Fish
Their Brilliant colours and constant fluid motion make fish a favorite addition to water features for young and old alike. Although they do require some additional care, their presence is well worth the small amount of extra effort.
Fish ponds should be at minimum 21” - 30” deep and 4’ in diameter. Deeper, larger ponds offer better protection from predators like birds and racoons. Ample depth is crucial for fish that spend the winter in the pond.
Fish also need plant cover particularly in the shallow areas around the pond shoreline where they can hide from predators and reproduce in safety. A combination of submerged, marginal and surface plants is ideal.
The type of fish you select will also effect the size and shape of the pond you choose. Koi, for example need at least 1000 gallons of water because they grow quite large. They do best in water that is at least 3 or 4 feet deep or deeper.
Goldfish:
Although there are approximately 120 different varieties of goldfish, only a few are suitable for outdoor ponds. Nonetheless, goldfish are the most common pond fish and certain varieties are among the easiest fish to maintain.
The Common Goldfish:
The common goldfish is very hardy and breeds well. Their popularity is due in large part to their bright colours and high activity level. They can grow up to 15 inches in ideal pond conditions. In smaller ponds goldfish tend to stop growing before they become too large for their surroundings.
Shubunkins:
Shubinkins are a type of goldfish that have transparent scales that create a smooth, shiny appearance. Their vast assortment of blotchy or speckled colours make them highly attractive. They breed well and the young colour up in just a few weeks to become perfect miniatures of their parents.
Comets:
Developed in the United States, the comet is an impressive goldfish. It is quick and agile adding an element of excitement to your pond. Comets can be either one single colour or variegated with orange, white and black.
Koi:
All Koi originated from the common carp which have naturally occurring mutations resulting in patches of bright colours. The formal Japanese name for these colourful carp is Nishikigoi which means “living jewels”. The earliest landscaping-resources to Koi dates back to 533 B.C. According to Dr. Takeo Kuroki in his book “Manual to Nishikigoi”, King Sholo of Ro (Japan) presented Confucius’ newborn son with a Nishikigoi.
The maximum number of fish in a pond that has a properly sized filtrations system should not exceed one fish for every 30 gallons of water.
It was not until the 1820’s and 1830’s that Japanese rice farmers began to breed the more colourful mutated carp for their aesthetic appeal. Originally these farmers simply kept their Koi as pets, but gradually interest in these increasingly brilliant specimens began to spread across Japan.
In 1914 Emperor Hirohito of Japan was presented with Koi for the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace. Instantly, Koi became famous nationally and were destined to become highly sought after around the world.