* Aquatic plants: Dense patches of plants like water lilies, cattails, and reeds provide excellent hiding places for small fish. The leaves and stems offer concealment, and the tangled roots create a maze-like environment.
* Submerged logs and rocks: Logs and rocks that have fallen into the pond create crevices and shadows where small fish can hide from predators. These also provide a surface for algae and other organisms to grow, attracting insects that the fish can eat.
* Overhanging branches: Trees and shrubs growing near the pond edge can provide shelter for small fish, particularly during the day. They also offer a place for insects to land, which the fish can then hunt.
* Pond bottom: The bottom of the pond, especially areas with gravel, sand, or mud, can offer some protection for small fish. They can burrow into the substrate or hide in the shadows cast by rocks and plants.
The specific type of shelter a small fish uses will depend on its size, species, and the particular environment of the pond.