Top 5 Fish to Keep in Your Backyard Pond

To many gardeners, a pond is just not a pond without at least a few fish. And yet, others hesitate to stock their pond with live fish due to concern over the amount of care they will need. If you choose the right species, though, fish do not need to be a burden, and can actually help keep your backyard pond healthy and free of annoying insects. Browse through our five favorite species to keep in DIY fish ponds, and see if there are any that you might want to add to your water garden! 

Koi Fish Ponds

This is by far the most common type of fish pond. Koi are hardy creatures and don’t take a great deal of care. Koi don’t often require feeding, as they are more than willing to feast on algae, insects, and whatever other nutrients they come across in the pond ecosystem. Be aware, Koi grow very fast, so don’t overfill your pond with too many young fish, or they will soon feel very cramped!

Mosquito Fish

These guppy-like fish are a dream come true for anyone whose backyard pond has become infested with mosquitoes. Mosquito fish, as their name implies, eat mosquitoes—and a lot of them! One fish can eat up to 100 mosquito larvae per day. Just be careful with adding them to a pond with other fish, as they can be somewhat aggressive.

Three Goldfish Species Great for DIY Fish Ponds

Shubunkin, Comet, and Fantail are three of the most common, and easiest, species of goldfish to keep in outdoor ponds. While similar, each one does have its own unique look and coloration. Comets are probably what you picture when thinking of goldfish, with either orange or white/orange coloration. Shubunkin has a light blueish base with darker colored patterns.  Fantails have similar colors to Comets, but are shorter and more “fat.” To keep them all looking their best, treat them to fish food with high-quality protein, vitamin E, and vitamin C, which helps bring out their brightest colors.

Fish can be a fun, attractive, and practical addition to your backyard pond. And if you choose any of the five species above, they don’t have to be a burden, like some people may think. If you have other questions about keeping fish, check out our Tips & FAQ section for more great information!