Can Water Temperature Affect Fish Feeding Habits?

Decorative fish ponds are a beautiful addition to almost any environment. The most common types of domestic fish ponds are goldfish, freshwater and Koi fish ponds. As with any pet, the care and maintenance of their environment is paramount for fish longevity. Part of caring for fish ponds includes a daily feeding schedule and water temperature maintenance. Water temperature affects fish feeding habits and, if not carefully monitored, can spoil the entire pond when fish and vegetation die as a result of an improperly prepared environment.

  1. Water Depth and Temperature

    • Water temperature is colder toward the bottom of a fish pond. Fish tend to migrate toward the bottom of the pond at times of day when their environment is hotter. It's important for all fish ponds to be neither too deep nor too shallow. An ideal depth is typically between 3.5 and 4 feet. In addition, outdoor ponds should have access to partial shade to help naturally control water temperature.

    Water Temperature and Fish Species

    • Koi fish prefer water temperature to be 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water becomes too cold (below 45 degrees Fahrenheit), most fish, including Koi, become dormant and will not feed, grow or reproduce. Goldfish prefer water temperatures ranging between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Their activity slows, and they feed less often in water colder than 60 degrees. Freshwater fish are usually more accustomed to variances in water temperature and are less likely to change feeding habits when water temperature drops.

    Why Fish Stop Feeding

    • In colder water temperatures, fish have trouble digesting food. It's important to monitor the water temperature and feed each different type of fish species accordingly when the temperature is within the parameters for the species. For example, Koi and goldfish cannot digest food when the water is below 47 degrees Fahrenheit. So they either wait until the water warms or swim to an area in the pond where the water is warmer to feed.

    Preventing Drastic Temperature Drops

    • A good way to control the water temperature is to take readings at varying depths and times of day. If the pond is outside and the climate varies so much that it might freeze over in the winter, pond water heaters can keep the water temperature consistent. Then fish will continue to reproduce and grow in size and not go into dormancy. Outdoor fish don't need to be fed every day when the weather is colder. They may eat only a few times every several days, which slows but does not stop their rate of growth and reproduction.