{"id":2222,"date":"2024-05-02T21:46:13","date_gmt":"2024-05-02T21:46:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/?p=2222"},"modified":"2024-06-20T21:46:49","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T21:46:49","slug":"best-pond-fish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/2024\/05\/02\/best-pond-fish\/","title":{"rendered":"What Nobody Tells You About Pond Fish: What Varieties Should You Stock a Backyard Pond With?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Backyard ponds containing colorful fish and plants add beauty and interest to any landscape. Pond fish provide color and character and are an integral part of the pond\u2019s ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you keep pond fish for their bright shimmering colors, graceful movement through the water, or just for <a href=\"http:\/\/ucanr.edu\/blogs\/blogcore\/postdetail.cfm?postnum=10847\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mosquito control<\/a>, fish are an important addition to any pond or water garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some pond-keepers name their fish and care for them like any other pet.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/pond-carp.jpg\" alt=\"Fancy carps swimming in a pond with plants\" class=\"wp-image-11744\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Not all fish that live in ponds are suitable for a backyard water garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll explore the different types of ponds you can have and which fish are compatible and will thrive in each type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Natural Farm Ponds<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-11712 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/pumkinseed-sunfish.jpeg\" alt=\"Pumpkinseed sunfish guarding its spawning site in a lake in north Quebec, Canada\" class=\"wp-image-11712\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Adults pumpkinseed sunfish (<em>Lepomis gibbosus<\/em>) reach 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) in size<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Many man-made ponds were dug by farmers to water cattle or to capture water diverted from the fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/best-pond-liner\/\">rubber-lined garden ponds<\/a>, farm ponds are <a href=\"http:\/\/akvopedia.org\/wiki\/Using_local_materials_for_pond_lining\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">usually lined with clay soil<\/a>. The clay seals the pond, so it stays full of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll normally find native game fish living in natural ponds. In North America, this would include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension2.missouri.edu\/g9477\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sunfish<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mdc.mo.gov\/property\/pond-stream-care\/ponds-fish-frog-management\/crappie-small-ponds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crappie<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/sepond.com\/fish-stocking\/smallmouth-bass\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Large and smallmouth bass<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/forums.pondboss.com\/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&amp;Number=261934\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pickerel<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Native game fish are very territorial and aggressive toward intruders. Some native fish are ferocious predators.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-11709\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/smallmouth-bass.jpeg\" alt=\"Smallmouth bass underwater\" class=\"wp-image-11709\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Smallmouth bass (<em>Micropterus dolomieu<\/em>) is a predator fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Bass and pickerel would be attracted to colorful, slow-moving goldfish. While goldfish could live in a farm pond, they would be quickly consumed by more aggressive native fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carp are sometimes added to farm ponds to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.noble.org\/news\/publications\/ag-news-and-views\/1997\/june\/controlling-aquatic-vegetation-with-grass-carp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">control vegetation<\/a>. They continuously forage for food, stirring up mud and clouding the water. Carp make it very difficult to keep water lilies and other water garden plants.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-11714 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freshwater-carp.jpeg\" alt=\"Freshwater fish carp (Cyprinus carpio) feeding with boilie in the beautiful clean pound. Underwater shot in the lake\" class=\"wp-image-11714\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Carps (<em>Cyprinus carpio<\/em>) are notorious foragers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Carp will feed on any plant they can find and uproot potted water lilies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bottom line is native fish don\u2019t mix well with goldfish, koi, and other fish bred to be colorful and have long flowing fins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Koi Ponds<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/koi-in-pond.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese koi near water surface among water plants \" class=\"wp-image-11740\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Koi are a type of hybridized carp. They have been kept and selectively bred since the 1800s. Koi are carefully bred for both coloration and shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ideal pond for keeping koi is at least 1000 gallons with <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/best-pond-aerators\/\">plenty of aeration<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/best-pond-filters\/\">good filtration<\/a>. Koi become quite large and require a lot of room to swim and remain healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fish are very resilient and can over-winter in a frozen pond, provided you maintain an <strong>open hole in the ice<\/strong> with an <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/best-pond-aerators\/\">air pump<\/a> and air stone or <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/best-pond-deicer-heater\/\">floating heater<\/a>. This is necessary to allow natural gases like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide to escape and let oxygen into the water.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-11716 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/frozen-pond.jpeg\" alt=\"The air hole in a garden pond in winter\" class=\"wp-image-11716\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The hole in a winter garden pond allows for gas exchange to take place<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Koi can die if the pond surface is sealed with ice. Since koi are like carp, they will forage on the bottom of the pond. They\u2019ll investigate potted plants and sometimes uproot water lilies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They will munch on floating plants like water hyacinths and water lettuce. Koi are best kept in a pond without aquatic plants. Some pond-keepers have a separate pond stocked with water lilies and <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/oxygenating-pond-plants\/\">other beautiful aquatic plants<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The water garden or bog pond functions as a natural filter for the koi pond. Water is pumped from the koi pond to the water or bog pond and then flows back to the koi pond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Koi can be kept in earth-bottom ponds. Many koi farms use earthen ponds to raise koi. They believe the natural minerals and murky algae-filled water promotes the development of beautiful coloration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But these ponds are not intended for viewing the koi since the fish constantly stir up the mud and sediments. The primary purpose is <a href=\"http:\/\/lonestarkoi.com\/resources\/articles\/koi-growth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">grow-out the koi<\/a> and develop coloration before selling them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Goldfish Ponds<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-8613 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/goldfish-varieties.jpg\" alt=\"Different types of goldfish swimming together in aquarium close to the surface\" class=\"wp-image-8613\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some fancy goldfish-keepers bring their goldfish inside during the cold winter months<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/types-of-goldfish\/\">Goldfish<\/a> are available in a range of shapes and colors. Through selective breeding over the centuries, we now have many varieties of goldfish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Long, graceful fins and amazing color patterns differentiate the \u201cfancy goldfish\u201d from the common Comet goldfish most people are familiar with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Goldfish cannot swim as quickly as koi. Koi can even leap out of the pond with a flick of their powerful tails. Goldfish tend to glide around the pond in short bursts of movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fancy goldfish do not like strong water movement. They are weak swimmers and cannot compete with Comets and Shubunkins for food. A splashing waterfall is not recommended when keeping fancies in a pond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fancy types of goldfish have delicate fins that aggressive fish easily damage. Fin-nipping happens when fancy goldfish are kept in the same pond with Comets and koi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep the fancies in their own pond. However, Comets and koi can be kept together in the same pond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Goldfish do not grow as large as koi, making them perfect for smaller ponds and water gardens. Here are some of the <strong>most common varieties<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Comets<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-11718 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/comet-goldfish.jpeg\" alt=\"Sarasa comet goldfish on a green background\" class=\"wp-image-11718\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sarasa variety<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/comet-goldfish\/\">Comets<\/a> are the most common goldfish. They have long, slender bodies. The fish is orange colored but can also be all white or a combination of orange, red and white, called <strong>Sarasa comet.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Fantails<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/red-fantail.jpg\" alt=\"Red fantail fancy goldfish variety swimming in aquarium\" class=\"wp-image-8587\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/types-of-goldfish\/\">Fantail goldfish<\/a> have a shorter, more plump body compared to Comets. Their tail fin is split giving them the fantail name. Basic Fantails can be found in a variety of colors (orange, black, white, red).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Orandas<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/oranda-goldfish-carassius-auratus.jpg\" alt=\"Oranda goldfish swimming in a pond\" class=\"wp-image-7043\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/oranda-goldfish\/\">Orandas<\/a> are a type of fantail. Their distinguishing feature is their bumpy heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Black Moors<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/moor-carassius.jpg\" alt=\"Carassius auratus also known as black moor fancy goldfish swimming close to sandy aquarium bottom\" class=\"wp-image-8354\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/black-moor-goldfish\/\">Black Moor<\/a> has the body of a fantail. The fish is solid black in color. Its most distinguishing feature is its bulging eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Shubunkins<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/shubunkin-goldfish.jpeg\" alt=\"Pair of London shubunkin goldfish in cold freshwater aquarium\" class=\"wp-image-11717\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/shubunkin-goldfish\/\">Shubunkin<\/a> has a similar body shape to the Comet. The difference is in the way the fish is colored. Shubunkins have a base color of light blue, which is covered with patterns of darker blue, red, brown, white, or black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Ryukins<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ryukin.jpg\" alt=\"A large school of Ryukin goldfish\" class=\"wp-image-10138\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/ryukin-goldfish\/\">Ryukins<\/a> are very similar in shape to the fantails. The main difference is in the slope of the back. The Ryukin has a sharp slope between the head and the dorsal fin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Lionheads<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/lionhead-goldfish.jpg\" alt=\"Lionhead goldfish in an aquarium\" class=\"wp-image-4185\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/lionhead-goldfish\/\">Lionhead<\/a> is like the Oranda with a fantail shape and bumpy head. The difference is that the Lionhead completely lacks a dorsal fin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Ranchu<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/blue-ranchu.jpg\" alt=\"Blu ranchu fancy goldfish swimming in a decorated aquarium with some plants and stones\" class=\"wp-image-8859\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/ranchu-goldfish\/\">Ranchu<\/a> are sometimes confused with Lionheads, the difference is where the body meets the tail fins. The Lionhead&#8217;s body extends straight out toward the tail fin. The Ranchu\u2019s body drops sharply from the top of the back to the tail fins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Bubble-eye<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/bubble-eye.jpg\" alt=\"Shoal of bubble eye fancy goldfish swimming together close to a gravel bottom in aquarium\" class=\"wp-image-8579\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Bubble-Eye goldfish has a shape like the fantail. The distinguishing feature of this interesting fish is the liquid-filled sacs that balloon out from below the eye sockets. The eyes of the Bubble-Eye are also pointed upward. A delicate variety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Pearlscale<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/chocolate-pearlscale.jpg\" alt=\"Crowned chocolate pearlscale goldfish variant swimming in a planted aquarium close to the bottom\" class=\"wp-image-10043\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/pearlscale-goldfish\/\">Pearlscale<\/a> is also shaped like the common fantail. It gets its name from the dome-shaped pearly scales that cover the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Water Gardens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The main feature of a water garden is the collection of floating, potted foliage, flowering water lilies, and bog plants that provide beautiful blooms and leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.fishtankadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/water-gardens.jpg\" alt=\"An ornamental pond, stocked with goldfish and surrounded by green plants and some flowers\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As we\u2019ve discussed, koi like to dig, uproot water lilies and eat floating plants. Never put koi into a water garden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best fish for water gardens are <strong>Comets<\/strong> and <strong>Shubunkins<\/strong>. These varieties are hardy, colorful, and quite active. You\u2019ll enjoy their curiosity as they explore the water garden and investigate the plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A waterfall or <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/pond-fountains\/\">fountain<\/a> is a welcome addition. Comets and Shubunkins enjoy the water movement and will often swim directly through the splashing water. These goldfish varieties can be kept in the pond all year long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you live in a region where the pond freezes solid, you\u2019ll have to keep an open hole in the ice. This allows for gas exchange to take place so fish won\u2019t be exposed to harmful hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg gas) that can build up under the ice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.com\/best-pond-deicer-heater\/\">automatic pond heater<\/a> will ensure your pond remains safe all winter long.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Backyard ponds containing colorful fish and plants add beauty and interest to any landscape. Pond fish provide color and character and are an integral part of the pond\u2019s ecosystem. Whether you keep pond fish for their bright shimmering colors, graceful movement through the water, or just for mosquito control, fish are an important addition to &#8230; <a title=\"What Nobody Tells You About Pond Fish: What Varieties Should You Stock a Backyard Pond With?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/2024\/05\/02\/best-pond-fish\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about What Nobody Tells You About Pond Fish: What Varieties Should You Stock a Backyard Pond With?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":596,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ponds","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2222","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2222"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2222\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2224,"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2222\/revisions\/2224"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/596"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2222"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2222"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2222"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}