Caring for Fish in a Pond

Taking care of koi and other pond fish is easy, besides being almost necessary because of the important role they can play in your mini-ecosystem.

Overfeeding is the most common mistake when caring for koi. Although they may always be willing to eat, overfeeding contaminates the water in the ecosystem in many ways, like causing the dreaded algal bloom. Only feed koi the amount of food they can eat in a matter of minutes. Feed them once or twice a day at most.

As a matter of fact, fish do not actually need to be fed; they may be better off finding their food. Feeding on algae and aquatic insects (mosqitoes/larvae) is not a problem for them.

The problem of mosquitoes need not be an issue. As long as koi or similar fish are present, they can be counted on to eat every single egg or larvae. Mosquitoes are more prone to make breeding grounds in ponds if the water is calm. Every water feature has at least one small source of agitation from the waterfall/filter pump. This is necessary to help mix oxygen into the water for the fish. The point is that standing water is not a problem when water features are stocked with fish like koi.

Keeping fish actually means less pond maintenance, not more.

When the temperature drops below 50° F, it is not necessary to feed the fish.

Koi Types: Kohaku, white with red markings; Sanke, white base with red and black markings; Showa, red and white markings with a black base; Tancho Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa with a red marking on the head and no hi [color] on the body; Hikarimuji, singular uniform color; Utsurimono, black with white, red, or yellow markings.

Besides koi, the most common type of fish kept in ponds is the goldfish. Typical varieties of goldfish are shubunkin, comet, calico, oranda, and the golden orfe.

Tropical fish varieties can be kept in outdoor ponds during the warmest months. However, they should be removed long before the cold sets in. Take them inside as if they were tropical plants.

Speak with the All Island Landscape water feature specialist in person to learn more about fish diseases, water quality, predator control, hiding places and preparing for winter.