Find out more about the classic pond fish, the Goldfish...

Goldfish have been regarded as a classy fish throughout the centuries and they brighten up a dark dull aquarium. Contrary to popular belief, goldfish are very undemanding creatures that can survive even in small ponds. They only require food, clan water and plenty of oxygen. A filtering device should be installed into the pond as well as an air pump to guarantee that the water is clean and has sufficient oxygen for the Goldfish.

Goldfish consume both plant and animal food. The colourful inhabitants would turn the pond water into a bad smelling brew and lead to their doom if the water is not filtered of dirt and other organisms.

There are many different types of Goldfish, with Carassius auratus being the most beautiful and common. They come in various colours gold, orange, bronze, white and black-gold. You must purchase a variety of goldfish and they multiply fast

Koi the princes among pond fish

Koi (Japanese carp) are very handsome fish. They cost a bit more than the goldfish. Koi require clean, oxygen rich water for them to survive in the pond. They are a bit more demanding whn compared to their neighbors the gold fish. Koi fish require plenty of space as they grow up to 60cm long, and thus they should not be placed in a pond smaller than 10 sq m. koi fish can be purchased from aquarium retailers and specialist dealers.

Indigenous fish

You can also keep indigenous fish in your pond as they will prove very useful. The majority of them will help you to control algae and insects.

  • The ideal food of the golden orfe, is the irritating mosquito

  • Gudgcon (Gobio gobio) consumes dragonfly larvae and the larvae of the great dicing bettle

  • Leaucaspius delineatus consumes flying insects and bits of algae

  • The grass carp (Clenopharyndon idella) attacks filamentous algae

Avoid putting too many fish in the garden pond as this overpopulation leads to am imbalance of the equilibrium and result in the death of both the fish and the pond.

Fish tend to attract pets and children. Make sure that children to nit try to catch the fish or frighten them by dropping objects in the water. Fish can be protected from predator animals and pets by placing a grid just under the surface or growing large leaved lilies.

Tips on feeding

Fish are very strange creatures indeed. They will never stop eating even if they have had enough. Its quiet easy for goldfish and koi to die due to over feeding. The fish should also be given the right type of food. Flaked food, pallets and food bought from reputable aquarium retailers are ideal for fish