What Are Good Pond Fish?

Picking the perfect fish for your pond takes a lot of preparation. You need to pick fish that will survive, at least most of the year, in the climate in your area. You also need to pick fish that complement each other and will live together in peace. Other considerations are the size of the pond, the amount of care the particular fish needs and how it will help keep the eco balance in the pond by eating insects or algae, for instance.

  1. Mosquito Fish

    • Mosquito fish are a relative of the guppy. They can tolerate mild , but not cold, winters. Make sure the pond has a decent amount of plants for them to hide behind. Mosquito fish have earned their name. They eat mosquito eggs, something that is very beneficial not only to the pond, but to the rest of the garden as well.

    Bitterlings

    • Bitterlings are another fish that is beneficial to the eco balance of your pond. They will eat the larvae of several insects and parasites that attack Koi. The two together are a perfect combination. They like to hide behind rocks and they can survive in a pond with as little as 30 gallons of water. Put several in. They will pick their own mate and give you a good crop of babies.

    American Flagfish

    • The American Flagfish will help take care of the excess algae in the pond. The American Flagfish is a native of the Florida swamps and as far south as the Yucatan Peninsula. The American Flagfish is very adaptable to different size ponds and water conditions. The American Flagfish is not fussy about its food either. It will eat live food, flake food or algae tablets.

    Rainbow Dace

    • Rainbow Dace, which will not grow longer than 3 inches, is a perfect choice for a small pond. The Rainbow Dace will help control mosquitoes and will not harm any plants. The Rainbow Dace cannot be left outdoors in the winter, so have an aquarium for their cold-weather home.

    Goldfish

    • After all is said and done, Goldfish are still the most popular choice for a pond. It could be because of the tremendous variety available. The choices include the slender Comet, colorful Shubunkin, the short, plump Fantail, the Black Moor with its bulging eyes, the distinctively shaped Ryukin, the odd-looking Oranda, the Lionhead, one of the few without a dorsal fin, the Ranchu which is hard to distinguish from the Lionhead , the Bubble Eye which looks like its eyes are blowing bubbles and the Pearlscale with its pearl colored scales.

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    Koi

    • Koi have been popular in Japan since 1820. Kio need a large pond, at least 1,000 gallons. They are adaptable to cold and can winter over in an ice-covered pond, as long as there is one hole. Koi are very intelligent. They will soon realize you are their food source and rush to meet you.