Types of Fish for Outdoor Ponds
75Fish For Outdoor Ponds
Thinking about adding an outdoor fish pond to your outdoor space? Make sure you get the right fish.
Outdoor Fish Not Indoor Fish:
Fish for outdoor ponds, also known as aquatic gardens, should be suited for outdoor life and not aquariums. Aquarium fish will usually not do well. Fish should also be selected for the pond based on the region - take into account your weather year round. Some fish are only for warm regions.
In many areas, fish are able to remain in the pond during the winter. A large pond may be an advantage because it can withstand rapid changes in temperature. This will also allow fish to hide from predators, and offer more flexibility when you are stocking your pond.
Several different kinds of fish are ideal for outdoor fish ponds:
Koi:
One of the most commonly kept fish for outdoor fish ponds is the koi, a member of the carp family. Koi have been developed in a wide range of colors and patterns such as silvers, copper, metallic gold, blues, lemon yellows, platinum white and tri-color combinations. Koi can be trained to do tricks and even eat from your hand.
Goldfish:
Goldfish, also a member of the carp family, are another common choice for outdoor fish ponds. They do not grow as large as koi and are a better choice for a small pond. However, if goldfish stay in the pond during a cold winter, the pond must be deep enough to provide at least 12 to 16 inches of water below the freeze zone. Goldfish varieties include the velvety black Chinese Moor with telescope eyes, the Comets with the red-gold bodies -- they likes to dart around, and the Fantails.
Golden Orfe:
Golden orfe are quick moving, yellowish-orange schooling fish. As pond fish, they are much more sensitive to water conditions than the koi or goldfish. Because they are schooling fish, at least three should be introduced at one time, to the pond. This is because without a school they will not survive. Some states do not permit possession of golden orfe fish - be sure to check.
Mosquito Fish:
Mosquito fish are small guppy-like fish ranging in length from one to three inches. Mosquito fish are easy to keep and eat a fair amount of mosquito larva, other insect larva and algae.
Plecostomus:
The plecostomus is a type of catfish used in the outdoor pond as an algae eater.The fish is a tropical species and will not survive a winter outdoors. Plans to bring this fish indoors to an aquarium for the winter will not work because although they are usually three inches in length when purchased, they rapidly grow to 24 inches in length.
More Tropical Fish:
Other fish for warm climates include the white clouds and paradise fish.
White clouds are very small and put little strain on the pond's biological system.
The paradise fish is an anabantid and therefor can take oxygen from the air; dissolved oxygen is not as necessary for this type of fish as it is for others.
For more outdoor living tips, see the links below:
Koi Fish
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BkCreative Level 6 Commenter 13 months ago
I would like an outdoor fish pond but don't know where to begin. I've read that people are stealing koi out of ponds. Hmmmm. But I do like the idea that you can train them.
Thanks for the tips. Soon!