If you’re thinking about installing a pond in your backyard, it’s a good bet that you’ve considered adding fish to it. They’re a great way to put life and animation into your pond. In case you’re unsure about which fish to get, how much they’ll cost and if it’s worth it, we’ve compiled a list of the most common pond fish available.
Koi Fish
The most popular pond fish is the Koi fish. It comes in a variety of scale patterns and colors, including white, black, red, orange, yellow and blue. They can live to be 40 or older if properly cared for. Some Koi have even lived past the age of 200.
Most Koi will get to be around 12 – 15 inches long when fully grown, so they can’t be kept in fish tanks very long. Therefore, ponds are the ideal place for them. Generally, Koi reach about 50% of their final length by age 2, and 100% by age 10-14. Koi are omnivorous and can be fed a variety of different foods, but it’s important that they are given a well balanced diet.
The price for Koi fish can vary greatly, because certain patterns and colors are more desirable and therefore more expensive. Size is the most important factor regarding price, so if you purchase them when they’re babies you can save a lot of money. A 3″ – 4″ Koi can cost anywhere from $3 – $30, while a large one can cost hundreds or even thousands.
Goldfish
Another popular freshwater fish, most goldfish grow to be around 6 inches in length and live up to anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type of goldfish and the environment. They typically stop growing by age 2.
Despite its name, goldfish actually come in several colors including yellow, orange, red, white, brown and black. There are also over 300 breeds of goldfish, many of which originated in China. They are inexpensive and easy to take care of, making them a good choice for a first-time pond keeper.
Baby goldfish usually cost around $1 – $5 depending on the type, while larger ones can get into the hundreds.
Plecostomus
Commonly called just Pleco, this is a type of catfish that eats algae and helps to keep your pond in good shape. They can grow up to 18 inches and have a lifespan of 10 – 15 years. Babies start at around $3 and go up to $100, depending on the kind.
One important note is that Plecos require warmer temperatures than Koi and goldfish, and therefore it’s best not to put them in the same pond. Also, Plecos have been known to suck the slime off of koi fish, which isn’t very good for them.
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