What Type of Fish Lives in a Pond?

Ponds often are heavily affected by seasonal and yearly water level and temperate fluctuations. They also experience cycles when select predator species become overpopulated to a point that most of the specimens remain stunted due to competition for available food sources. Sterile grass carp, which can consume up to five times their weight in aquatic vegetation daily, often are stocked in natural ponds used for angling, to control the plants. The majority of fish species in these ponds, particularly in Midwestern ponds, are pan-sized and are represented by bluegills and smaller catfish. Middle-sized channel catfish and largemouth bass, up to 15 inches are also common. The top predators in these ponds are the largemouth bass.

  1. Bluegills

    • Bluegills possess a relatively tiny mouth, which distinguishes them from other sunfish to which they are related. These fish common in ponds and lakes have dark spots at the base of their back, or dorsal fin and vertical bars on their flanks. Bluegills typically are olive green across their backs and upper sides. This color blends to a copper or brown on their lower sides and finally to a reddish-orange on the abdomen. This fish species spawns as the water temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit and continue to breed until the fall. This lengthy spawning season often results in population explosions. The bluegill nests in the shallow water near the pond edge; numerous nests may be constructed in the close proximity of each other. The male fish guards the eggs until they hatch.

    Largemouth Bass

    • Largemouth bass are green in color and possess a horizontal stripe along the middle of their flank. These are fast-growing fish, which can reach a length of 6 inches during their first year. Largemouth bass possess prominent jaws they extend beyond their eyes. These fish are, with the exception of humans, the top predators in ponds where they are found. Their young, or fry, feed mainly on the larvae of insects and on zooplankton. After the young fish have reached 2 inches in length, they become predatory. Adult largemouth bass feed almost principally on other fish species and crayfish.

    Channel Catfish

    • Channel catfish have a deeply forked caudal or tail fin and an upper jaw that projects noticeably beyond the lower jaw. This catfish species possesses a slate-blue back and sides and a white belly. Channel catfish spawn as the water temperatures reach 75 degrees F. The male fish build nests under logs and in undercut banks and guard the eggs after spawning. Channel catfish fry hatch within seven days and are protected by the male for approximately a week. Young channel catfish eat small insects, while adult fish predate on other fish species, insects and crustaceans. They also feed on aquatic vegetation.

    Grass Carp

    • The grass carp, also termed a white amur, is an herbivorous species found in Asia. This carp has been introduced into ponds and lakes in North America as a biological control against unwanted and nuisance aquatic vegetation. These carp, which are typically sterilized to prevent their breeding, are able to control nuisance plants in a pond within two to five years. Grass carp exhibit food preferences though; not all of the aquatic vegetation will be targeted.