View Full Version : Alternatives to goldfish?
bradyworwood
02-03-2006, 7:04 PM
I have been wanting to build a pond for some time now but I hate goldfish and koy and do not know which alternatives are out there for a semi cold water pond or how big I would need to build it to accomidate other species.
frloplady
02-03-2006, 10:56 PM
Not sure there is such a critter without building a LARGE pond. If you are building for a watergarden you don't have to have fish at all.
Your missing out though..there are some really cool goldfish out there for ponds, sarrassas, shubunkins and wakins :)
I like golden orfes personally, about in between goldfish and koi in full adult size, maybe a bit closer to koi. Both the orfes or the koi should have large ponds.
frloplady
02-04-2006, 3:55 PM
RTR I don't think about the orfe's as nobody has them around here that I know of.
Wakins are my favorite.
Orfe are readily available on the East Coast, but I don't know about the Pacific Coast. They are more frequently at or near the surface than the others, and school fairly well. Their favored food is insects, so do less plant damage than Koi or goldfish. If you have very large pots/tubs fairy deep and with gravel topping, they may try to use the tub as a spawning site. Without gravel beds they do not spawn easily - which can be an advantage.
Gumby131
02-05-2006, 3:54 AM
what about a few of those zebra danios
frloplady
02-05-2006, 5:13 PM
I don't think zebra danios can take cold water temperatures as can be found in ponds. My current pond temp is 38. Even in parts of Florida and CA pond temperatures can get down to 50-60's. To cold that I'm aware of for danios
Stargazer
02-05-2006, 8:43 PM
out side of the many breed forms, shapes and colors of goldfish and the size ,color and varieties of Koi ,which you said you dislike ,you might try a native fish like bluegill or perch they are colorful,but first check with your state laws to make sure you can
frloplady
02-07-2006, 11:06 PM
Friend of mine mentioned pumpkin seed fish?? I believe they are a type of sunfish. Not sure how warm they can take though. Might look them up
fIsHy13
02-08-2006, 11:58 AM
Just get goldfish! They are sooo pretty and live for ages. It may sound stupid but i think they have more personality than other fish. There gentle giants!
bradyworwood
02-10-2006, 7:32 PM
thanks for all of your input, I'll have to look into some of those options. I appreciate your collective knowledge