Maya Ellison
There are many types of fish that can be kept in a backyard pond, and the choice of fish depends on the size of the pond and the climate. Goldfish are a popular choice for small ponds due to their hardiness, low cost, and variety of colours, shapes, and sizes. They can live up to 10 years and grow quite large if given proper care and the right environment. Rosy red minnows are another option for small ponds, as they are cheap, cute, and hardy, and they breed in spring. For larger ponds, koi fish are a popular choice as they are known for their bright colours and graceful swimming movements. They can grow up to 3 feet in length and survive cold temperatures in properly winterized ponds. Catfish are also suitable for ponds as they come in a variety of sizes, get along well with other fish, and can live up to 20 years. Other options include mosquito fish, sunfish, bass, and the Chinese high-fin banded shark.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fish for small plastic ponds | Medaka, Rosy red minnows, Goldfish, Mosquito fish, Shubunkin, Comets |
| Fish for large plastic ponds | Koi, Suckermouth catfish, Golden Orfe, Largemouth bass, Catfish, Sunfish, Bass, Shubunkin, Chinese high-fin banded shark |
| Goldfish characteristics | Hardy, inexpensive, smaller than Koi, come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, can live up to 10+ years, seldom grow longer than 8 inches |
| Koi characteristics | Ornamental, come in a variety of colours, can grow up to 3 feet in length, can live up to 20-30 years, get along well with other fish |
| Catfish characteristics | Hardy, fun to look at, grow quickly, omnivores, can live up to 20 years, won't clean pond muck |
| Sunfish characteristics | Native species of North America, well-suited to larger ponds |
| Bass characteristics | Native species, can thrive in large ponds, predatory fish that feed on smaller fish and insects |
| Mosquito fish characteristics | Small, hardy, control mosquito populations |
| Shubunkin characteristics | Blue-grey colour with speckles of red, orange and black, hardy, can survive in a range of water conditions, more elongated than standard goldfish |
| Comets characteristics | Type of goldfish, long slender body, deeply forked tail |
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What You'll Learn
Goldfish: Hardy, cheap, and low-maintenance
Goldfish are a popular choice for fish ponds due to their hardiness, low maintenance, and relatively low cost. They are known for their variety, with different colours, shapes, and sizes available. Goldfish can be red, orange, blueish-grey, brown, yellow, white, or black, although the typical bright orange colour is the most common.
Goldfish are generally hardy and can live up to 10 years or more with proper care and in the right environment. They can be quite resilient to changes in water conditions and temperature, making them suitable for ponds. However, they do require adequate space, and a pond or tank should have at least 20 gallons of water per fish. Goldfish are also known to produce more waste than other fish, so water changes and maintenance are necessary.
Goldfish are typically smaller than koi, growing up to 6-8 inches in length, although some varieties like the comet can reach up to 14 inches. The comet is a popular and cheap variety, often found in bright colours like white, orange, gold, or black. Other hardy varieties include the Sarasa and Shubunkin, which stay smaller and max out around 8 to 10 inches. The Shubunkin, in particular, is known for its blue-grey colour with speckles of red, orange, and black, and its elongated body and longer fins.
Goldfish are considered peaceful and non-demanding fish, making them suitable for beginners. However, some sources suggest that they are not as low-maintenance as believed, and they may require adequate filtration and water quality to stay healthy. Goldfish are also known to be susceptible to diseases, and occasional losses due to sickness may occur.
Overall, goldfish can be a good choice for plastic ponds due to their hardiness, low to moderate maintenance requirements, and relatively low cost. They provide a variety of colours and sizes to choose from, and with proper care, they can live long and healthy lives.
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Rosy red minnows: Small, hardy, and inexpensive
Rosy red minnows, also known as fathead minnows, are small, hardy, and inexpensive fish that can be an excellent choice for a plastic pond. They are native to North America and can be found in muddy ponds and streams, making them well-suited for artificial pond environments.
Rosy red minnows are typically sold as feeder fish in pet stores, and their small size—ranging from 0.5 to 3 inches—makes them ideal for plastic ponds. They are known for their bright colours, ranging from pale peach to light pink, with some individuals having black spots. These fish are social and should be kept in groups of at least three, with a ratio of one male to two females.
One of the advantages of choosing rosy red minnows for your plastic pond is their hardiness. They are moderately hardy and tolerant of turbid, low-oxygenated water, making them suitable for various water conditions. They prefer temperatures between 10°C and 21°C (50°F to 70°F) and a pH range of 7.0 to 7.5.
Rosy red minnows are also known for their breeding behaviour. Males care for their eggs and fry, exhibiting behaviour similar to cichlids. They are fractional spawners, reproducing throughout the spring and summer when temperatures reach about 65°F. Their high reproduction rate makes them an excellent choice for stocking ponds, and they can add a nice movement to the water as they swim in schools.
In terms of diet, rosy red minnows are omnivores and will accept almost any type of food. They primarily feed on zooplankton and phytoplankton but will also consume small dried and live food, such as spirulina flakes and peas.
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Medaka: Hardy, small, and good for ponds with plants
Medaka are a great choice for plastic ponds, especially if you want to keep things minimal and have plants. They are small, hardy, and can live in a wide range of temperatures, from 0-100 degrees. This makes them ideal for ponds that may experience temperature fluctuations. They are also available in various colours, so you can choose the ones that best suit your taste or even match your pond's aesthetic.
One of the advantages of medaka is their size. Being small, you can have a decent number of them in your pond without overcrowding. This is in contrast to goldfish, which will quickly outgrow a small pond and become more susceptible to predators like herons. Medaka are also less likely to be targeted by herons due to their smaller size.
Medaka are known to eat mosquito larvae, making them a natural form of mosquito control in your pond. This can be particularly beneficial if you live in an area with a high mosquito population. Additionally, medaka are known to lay their eggs in the roots of floating plants like water hyacinths, which you can add to your pond to provide cover and help maintain water quality. The eggs provide an educational opportunity for children to witness the fish's life cycle.
If you're looking for other small fish options, rosy red minnows are a good choice. They are about three inches long as adults, hardy, and quite cheap to purchase. They are pale peach in colour, with some having black spots, making them visually appealing and easy to spot in the pond. Rosy red minnows are also known for their personable nature, adding a touch of charm to your pond.
Overall, medaka are an excellent choice for plastic ponds, especially if you want a hardy, small fish that can coexist with plants and provide a unique viewing experience without requiring a lot of space.
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Catfish: Hardy, fun to look at, and grow quickly
Catfish are a popular choice for pond fish, and for good reason. They are known for their hardiness and ability to adapt to various environments, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced fish keepers. Catfish come in a variety of sizes, with some species growing very large, very quickly. For example, in a 200-day growing season, catfish can grow from eight inches to a pound and a quarter. Their distinctive upturned mouths and voracious appetites make them fun to watch during feeding time, and they are particularly enjoyable for children to observe.
Catfish are also quite versatile when it comes to diet. While they are omnivores and will eat some plant matter, they are not picky eaters and will consume just about any prepared fish food. They can be fed trout chow or fish pellets, and they especially enjoy high-quality feed such as game fish chow and AquaMax. With the right food and clean water, catfish can taste great if you're planning on eating them.
It's important to note that catfish behaviour can be unpredictable. While they typically get along well with other fish, there is always the potential for them to prey on their tank or pond mates. Additionally, catfish may not be the best choice if you're looking for fish that will help keep your pond clean, as they won't significantly reduce algae or other muck.
When it comes to appearance, catfish may not be the most colourful or visually appealing fish. They are typically grey or "gold", and they tend to hide most of the time, only becoming active during feedings. However, they do have unique characteristics, such as their large mouths and lack of scales, that make them interesting to observe.
Overall, catfish make a great addition to a pond, especially if you're looking for fish that are easy to care for, grow quickly, and provide entertainment during feeding time.
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$196.99 $209.96
Koi: Ornamental, come in a variety of colours, and are the perfect size for most backyard ponds
If you're looking for fish to add to a plastic pond, there are a variety of options to choose from. One popular choice is Koi, a type of ornamental carp that comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, including black, white, orange, yellow, and red. Koi are known for their graceful swimming movements and can grow up to 3 feet in length, although most domestic Koi typically reach around 12 to 15 inches, making them the perfect size for most backyard ponds. They are also known to have long lifespans, sometimes living for 20 to 30 years in ideal conditions. Koi are well-suited for plastic ponds and can even be raised in an aquarium.
Koi are a popular choice for backyard ponds due to their bright, colourful scales and eye-catching appearance. They are known to get along well with other fish and are often kept in ponds with a variety of different fish species. Koi are also quite hardy and can survive cold temperatures in properly winterized ponds.
In addition to their colourful appearance, Koi are also known for their voracious appetite. They are often kept in ponds with other fish species, such as catfish, which are bottom-dwellers and known for their algae-eating habits. Catfish come in a variety of sizes and are perfect for ponds with multiple fish species as they are not predatory towards other fish.
When stocking a pond with Koi, it is important to ensure that the pond is the right size. Koi ponds should be at least 1,000 to 3,500 gallons, but larger ponds can be even bigger, with some reaching 13,500 gallons or more. Proper filtration and maintenance are also crucial for keeping Koi healthy and happy, as they require good water quality to thrive.
Overall, Koi are an excellent choice for a plastic pond, providing a colourful and graceful addition to your backyard water garden. With their long lifespans and hardy nature, they can bring years of enjoyment and become beloved members of your aquatic family.
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Frequently asked questions
Rosy red minnows, mosquito fish, and medaka are all small fish that can be kept in a plastic pond. Goldfish are also a popular choice, but they can grow quite large and will therefore require a bigger pond.
Koi, catfish, and bass are all large fish that can be kept in a pond. However, make sure that your pond is big enough to accommodate these larger species.
The temperature of the water is an important factor when choosing fish for your pond. Some fish, like goldfish, prefer cooler water temperatures, so you may need to install a pump to circulate and aerate the water.
