One of the most important things to consider once you have decided to create a pond in your garden is which fish you would like to live in it. There are a number of considerations to think about when choosing the right fish to live in the environment which you are planning to create.
Different fish have different requirements and your choice of fish can impact on the types of plants you install, selecting the best pond supplies and as well as how much maintenance is required for your pond on a daily basis.
You also need to think about the fish population – are you going to have breeding pairs of different species and if so, what will you do when your pond starts to get overcrowded?
If you are choosing more than one breed then you also need to make sure you choose fish which not only have the same environmental requirements but choose fish which are sociable and able to live together harmoniously.
Here are five top fish to consider for your pond:
1. Goldfish
By far the most popular choice of fish for ponds and fish tanks, goldfish are small, stunning brightly coloured fish which are really easy to look after and make an ideal first fish for your first pond.
There are different varieties of goldfish which can live together so you can have a range of colours and sizes while sticking with the goldfish breed. They vary from around two to six inches long when fully grown.
They are hardy and adaptable fish and live off plants, insects and crustaceans – so for a first time pond owner goldfish is one of the most ideal choices to introduce you to caring for fish.
2. Koi
If you have a larger pond and are looking more for an ornamental style pond then go for Koi. These beautiful fish grow to a bigger size than goldfish and come in a wide range of beautiful colours and striking patterns.
They are also very hardy and won’t require much maintenance. There are more than 100 varieties of Koi meaning you can have a stunning array of different looking fish in your pond which are all actually the same breed.
Koi are more expensive and do have some particular requirements to survive and thrive so would be a good choice for a more experienced pond owner or one who is looking for a more challenging option.
3. Catfish
Another very popular fish choice for ponds is the catfish. These fish are again, very resilient and adaptable and don’t require much looking after. It’s worth checking the breed as they do vary greatly in size and some catfish types can get huge!
They are easy to look after and eat most bought fish food as well as scavenging the natural sources of food which your pond environment will provide. They make an unusual looking addition to any garden pond.
4. Tilapia
Tilapia suit warm weather outdoors and thrive in warmer waters. They are easy to look after and will eat most types of food, surviving mainly on vegetation and plant-based foods.
They grow quickly so make sure your pond is the right size to accommodate them. Also they prefer a lot of light and like their water to be clean so you will need to keep your pond looked after and clear of algae and weeds for this fish.
5. Killifish
These small fish are ideal for a smaller size pond, particularly with moving water features as they prefer this for their environment. They are strong reproducers so if you want to breed your own fish colony then these will work well for you.
They are easy to look after and feed on insects and plant matter as well as algae so they can help to keep your pond waters cleaned for you.
Conclusion
There are literally hundreds of fish to choose from when you are planning to populate your new garden pond so do some research and shop around for the right fish that will best thrive in the environment you have created.
While some fish are hardier than others, all fish require clean water to thrive so you will need to carry out regular pond maintenance to maintain their health and to keep your pond environment positive.
Make sure your pond is the right size for your fish and don’t allow the population to become overcrowded with babies or your pond will quickly become toxic and unhealthy for your fish.
Looking after your own pond can be wonderfully relaxing and as long as you buy the right fish for your particular water feature you will be able to enjoy looking after them for many years to come, and make the most of the added relaxation which sitting gazing at your pond can bring.