Pond Fish
For many people keeping fish is the main reason for having a pond. There is something intangible yet amazing about seeing fish in a pond, it will give the pond a magnetic draw, and they will become a source of constant pleasure for many years.
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Family Name: Cyprinidae (carps and minnows)
Length: Max 30.5cm (12″)
Weight: up to 0.9kg (2lb)
Identification: (Asiatic form) greenish when young changing to golden red as an adult, body shape variable, head scaleless, no barbels.
Habitat: Densely weeded lowland rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Breeding: Eggs laid on water plants in June and July, they take 7 -9 days to hatch, the young fish stay attached to the plants.
Note: Goldfish are the most common pondfish. Goldfish are inexpensive and fast growing. They are available in a variety of patterns and body shapes. Goldfish need a pond that has a minimum depth of 18″ but a pond closer to 2′6″ is more acceptable. However the more unusual varieties are less hardy than the true goldfish
Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
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Family Name: Cyprinidae (carps and minnows)
Length: Max 150cm (4′ 11″)
Weight: up to 36kg (80lb) usually less
Identification: Scaleless head, body can be scaled or unscaled depending on the variety, as can colour , mouth toothless and has two barbels at each side.
Habitat: Large lakes and major rivers in slow flowing lowland areas
Breeding: Late spring in shallow sun warmed areas over dense vegetation. The eggs are attached to the plants.
Note: Koi are the most rewarding of pond fish. They are available in a bewildering selection of varieties. Don’t be put off by the Japanese names of the fish or by the high prices that they can fetch. If you see a fish you like in a pattern you like at a price you can afford - buy it. The most important thing is the health of the fish, a £2000 fish can die as easily as a £2 fish. That aside, Koi can grow to 3′ if conditions allow, they are fast growers and can consume a lot of food. They are avid rooters in pots and as a result can make the water dirty if an effective filter is not installed. The depth of the pond should be 3′ minimum
http://www.valueaquatics.co.uk/
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