Fish?

[StarLover21]

Are there any fish out there that are what I'm looking for?

-Can be kept in a small pond
-Will come up to you at feeding time
-Don't get too ginormous, but pretty big
-Are at least semi-colorful
-Are easy to keep

I like koi but they get so so big! Also goldfish are okay, but I've heard they don't come up to you to eat- I want to see them at feeding time and such!

 

[sparkles2307]

I thought Koi only got as big as their pond allowed? Wouldnt they stay smallish if you have them in a small space?

 

[AuberyMirkwood]

I thought Koi only got as big as their pond allowed? Wouldnt they stay smallish if you have them in a small space?

That is a myth like the goldfish in a bowl one. What actually happens is they grow until their world gets too small, then they grow slower and slower as they get more and more stressed, until they finally die :-/ OP, goldfish come up to the top as much as any fish, you just have to make sure they get used to you. What kind of climate do you have? If you have any kind of freezing weather you choices are much more limited. How big is your pond?

 

[StarLover21]

I don't actually currently have a pond, I'm just planning for the future, but I'm thinking something small, although I want semi-big goldfish. Okay, then, I'm not sure where I read that goldfish don't come up for food.

 

[AuberyMirkwood]

For some really fun goldfish that don't get huge try putting fantails in your pond. My grandmother has a small pond and her two are the funniest fish ever lol.

 

[carolinagirl58]

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This is very true. Koi need a bare minimum of 250 gallons each, with a minimum pond size of 1000 gallons. And they need very good filtration because they produce a lot of waste. Many koi keepers I know keep one fish per 500 gallons, and some even go with 1 per 1000 gallons. Goldfish come in many colors (although not as beautifully marked as koi) and only need 50 per fish. Wakins (a variety of goldfish) get large and very friendly. Avoid the round body goldies, like Ryukins and Orandas because they can't handle temps below 50. They are very prone to swim bladder problems and other health issues if the water is too cool. Shubunkins are nice, as are comets. Y

 

[AuberyMirkwood]

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I agree. The one thing I'd to say is that while, yes the round bodied ones are far more delicate, that doesn't mean there is no way they will live. While I don't have them in my pond, my grandmothers small pond freezess over for most of the winter and her two fantails do just fine.

 

[carolinagirl58]

Some of the round bodied ones are a little hardier than others. Kind of like with dogs...the more highly they are bred, the less hardy they are. I know of a guy in Arkansas who breed the fancy goldies in outdoor ponds. They do fine....kind of a "survival of the fittest" sort of thing. Those who don't survive the winter don't breed and create more goldies.

 

[StarLover21]

Okay, thanks guys! I don't have to worry about my pond freezing over- I live in Texas, hehehe. So 50 gallons per goldfish for what size? Is there some sort of conversion chart for gold fish like 20 gallons per inch of goldfish? I am looking for freindly types- any other suggestions? Thanks carolinagirl, I'll look into Wankins!

E.T.A Does anybody know the exact pond measurements I should have for 2-3 comet goldfish, full grown? How big do they get?

 

[carolinagirl58]

50 gallons will work for one adult goldie, assuming you have good filtration. Goldies breed like rabbits so plan on that....lol.