Fish additions to your pond create a lively environment with beautiful colours and high energy throughout your outdoor area. Your selection of fish species must be exact since different types need either deep water environments or shallows with plants present.
For optimal water quality, consider pairing your fish with an Oase Screenmatic filter system to keep their environment clean and balanced. Pond Guy has stated that anyone interested in fish for their pond should first learn about fish compatibility alongside the specific pond requirements to avoid mistakes in their purchasing behaviour.
The professional guidance that pond owners receive enables them to develop healthy aquatic ecosystems easily and efficiently.
Top Pond Fish Varieties to Consider
1. Koi Carp – The Showstoppers
The fish Koi gain their high value from their bright hue and their elegant swimmers.
However, they require:
- Deep ponds (60+ inches) for winter hibernation
- Strong filtration (they uproot plants and produce waste)
- Ample space (1 koi per 1,000 litres).
Koi fish benefit from appropriate care, which allows them to survive for up to 40 years, thereby requiring a long-term responsibility from owners.
2. Shubunkin – The Colorful Goldfish
These metallic-scaled goldfish add brilliance to any pond.
They:
- Prefer varied depths (6+ inches for spawning, 28+ for winter)
- Thrive in planted ponds (unlike koi)
- Should be kept in groups of 5+
- Shubunkins live 15-20 years and coexist well with other peaceful fish.
3. Golden Tench – The Clean-Up Crew
Known as “doctor fish,” Tench help maintain water quality by:
- Eating koi waste (reducing algae-triggering nutrients)
- Thriving in groups of 5+
- Preferring ponds at least 28 inches deep
- They are a great companion for koi-heavy ponds.
4. Rosette – The Oxygen Lovers
With striking red fins, rosettes need:
- Clear, well-oxygenated water
- Strong filtration and green water treatments
- Groups of 10-15 fish for social behaviour
Add oxygenating plants like hornwort to keep them healthy.
5. Goldfish – The Beginner’s Choice
Hardy and low-maintenance, goldfish:
- Adapt well to most pond conditions
- Reproduce quickly (avoid overcrowding)
- Need 40+ inch depth for hibernation.
Keep 5 goldfish per 1,000 litres to maintain balance.
Fish to Avoid in Your Pond
Not all fish suit every pond.
Steer clear of:
- Grass carp (they devour aquatic plants)
- Large catfish (predatory and disruptive)
- Sturgeon/Sterlet (need cold, deep, oxygen-rich water)
Wildlife ponds should avoid goldfish and koi if you want frogs and newts to thrive.
Final Tips for a Healthy Pond
- Match fish to your pond’s size and depth
- Use a reliable filter (like Oase Screenmatic)
- Monitor oxygen levels (especially in summer)
- Avoid overstocking to prevent algae outbreaks.
By selecting the right fish and maintaining water quality, your pond will flourish for years.
Final Thought
The selection of proper pond fishes plays a fundamental role in establishing healthy ecosystems. All types of pond fish, including dazzling koi or hardy goldfish and helpful tench, will thrive when you combine proper water care with effective filtration such as the Oase Screenmatic.
Follow That Pond Guy’s advice for a stunning, low-maintenance pond that brings joy for years to come. Happy fishkeeping!
