Koi
Koi can grow very large, up to three feet, while the Butterfly variety (which are considered a cross between a Koi and Comet Goldfish) does not grow as large. It is noteworthy that because of this cross, Butterfly Koi tend to be more hardy and resistant to wide temperature swings based on my experience.
Koi are ideally kept in at least 200 gallons per fish (I have kept them in less however this is less than ideal).
On the other hand, goldfish can grow up to 23” (I find this somewhat uncommon though) and are better suited for ponds under 1000 gallons and especially ponds under 200 gallons.
Koi are ideally kept in at least 200 gallons per fish (I have kept them in less however this is less than ideal).
On the other hand, goldfish can grow up to 23” (I find this somewhat uncommon though) and are better suited for ponds under 1000 gallons and especially ponds under 200 gallons.
Goldfish
Shubunkins are a very inexpensive yet very pretty goldfish that have many color variations like koi, however these do well in small ponds.
Golden Orfe (& Blue)
The Golden Orfe (& Blue), is suitable for ponds. It can grow up to 2.5 feet but usually stays near 1.5 feet. It is a long, slender, bullet-shaped, schooling, orange fish often with black dots on its head and back. Orfes are native to Europe and were derived from the ide which is a silver predator. They need lots of room generally live 10 20 years, however this has not been established.
They are great to put goldfish and koi at ease and encourage them to spend time near the surface. Many pond keepers say that Golden Orfes are better pond fish than goldfish. This is probably due to their fast, active behavior near the surface where you can see them seemingly having fun.
They are great to put goldfish and koi at ease and encourage them to spend time near the surface. Many pond keepers say that Golden Orfes are better pond fish than goldfish. This is probably due to their fast, active behavior near the surface where you can see them seemingly having fun.
Fathead Minnow and Rosy Red Minnow
The Fathead Minnow and Rosy Red Minnow are popular fish for ponds and even aquariums. These small graceful fish do well in similar water conditions as Koi, Goldfish, and Orfe which is higher GH and a pH between 7-8, and prefer temperatures between 50 75 (10-24 C), although they can survive between 33- 100 (1- 38 C).
Fathead minnows grow to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm.) for males and 1-2 inches (3-5 cm.) for females (which can be identified by Ovipositors, fatter and shorter bodies).
These are generally peaceful fish with breeding habits similar to Cichlids and often will “stir up” Koi and other larger fish to make them come out more and are less cautious.
Fathead Minnows will eat most offering and will do well with what most goldfish or koi eat, although they tend to be a bit more carnivorous, and will eat a lot more mosquito larvae and similar (these are excellent to keep down Mosquitoes). Kept in an aquarium I would recommend tropical fish food due to their more carnivorous needs.
Fathead minnows grow to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm.) for males and 1-2 inches (3-5 cm.) for females (which can be identified by Ovipositors, fatter and shorter bodies).
These are generally peaceful fish with breeding habits similar to Cichlids and often will “stir up” Koi and other larger fish to make them come out more and are less cautious.
Fathead Minnows will eat most offering and will do well with what most goldfish or koi eat, although they tend to be a bit more carnivorous, and will eat a lot more mosquito larvae and similar (these are excellent to keep down Mosquitoes). Kept in an aquarium I would recommend tropical fish food due to their more carnivorous needs.