What could be more pleasant than watching the bright and colorful movements of fish in a pond? They help to control the growth of algae and mosquitoes and contribute to the balance of the ecosystem. Let's see when and how to introduce them into a pond so that they live happily.
A question of volume
Before thinking of introducing your fish, it is necessary to evaluate the volume of the pond in order not to overcrowd it and to install adapted species.
Another parameter to take into account is the depth, because in regions where it freezes in winter, the layer of ice can be thick, which does not pose a major problem for certain species as long as the depth is sufficient so that the fish are not caught in the ice. A minimum depth of 50 cm is required for small species in areas where freezing temperatures are prevalent.
When should I introduce fish into my pond?
The ideal time to introduce fish is during the summer months after the last frost. Spring and summer are good times to bring fish into the pond.
If you have just built your pond, wait at least 1 month after filling it before introducing your fish so that the water has acquired a good biological balance.
Planting aquatic plants beforehand is a plus because they oxygenate and purify the water, the fish will be able to hide there, lay eggs and enjoy their beneficial shade.
How do I get fish for my pond?
- Do not take fish from the natural biotope (lake, river, pond...) to introduce them into your pond.
- When buying fish, always check the sanitary conditions of the point of sale. The aquariums must be clean and no sick fish must be present at the risk of contaminating the others.
- Choose lively fish with well-developed fins and no suspicious blotches.
- The gills should not be red or excessively expanded.
- The fish should swim briskly between two waters. Avoid fish that are apathetic, stay on the surface or too deep (except for bottom cleaning species).
Which fish for my pond?
Depending on the volume of the pond and the climate, various species can be introduced, but make sure that they are compatible with each other because some fish are carnivorous and will not hesitate to attack others.
Let's start with the most common species and probably the easiest to raise at first: the goldfish.
The goldfish
Goldfish are gregarious animals that enjoy the company of others of their kind. Introduce at least 3 fish at a time to your pond. The classic species (Carassius auratus) has the advantage of being able to withstand the cold and adapt to the size of the pond by stopping its growth. A goldfish can live 25 to 30 years and reach 40 cm in length in large ponds. Whatever the size of the pond, provide at least 0.3 m³ of water per fish. Beware of ornamental varieties such as sail tails or fish with bulging eyes (Lorgnette de Ciel, Uranoscope, telescope...) which are much more fragile and require much more heat than the typical species.
The melanot fish
Melanotas are easy to live with and do not fear the cold. Silver in color, they move briskly creating reflections under the surface of the water.
The Ide is a gregarious fish that needs others of its kind to be happy, introduce 5 ides at a time to the pond.
The Ide can live more than 20 years and reach 75 cm in length. Allow 1 m³ of water per fish and a depth of at least 80 cm of water.
Koi carp
The legendary Koi carp need the same volume of water as the Ide per fish. Revered in Japan, these colorful carp can reach 80 cm in length and weigh 8 kg.
This fish can withstand cold weather and live up to 50 years without worry, but the pond must be deep enough (at least 1.20 m).
Sturgeon
The sturgeon is to be reserved for very large ponds because it can reach more than 3 meters in length for a weight of 300 kg. A total size of 25 m² and a depth of at least 1.20 m is required to accommodate this fish, which can withstand the cold very well in good conditions.
How do I introduce fish into my pond?
Introduce one species at a time, in small groups if the species is gregarious.
If there are already fish in the pond, make sure to choose a compatible species and introduce the new fish in small numbers.
Do not empty the bag of fish directly into the pond. Put it in the pond water for about half an hour to allow the temperature to adjust and the fish to get used to their new environment.
Then open the bag and add some water to the pond.
Wait another hour or so before releasing your fish.
