What Types of Fish Should Be Put in a Small Pond?

The most common choices for pond fish are Koi and goldfish. But Koi can grow to be large, and require a pond that is at least 1,000 gallons and at least 3-feet deep, so they are not be suitable for smaller ponds. Goldfish are the most common and popular pond fish. They are suited to any size pond and are especially suited to small ponds. Most goldfish are members of the carp family, making them a hardy fish. Goldfish also come in a number of fancy varieties, some that even mimic the coloring of Koi.

  1. The Sarasa Comet

    • Comets are the hardiest of the goldfish varieties and are especially suited to areas with long, cold winters. The Sarasa Comet is originally from China and resembles the Koi with its brilliant white body broken with soft white patches and long single tail. This fish will grow in proportion to the size of the pond where it's kept.

    The Red Ryukin

    • A member of the carp family, the Red Ryukin is a hardy, flashy fish. It is red, orange and gold with flowing fins that give it an exotic look. Like all Ryukin goldfish, the Red Ryukin has a prominent arch or hump immediately behind the head.

    The Red &White Ranchu

    • Selectively bred, the Red and White Ranchu is distiguished by its lack of a dorsal fin. Developed from Lionhead goldfish, this species' head has a hood of raspberry-like growth giving it an unconventional look.

    The Crown Pearlscale

    • Found in a variety of colors, including red, orange, black and white, Crown Pearlscale is almost always a combination of colors. Its name is drawn from its iridescent, pearl-like scales and the crown on top of its head, which is similar to an oranda variety. Actually a carp, this goldfish can attain a substantial size of 14 inches.

    The Shubunkin

    • This single-tailed goldfish is colored in mottled white, black and orange speckled pattern. It will grow in proportion to the size of the pond. The Shubunkin is sensitive to unhealthy water, so it requires adequate filtration to maintain proper water conditions.

    The Black Moor

    • The Black Moor goldfish is distinguished by its "veil" tail and solid black color. Some moor varieties have metallic scales. Like all members of the carp species, Moors are sturdy fish and adapt to any size pond.

    The Panda Oranda

    • The most distinguishing features of this variety of goldfish are its long veiled tail, and black and white panda-like coloring.

    General Goldfish Facts

    • All goldfish are hardy fish and can adapt to any size pond. They are diggers and like to eat plant roots, so you will need to secure your pond plants with large rocks around the base to protect them. They do best in a pond with a bottom of gravel substrate and river rocks with hardy, cold-water plants.