full of healthy, happy fish. But how do you choose the right species? The choice of fish can be overwhelming. Therefore, depending on the size and volume of your pond, you need to determine which fish are best suited for your property.
Do you want big fish or small ones? Brightly colored species or something a little less flashy? How many fish can your pond hold?
This article will guide you through the different species of fish and how to care for them in your garden pond.
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Things to consider
When considering which fish to keep in a pond, there are a few things to consider.
Environment
The most important thing to consider is your climate and environment. If you live somewhere that’s too cold for the species of fish you want to keep, you’ll be in for a horrible disaster when the weather turns cold.
Unless you live somewhere where it never gets very cold, stay away from tropical species.
Appearance
Some fish have natural camouflage that protects them from predators, but that’s not ideal if you want a good view of your fish.
Choose fish with an eye-catching color so you can enjoy them as they swim and can more easily check them to make sure they are healthy.
Ability
Another aspect to consider is the space in your pond, as you don’t want to overload a pond with lots of fish and disrupt the natural cycle.
If there are too many fish, the waste in the pond will accumulate and you will run into problems.
As a general rule, you can have one inch of fish per 10 gallons of water.
Best Pond Fish Species
With all of that in mind, here are some of the best fish for most ponds.
1. Common goldfish
Many people had goldfish (Carassius auratus) as pets in indoor aquariums when they grow up, but you can also keep these animals in an outdoor tank. Goldfish have been bred for decades for their beauty and are important in many cultures.
Goldfish can vary in size and color depending on breeding. For example, some common goldfish are only a few inches tall, but others can be up to a foot. They come in red, orange, yellow and black.
Another great thing about common goldfish is that they get along well with most other fish, but since they are small you have to be careful with larger fish like golden orfe, which can eat goldfish. common.
You should keep common goldfish at 68-72°F.
2. Koi
Koi (Cyprinus carpio) have been domesticated for centuries and can be raised safely in cool pond water. In addition to common goldfish, koi are a popular choice for pond fish because they look fantastic and are easy to care for.
Each fish will develop distinct patterns and colors as it matures, adding to the unique display. These fish are also hardy and can withstand wide temperature ranges, so you don’t have to worry about sudden temperature drops or increases.
The ideal temperature for koi carp is 59-77°F, making them an excellent choice for outdoor ponds. They can briefly survive temperatures up to 34°F.
3. Golden Orfe
If you are looking for a striking fish, a golden orfe (Leuciscus idus) is a perfect addition to a pond. Golden orfs can grow up to three feet long with the right amount of water and food. These fish are not as hardy as koi, so you need to monitor water quality more carefully.
That being said, they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, so you can safely keep them in an outdoor pond. The best temperature is between 50 and 77°F.
These fish are very active and have been known to occasionally jump out of a pond. Place a fence or other structure to prevent fish from escaping from the pond, and consider building your pond with steep walls, if possible.
4. Lake sturgeon
Another large variety of fish is a pond sturgeon (Acipenseridae). They can get extremely large depending on the species, so you will need a large pond if you want to keep them. Most species should not be grown in volumes smaller than 1000 gallons.
There are several species of basin sturgeon, such as the white sturgeon (A.transmontanus), the Siberian sturgeon (A.baerii) and the Adriatic sturgeon (A. naccarii).
You need to keep pond sturgeon fish below 70°F and ideally they should live in dark areas. Provide plenty of hiding places for them in your pond. It is also important to feed these fish a special sturgeon diet for the best possible growth.
5. Mollies and Guppies
Although you often see mollies and guppies (Poecilia) in indoor aquariums, they can also be reared in outdoor tanks.
Keep these fish in a pond where the temperature is above 75°F for mollies and above 50°F for guppies. If you experience cold winters, you may need to bring your mollies and guppies indoors.
The good news is that these fish are easy to care for and can reproduce quickly.
6. Red Shiner
Red Shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) are known for their eye-catching fins that range from bright orange to bright blue. These fish are small compared to the other options on this list, but they can be a great addition to your pond collection.
You will want to maintain the temperature at 59-77°F when breeding red heads.
Since red minnows are found in mountainous regions, they can withstand extreme temperatures, making them excellent options for colder climates. But, although fish can survive cold temperatures, they should not be made to endure for long.
Move them indoors if temperatures start to drop too low for too long.
7. Pumpkin Fish
Sunfish(Gibbous Lepomis) in your pond is guaranteed to make a statement. These fish are beautiful to look at as they swim through the water, with bright colors and quirky patterns.
They come in different sizes but are often 3 to 8 inches long. Pumpkinseed fish like to swim and be active throughout the day, so you need to give them plenty of space in the pond. It’s also a good idea to buy a few of this breed, so they have company in the pond.
The temperature should be 69-75°F for the Pumpkin Fish.
How to take care of your pond fish
As a general rule, you need to have a sturdy and secure filtration system when caring for fish in a pond. Otherwise, your fish could get sick. Each pond must be equipped with a skimmer and a biofilter.
The skimmer will remove physical debris like leaves, sticks and other objects that can be harmful to fish. The biofilter will remove bacteria and ensure correct water levels. You can tell if the water is clean by looking at it. It should be clear, not cloudy or green.
You should feed your fish once a day during the hot seasons in spring and summer. But they might need a little extra food during the winter. A simple commercial fish food is fine for your fish, but some species like to munch on pond plants.
Check the individual health and dietary needs of your particular species, so they have everything they need when living in your pond.
Keeping fish in your pond isn’t just about looks; these little guys can be friendly and like to take food in your hand. If you have kids, it’s a fun way to engage them in their natural environment and encourage them to be curious about wildlife.
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