The problems that they create when introduced into the wild have always begged one huge question to me. We have two types of fish that eat plants, muck up the bottom, and reproduce rapidly, to the point of overcrowding. So, why, exactly, do we put this fish in our ponds? Further, goldfish and koi get rather big: meaning they’re not ideal choices for those of us with small ponds, or with streams and other "pondless” water features.
The Sunfish
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| Sunfish |
The sunfish comprise the genus Lepomis and several other closely related groups. Within Lepomis, there are roughly a dozen species – though they are known to hybridise and regional varieties are numerous. The various species of sunfish range in size from the fairly diminutive dollar sunfish at about 4 inches to some species that are routinely caught on hook and line, with maximum sizes of about 12 inches (e.g., bluegill, longear, and redbreast are all bigger fish).
Goldfish
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| Goldfish |
The goldfish is a staple of both pond and aquariums, and is a hardy and undemanding fish that is perfect for beginners. What you may not realize about goldfish, is that they can grow to enormous sizes if they aren’t confined to a goldfish bowl. It’s not unusual for a goldfish in a pond to exceed 12 inches (30 cm) in length and some have been recorded at sizes up to 18 inches (46 cm).
Koi Fish
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| Koi Fish |
There are few fish that look more stunning than an adult koi in a pond, and no fish is more prized for its unique patterns are colors. Like goldfish, these fish can grow extraordinarily large in a pond, and it’s not unusual for them to reach 2 feet (0.60 metres) in length, with many growing up to 3 feet (0.91 metres) long.
Needless to say, a fish this large can only be housed in the largest of ponds, and the minimum size for a handful of koi should be 1000 gallons (4546 litres). The most commonly accepted way to determine how much space is required for koi, is to provide each koi with 300 gallons (1363 litres) of water, plus the minimum pond size of 1000 gallons.
Mosquitofish
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| Mosquito Fish |
The mosquitofish would never be called a flashy fish, but it does have its own unique charms. While it is mainly used to control mosquitos in smaller ponds, they make an interesting addition in their right. The males takes on a brilliant red hue when they are read to mate, and they are one of the only livebearer fish that can survive in cold water.
While they can tolerate cold conditions, unlike many of the other fish in this article, they will die if the pond freezes over. And that is pretty well the only thing that will kill them, and they can be found thriving in some of worst conditions – from blistering heat to stagnant low oxygen bodies of water.
Rosy Red Minnows
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| Rosy Red Minows |
The rosy red minnow is often overlooked as a pond fish, but makes an excellent addition to any small ponds and even many of the larger ponds. It not only boasts a bright and attractive coloration, but is easy to care for, and incredibly hardy.
One of the biggest benefits to stocking rosy red minnows, is that they are well adapted to cold conditions, and will over winter in a pond, as long as it is properly winterized.They also breed easily in ponds, and they will constantly replenish their numbers. Even with predation in the pond, don’t be surprised if you constantly find your pond full of juvenile fish.
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