What Are Some Fish for an Outdoor Fish Pond?

A fish pond adds an interesting effect to any outdoor area. There are a few issues when establishing an outdoor pond and one is the selection of fish. Most ponds are subjected to temperature swings as well as the effects of the elements. For these reasons, it is good to avoid using typical tropical aquarium fish and local wild fish for these ponds. The best choices of fish are cold-water fish since they are better designed to handle the temperature swings.

  1. Koi

    • These fish can grow up to 18 inches in length. They are a member of the carp family and resemble the carp caught in North American waters. They are distinguished by the barbels that grow from the sides of their mouths. The other difference between Koi and their cousins is the variety of colors. Koi come in colors that range from white to black with orange, yellow and mixed varieties. They eat vegetable-based food pellets and are drawn to the surface for fantastic feeding scenes.

    Comet Goldfish

    • Comet goldfish are the traditional orange goldfish that are often seen in bowls in a home. These fish are suited to living in outdoor ponds because they are cold-water fish. They can range in color from white and orange to all orange. They can grow to lengths of 8 inches and readily take a vegetable-based prepared food.

    Moor Goldfish

    • These are the black goldfish that have the bulging eyes. They grow to around 6 inches long. They can have a double or single tail and feed on prepared, vegetable-based food pellets. Moor Goldfish can make an interesting contrast to a pond full of brightly colored fish.

    Ryukins

    • These goldfish come in a variety of colors and patterns and grow to around 8 inches in length. They also have a variety of eye arrangements. Some are called star-gazers and have eyes that face skyward. Others have eyes that are set in the head normally. Ryukins are a very hearty fish and can survive outdoors in most climates. They take regular, prepared goldfish food.