How to Care for Your Koi, Goldfish, and Other Pond Fish

Though goldfish seem inexpensive and rather hardy, you must be sure to take very good care of them as they are just as delicate as any other exotic breed. Goldfish are better than all other fish because they can withstand freezing temperatures with no damage, come in a variety of beautiful colors, are intelligent and easily trainable and grow larger than other fish.

Goldfish are cold-water fish and must be kept in the shade. Make sure, however, that if this shade comes from a tree that you scoop out dead leaves every day. Leaves that rot in the water or manage to sink to the bottom will kill the fish. Choose your goldfish wisely, as they will likely remain in the pond for the life of the pond. Goldfish have been known to greatly outlive their human owners. One goldfish in Japan was recorded to have lived over 800 years! Choose the goldfish that you think are the most beautiful.

Goldfish come in a variety of colors. You may find that the more variety of color you have, the better. DO NOT stock your small pond with any kind of koi. They may look small when you purchase them at the store, but they grow very quickly. Koi average a few feet in length and would die if kept in a small pond. If you prefer a fancy fish, try some of the many fancy breeds of goldfish such as fantails and orandas. These goldfish will average 5 to 6 inches and will not outgrow the pond. Comets and "feeder" or common goldfish are also nice and grow very large and can have quite lovely coloring. In our pond we have a large, gold, 5 inch common and a 5 ½ inch fantail with mottled coloring.

Do not put more than 3 goldfish in a small barrel pond. They will grow large quickly and are easily crowded. Fish require a certain amount of oxygen in the water which is transferred from the air on the surface of the water. If there are too many fish, there will not be enough oxygen. Also make sure that there are not too many lillypads covering the surface as these will hinder oxygen exchange as well. If you see fish gasping at the surface of the water then you know that there is a problem. You should get rid of some of the fish or pull out a few plants before the fish die.