|
Pond Life:
Fish
The
single most common attraction to water gardening is fish. Yet, fish
are one of the least understood elements of your pond. There are
so many different types and varieties of fish that it may become
confusing. Fortunately, there are some distinguishing characteristics
that allow us to group them together.
The
most popular type of fish would be the Goldfish and Carp (including
Koi, Comet, and Shubunkin). These are considered to have the highest
aesthetic value, and are commonly located around the middle depth
of the pond. A second type of fish spends most of their time towards
the surface of the pond, such as Orfe. Though not quite as colorful
as the Goldfish and Carp, the Orfe are still quite popular. Lastly,
there are certain fish that are considered bottom dwellers. Primarily
scavengers, such as Catfish, these fish are not usually sought after
for their appearance as much as their role within the pond community.
This role is to control (through feeding) the amount of organic
material that may accumulate at the bottom of pond. This includes
excess fish food, dying plant material, and insects. So when considering
which fish are right for your pond, keep in mind their natural behavior
and appearance.
|
