A pond adds a beautiful and peaceful touch to practically any outdoor landscape.
Not only are ponds an attractive way to spruce up your yard or garden, but they offer many physical and mental health benefits, too. And, in addition to the positive impact that ponds have on our wellbeing, they are good for the environment as well.
Although some maintenance is required, there are ways to reduce a pond's necessary upkeep. For example, certain types of pond fish naturally help to maintain and balance their surroundings.
Having the right pond fish can make owning a pond possible, even if you don't have a lot of time or money to invest.
Read on to find out which kinds of pond fish will make the best backyard companions for you!
Which Types of Pond Fish Will Benefit Your Garden Pond?
When choosing pond fish for your garden pond, there are some things that you should consider.
First, you will need to determine which types of fish thrive best in your geographical location. And, you also need to consider the size of your pond, and how much (or how little) time, effort and money you want to spend.
While some fish might be a perfect fit for your climate, your pond might not have enough room to accommodate them. Or, some types may cost more than you can afford. Others may be within your budget but aren't likely to sustain life away from their natural-born habitat.
If you are new to fishkeeping, it's probably best to choose hearty breeds that are easy to care for.
Here are some of the best fish for a backyard pond.
1. Gobi Fish
While Gobi fish are sometimes marketed as algae eaters, they typically feed off of worms and small insects. This helps control the insect population in yards. There is also no need to purchase a large supply of food for these fish since their main food supply is found naturally in most areas.
Gobi fish live near the soil, so they hang out close to the bottom of the pond. This helps protect them from cats and other neighborhood predators.
It's best to keep these fish together in schools of at least six. Also, your pond should be shallow in some areas and deeper in others since they tend to mate in shallow water and like to hide in deeper areas.
2. Koi Fish
Japanese Koi fish are a popular option for both indoor and outdoor ponds.
There are several benefits to having Koi fish. They are beautiful and have eye-catching physical appearances. And, they provide mental health benefits as well.
If you choose Koi fish, however, be aware that they will dig up the roots of plants. This means that you will likely need a high-quality filtration system for your pond.
Additionally, Koi fish require specific food that should not be substituted to best preserve their health.
3. Fathead Minnows
Fathead minnows are another great option for backyard ponds.
One reason they're often chosen as pond fish is because of their diets. Not only do fathead minnows eat insects, but they also eat algae. So, these fish will help to keep your pond clean while keeping your yard insect-free.
Fathead minnows are also versatile. They can be kept with all other types of pond fish.
And, if you're a fisherman, they make excellent baitfish for larger catches, too.
Find Out More!
Want to learn more about backyard ponds and pond fish? Contact us to discuss installing a pond in your backyard today!
