One way to brighten up your backyard is by building a pond and filling it with pond fish. There are many different types of pond fish that can blend together; they are usually quite colorful and can play a significant part in a pond’s ecosystem.
However, be mindful of your climate and the size of the pond, as these details can limit what kind of pond fish to get.
Fathead Minnow
These tiny pond fish are about two to three inches in length. They should be moved with other fathead minnows, as they can become territorial.
As omnivores, they can eat algae and insects. They are known for being able to survive the winter and difficult conditions; they prefer colder water. Fathead minnows can live up to two years.
Goldfish
A popular fish for beginners of all ages, goldfish come in many different colors and sizes, so they can ideal for any manner of pond sizes. They include comets, which are the most common; fantails; black moors, which are noted for their bulging eyes; shubunkins, which come in many different colors and are active; ryukins; orandas, which have bumpy heads; lionheads; ranchu; and pearscale.
Goldfish are known to reproduce quickly, and there should be more than one goldfish in a pond. They are also omnivores and can eat plants, insect larvae and vegetables. Some goldfish can live for a long time – up to 30 years.
Golden Tench
Also known as the doctor fish, this pond fish can prevent other fish from getting sick with its protective skin; it contains a powerful antibiotic that can prevent many fish-related illnesses. This fish can grow up to two feet, and there should be more than one in a pond. They can live up to 15 to 20 years.
Koi
Another popular pond fish, this Japanese fish is known for its colors and large size; they can grow up to three feet, so make sure they have plenty of room to swim. There are over 100 different types of koi.
As omnivores, they will eat plants and sometimes roots, so be mindful of vegetation. Koi are also recognized for living a long time – they can live upwards of 40 years.
Mosquito Fish
As their name might hint, mosquito fish (a variety of the small minnow) eat mosquito larvae. Though they can grow up to only a few inches, they can be quite aggressive towards other fish types.
They can survive in cold water and breed quickly, so keep an eye on them. Mosquito fish can live up to one to three years.
Orfes
Also known as ideas, these active fish can sometimes jump out of ponds – invest in good barriers. Due to their active nature, they require a large amount of oxygen in the water. They are also sensitive to the water quality, so they can be tricky to take care of.
Orfes come in many different species and colors and can grow up to two feet. They can tolerate colder water temperatures and are noted to live up to 20 years.
Rosette
Also known as golden rudd, these fish are noted for their silver and gold colors. They can grow up to a little over a foot and should have more than one in a pond. Rosettes will eat insects and can live up to 15 to 20 years.
Sturgeon
For sturgeon, you will need a large and deep pond with a filter system and a muddy bottom layer. These pond fish can grow up to 50 inches or longer, and they can live up to 50 to 60 years. These are not ideal pond fish for first-timers.
Sunfish
The last pond fish on our list, the sunfish is an active type that likes to stay at the surface. They eat larvae and insects but can eat other fish eggs, so be mindful of this if you want to breed fish.
They can reproduce quickly and grow up to 10 inches. Sunfish can live up to 12 years.
Allan’s Pet Center on Pond Fish
As many of our customers may know, Allan’s Pet Center originally started as Allan’s Aquarium. With a wide range of fish and a deep knowledge that covers supplies, food and more, Allan’s Pet Center can help with any fish-related inquiries when it comes to pond fish. Stop by today for assistance!
