Fish Pond Supplies and the many kinds of fishes that can be stocked into garden ponds. Given the right conditions, these species will not just survive and thrive, but may also spawn.
From elongated fins to fascinating colors, there is tremendous diversity among pond species. Some species are surface breeders, while others like to stay elusive in the depths. A healthy combination of fish species can coexist in a garden pond.
In this blog, we will discuss the most common fish species found in UK ponds.
The Shubunkin is a hybrid, three-way species, possessing genes from the Sarasa Comet, Common Goldfish, and Telescope-Eye Fancy Goldfish. This combination makes the Shubunkin perfect for captivity.
The standout traits of this fish are the calico coloration (black and white, along with blends of orange) and long fin-lobes inherited from the Telescope-Eye Fancy Goldfish.
The Shubunkin is normally quite resilient, capable of residing in numerous pond environments and alongside many other closely-related species.
The Goldfish, which is the ornamental equivalent of the ancestral wild Cyprinid fish, is one of the commonest and most popular garden pond choices. Low cost, easy availability, and bright coloration are just some of the reasons why the Goldfish is so desirable for garden pond owners.
This fish is naturally adaptable and hardy and, under favorable conditions and habitat, will even spawn every summer. With ample food and accommodating ponds, the Goldfish can grow up to be considerably large.
This surface-feeding species enjoys floating foods and will also forage through aquatic weeds to fulfill its cravings for natural foods. The Goldfish is rather low-maintenance, and does not produce large quantities of waste.
The Sarasa Comet is a Goldfish variety with a white-and-red color tone and elongated fin lobes. The color distribution varies largely from one Sarasa Comet to another: some individuals will have a white lower and red upper half, separated by a marked border; others will have a predominantly white or red base, with colored patches on the flanks, back, or head. Sarasa Comets and the common Goldfish have pretty much the same feeding and dietary habits and preferences.
The slim-bodied Orf belongs to the Ide fish family, and is a rapid swimmer. The most widely available type of Orfe is the Golden Orfe – the Golden Orfe’s slim appearance, red fins, and orange coloration has earned it the nickname ‘Carrot’.
The ‘Blue Orf’ is the second type of Orf, and, apart from the coloration, has pretty much the same characteristics and habits as its Golden counterpart. Typically, the Blue Orfe has a pale-blue to white base color, coupled with flecks of black or orange along the flanks and across the back.
Being a shoaling fish species, the Orfe generally swims in specific formations with its own kind. This species is also more oxygen-dependent than many other pond species, and tends to struggle in environments where dissolved oxygen is in limited supply.
Orfes can either be single-colored, or have a base color punctuated by blotches on the back and flanks. Orfe are quick to pounce on floating feed and, if spooked, can jump right out of the water surface.
Under the right conditions, Orfes can grow up to be as long as 30 centimeters.
Flaunting red fins and golden flanks, the Rudd is a typical freshwater fish. This fish is an indigenous wild species of the UK, and even though was not specifically bred for captivity, adjusts quite well to domestic pond life.
The Rudd species is generally deep-bodied, having a longer lower lip and an upturned mouth –features that facilitate surface feeding. However, despite being a willing surface feeder, the Rudd’s small mouth and overall size only allows it to feed on smaller items.
Rudds produce low quantities of waste and, when kept in numbers, are likely to shoal together. This makes the Rudd fish a suitable choice for mixed ponds.
The Golden Rudd is a Rudd variety that sometimes has a redder color and other times is black across the back with the occasional black botching. Other than that, though, there are no differences between the Rudd and the Golden Rudd.
Like the Orfes, the Rudds are also quite dependent on dissolved oxygen.
Even though not a United Kingdom Native, the Carp has been in the country for quite a while now. This species was introduced by monks, and, for a very long period, was only seen as an eating fish. These days, Carps are mostly found in canals, lakes, and rivers throughout the UK.
Originated in the Caspian Sea, this fish was initially a full-scaled, wild species – however, thanks to selective breeding, Carps are now found in a variety of forms. The Common Carp is a fully-scaled, golden-flanked Carp, and the closest thing to its original Caspian Sea ancestor. Leather Carp, meanwhile, have no or just a few scales, and are slightly browner in color. Mirror Carp, although not fully scaled, do have several scales which are generally larger than the scales of both the Leather Carp and Common Carp. These scales are also reflective, and are actually the reason behind the Mirror Carp’s name. Leather and Mirror Carp were initially bred for consumption: the fewer scales made it easier to de-scale and eat the fish.
However, ever since consuming Carps has stopped being the norm, more decorative sub-types of the Mirror Carp – such as the Linear Mirror Carp and heavily-scaled Mirror Carp –have begun emerging. Carp is a good pond fish, capable of feeding both on the bottom and the surface.
To sum up, there are many different types of fishes that line garden ponds in the UK. However, owing to their appearance, low-maintenance, and other traits, the five species discussed in this blog are among the most common and popular pond fishes.
If fish intrigue you, you may want to check out some of the other blogs on our website.
