Anyone who owns a garden pond will sooner or later think about keeping fish there. The only question that arises is: Which types of fish are basically suitable for keeping in a pond? Also important: What requirements must be met? And which species are particularly undemanding and therefore easy to care for? There are answers to all these questions here.
requirements
Before the first fish can be put into the water, it must first be clarified whether the body of water in your own garden is actually suitable for it. You should be aware of the fact that pond fish need not only water but also a steady stream oxygenation and sufficient place require. Consequently, the size of the pond plays a major role. Both the size of the surface and the depth are decisive. The water can only be sufficiently supplied with oxygen over as large a surface as possible. The depth, in turn, enables the fish to hibernate safely in the pond.
notice: Of course, the size of the pond also has an impact on the fish that can be put there - both in terms of species and number of animals.
In general it can be said that a garden pond in which fish are to be kept is a Minimum area of ten square meters and a Minimum depth of 80 centimeters should have. In smaller ponds, keeping fish quickly becomes cruel to animals - simply because it cannot be species-appropriate. The fish just need enough space. However, it is difficult to give precise information on the volume required per fish. On the one hand, they depend on the type of fish, the size of the fish and their number. It becomes very difficult if you want to keep several species of fish in one pond. It doesn't work without individual calculations.
fish species
Once it is clear that your own pond water is basically suitable for keeping fish, the next step is to choose the right fish. There really is no shortage of choice. However, not every fish is equally suitable. Some species require a lot of attention and care. Not to mention very specific husbandry conditions, which can often only be achieved with great effort. As a newcomer to fish keeping, however, it is a good idea to concentrate on species that are as undemanding as possible. This includes:
goldfish
Goldfish are suitable for virtually any pond that meets the minimum requirements. They look great, but at the same time they are amazingly robust and absolutely uncomplicated in terms of care and nutrition. It is important to always keep goldfish in a small group and never alone. A group size of four to seven animals is ideal.
bitterlings
Bitterlings usually do not cause any problems either. You can more or less be left to your own devices. If there is enough plant growth in the pond, you can often even do without additional feeding. Bitterlings, however, must also be kept in a swarm. A stock of at least five animals is recommended.
gold orf
The golden orfe is a very uncomplicated fish that can be kept without any problems. However, the best possible water quality plays a major role for her so that he really feels comfortable. For the pond owner, this means that the water has to be replaced regularly, at least in part. It is also recommended to remove grass, leaves, branches or other dirt from the water surface on a daily basis. Three to four animals is a good swarm size.
minnows
Those who do not want to have a lot of work with their fish in the pond are also well served with minnows. It is only important that there is a constant flow of fresh water, otherwise the animals will not feel comfortable. Minnows live together in relatively large groups. Therefore, there should be at least ten animals living in the garden pond.
moldies
Moderlieschen are extremely peaceful fish that also get along well with other fish species. They are perfect for small ponds. The prerequisite for this, however, is that the water quality is always good. They also do well in higher water temperatures. At least ten mules are required for species-appropriate pond keeping.
rudd
Rudders are very sociable fish that feel really comfortable in schools of at least ten animals. They are also extremely resilient and relatively undemanding. However, rudd not only gets quite old, but also very large with a length of up to 25 cm. Consequently, they are only suitable for large ponds.
green tench
Green tenches are also perfect for any garden pond. They also ensure that the problematic pond sludge is reduced. Too bad they are nocturnal and hide in the tangle of plants in the pond during the day. As a result, pond owners will hardly see them.
Special case koi carp
When it comes to pond fish, most people think of koi first. They are wonderfully suited for keeping in ponds. You should know that they are quite demanding and not as uncomplicated as the types described above. Basically, keeping koi is not witchcraft. However, it requires a certain amount of specialist knowledge that is best acquired before the first carp is bought.
Inappropriate types
From time to time you will also find fish species in a garden pond that have absolutely no place there. They are simply not suitable for keeping in ponds. Should they nevertheless survive, their existence is usually a sheer torture for them. You should therefore refrain from choosing the following types, if only out of consideration for the animals:
- grass carp
- sturgeon
- stickleback
- Perch, especially perch
fish purchase
Many pet shops now also offer pond fish for sale in their aquarium departments. It is important to really only buy fish that are also suitable for the garden pond. Most aquarium fish have no business there. Alternatively, you can also contact breeders directly, who often offer their animals over the Internet.