Ponds are one of the most relaxing features of any yard. There is nothing more serene than sitting in your patio and gazing at the fishes gracefully gliding through the water. However, not all fishes are compatible with just any environment.
Best Fishes for Your Patio Pond
Here are the fish breeds that will enhance the look and feel of your patio pond:
1. Koi (Cyprinus carpio)
Koi are one of the most popular pond fish species. They have a wide diversity in their coloration and patterns so they stand out from the environment.
Furthermore, koi can grow a maximum of a foot to three feet in size. That is why they are most suitable in big ponds, at least a meter deep. They are adaptable to any temperature shift as long as it does not happen too quickly.
Kois are known to be under the group of omnivores. They love to eat cereals, lettuce, watermelon, and shrimp. However, for your budget, it might be better to stick to good old-fashioned fish food. Koi need very clean water so an outdoor filtration system is required. If cared for properly, they can live up 20-25 years.
2. Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Goldfishes are one of the most common types due to their size. However, depending on the species, the maximum length of an adult goldfish can go from 7 inches to 18 inches or 1 1/2 feet. This means that you can choose the goldfish breed that fits most perfectly with the size of your pond.
Just like Kois, goldfishes belong to omnivores. They like to feed on aquatic plants, newts, frogs, and insects larvae in the wild. Domesticated goldfish can live on pellet fish food, vegetables and occasionally some live food.
Goldfishes prefer calm, clean and cold waters. They also get along with anything in the pond. Nonetheless, small goldfishes tend to get eaten by other bigger fishes in the pond.
3. Golden Orfe (Leuciscus idus)
Orfes, also known as ides or golden orfes, are hardy and go really well with outdoor ponds since their natural habitat is flowing rivers. They are a social species so they need to be in groups of five or more.
Moreover, due to their energetic nature, they are suitable in ponds with flowing water features. They are the best choice if you have a grand water display with fountains and waterfalls.
In addition, Golden orfe can be fed live insects, pond flakes and sticks as well as pellets. The disadvantage with orfe is that it needs a tank that is clean and constant oxygen supply. This will require a powerful outdoor filtration system and an air pump. They need expensive maintenance so not ideal when you are on a budget.
4. Plecos (Hypostomus plecostomus)
Plecos are black dotted fishes that originated from South America. Plecos are also exceptional algae eaters. They are very peaceful and get along with other fish breeds.
Aside from these, these tropical fishes can basically survive in any water condition as long as it does not get too cold. Bring them indoors when the temperature drops below 50° F for more than a day or two or they will likely die.
5. Mollies and Guppies (Poecilia)
Mollies and guppies are easy to take care of. They get along well with other fish types or species. Plus, they must be given fresh water to thrive. Mollies and guppies eat pests such as mosquito larvae. Hence, helping you decrease the number of mosquito at your home.
Male mollies and guppies are able to grow up to 1.4 inches. On the other hand, females grow longer for up to 2.4 inches. Their small size might make them easy-pickings for larger fishes in your pond. Worry not because they breed very quickly.
You have to put plants in the pond because it helps the babies to thrive. When there are no other breeds in the pond, mollies and guppies can live up to three years. When your pond gets overpopulated, you should catch some and sell them to a local pet store.
Never release them in the wild. Like plecos, mollies and guppies are tropical fishes so bring them indoors when it gets too cold.
6. Hi-Fin Sharks (Myxocyprinus asiaticus)
Hi-fin sharks are best known as batfish because of their color and appearance. Their black and white patterns are quite striking. Hi-Fin Sharks may not be colorful like the rest, however, they are essential to a pond’s ecosystem. These fishes are suckering algae eaters. They can also be fed with pellets for optimal health.
Furthermore, they are also very easygoing and peaceful. They get along with almost every other pond fish, including koi, goldfish, guppies, and plecos. They can survive in both warm and cool waters.
If you are planning on getting more than one species of fish, keep in mind that some fishes might get along while others are confrontational. Some species might feed on fishes smaller than they are.
In addition, you must also be be knowledgeable of fish maintenance requirements like water temperature, pH levels, ambient air temperature, nutrient levels of the pond, etc.
Considerations Before Choosing Fishes for Your Patio Pond
When looking for the best fish for your patio pond, consider two things.
First, the fish’s temperature adaptability. Since the pond will be outdoors, the fish should be able to survive in any weather, especially in places with changing seasons. That way, you do not have to buy new fishes every time the temperature drops.
Second, the fish’s color. The colorful, the better. Fishes give beauty and character to your patio pond. So, try to avoid fishes with muted colors. They tend to blend with the natural ambiance, making your pond seem empty. A fish with vibrant scales, however, will bring movement and life to your aquatic space.
Conclusion
In the end, pick the best fish you can add into your patio pond will depend on what can thrive with your place’s size and climate. Some fishes you can choose from include Koi, goldfishes, golden orfe, plecos, mollies and guppies, and hi-fin sharks.
Also, consider fishes with scale patterns and color that goes best with your taste. Having fish for your patio will cost you some money so you need to assess your budget for it especially in the long run. A fish is a living being that will depend on you. It is a must to tend it properly according to its needs and breed.
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