At Art of the Yard, we know that brightly colored fish add something extra special to a water feature such as a koi pond.
Beyond the obvious, a colorful array of koi fish, it’s simply a matter of choosing the right types of fish for your backyard pond. You want a species that doesn’t need to be in the wild but can thrive in a more contained environment.
You should also consider our cold winters here in Colorado! So, let’s take a look at the best types of fish for your backyard pond.
1. Goldfish
First up, the ever-popular goldfish. Goldfish are resilient and easy to take care of, making them a good choice for beginning fish owners. There are a few different types of goldfish that come in different colors to add variety.
2. Exotic Goldfish
Telescopes, lionheads, orandas, black moors, and Ryukins fall into this category. Exotic goldfish are not as hardy as goldfish, so you have to take more care of them. The group is characterized by a round, bulbous abdomen, a feature that may be the cause of their lack of resilience. Winter temperatures can upset the balance between their intestines, fat, downward ballast and the buoyant air bladder causing them to flip over and die. Simply bringing them indoors for the coldest months will help prevent that.
3. Shubunkins
These fish can get up to 14 inches long in a 180-gallon pond or bigger. They are a type of long-bodied goldfish that is valued and bred for their striking colors. They often have a calico appearance incorporating white, red, black, orange and sky blue colors. You don’t have to worry about them too much as they can survive both hot summers and cold winters.
4. Sarasas
The body shape of the sarasas is similar to that of the shubunkins, but they don’t get as big, and their colors are generally just white and vivid red. However, without careful breeding control, the population will eventually revert back to its roots, giving you a pond full of brown goldfish.
5. Orfes
A less common fish, you may have never heard of orfes, but they are a great fish for your backyard pond. They are generally a bright orange or golden color and like to hang out near the top of the water, so they are more visible and often encourage other fish to join them. However, do keep in mind that they grow fast and can grow to around 2-2 ½ feet long. They are derived from a predatory ancestry, so though very unlikely, be aware that they may attack other fish.
6. Catfish
This fish is commonly marketed as a scavenger fish that will help clean the pond, but they’re not that effective. With catfish, you should also be aware that once they get large, they may try to eat the other fish as well. We’d be happy to advise you if this species is a good fish for your backyard pond.
Ready to build your own pond? Get in touch with us at Art of the Yard in Denver. We would be more than happy to help with all of your koi pond needs, from designing and installing the pond to choosing a brilliant array of fish to inhabit it. Get in touch today for more information!