What Types of Fish Besides Koi Can Survive in an Outdoor Pond?

There are plenty of fish besides koi that can survive and thrive in an outdoor pond, especially in warmer parts of the country like California and Florida. However, even in warmer climates, temperature is a concern. For instance, way back in 1913, San Diego logged a record low of 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, nearly any freshwater fish can survive in a heated outdoor pond, but the expense is considerable (and there are plenty of other important koi pond supplies you’re going to need to obtain). Instead, most people opt for colorful, cold-resistant species for their ponds, and—in addition to koi—there are some great varieties from which to choose.

Shubunkins

 Shubunkins are a hardy variety of goldfish that do very well in a pond. Though these beautiful brethren of the koi family don’t get to the size of koi, you shouldn’t think less of them. With stunning arrays of color and long, fancy fins, these fish present an excellent choice for smaller ponds. They can live to an extended 25 years in a well-maintained pond.

Bluegills

Bluegills are a colorful, affordable alternative to koi. Growing up to 12 inches long and weighing about four pounds, bluegills are a versatile fish. They thrive in both deep and shallow water, eat just about anything (including other fish), and can live for up to eight years.

Archerfish

Archerfish may not be the most impressive fish to look at, but they’re in the running for the most fascinating feeding habits. Using their specialized mouths, archerfish fire on their prey, usually insects, with a pressurized burst of water, knocking them out of the air or off a branch. Because of this preference to hunt their own food, archerfish can be difficult to feed. However, if the pond in question has a lot of pesky insects about, archerfish can serve a dual purpose. Archerfish grow to be five to seven inches long and can live for up to a decade. Though they prefer brackish water, they can tolerate fresh water. These fish are temperature-sensitive, so plan to bring them inside to an aquarium when the seasons start to cool off.

Fathead Minnows & Guppies

Although considered a feeder fish, fathead minnows are quite colorful. The most commonly sold variety, rosy red minnows, boast golden bodies and fins and might have splotches of color on their heads and sides. Rosy red minnows can live for up to four years and practically feed themselves on algae and insects. While guppies need to be fed a flake food, they come in a rainbow of colors and can breed like crazy, which is really fun and a kid favorite. They’ll also keep the mosquito population at zero. These fish can handle temperatures as low as 62 degrees Fahrenheit, but they should be brought indoors during cold winters.

Sterlets

If the size of the pond permits, sterlets, a smaller type of sturgeon, are impressive fish. They’re not very colorful, but their sheer size, longevity, and rather bizarre body shape make them a great conversation piece. Sterlets seldom grow longer than three feet, but they can easily weigh up to 35 pounds. They can withstand cold temperatures and should be able to find plenty of food in most large outdoor ponds. Sterlets most often live at least 20 years and can live as long as 25 years.

Sticklebacks

If you’re lucky enough to live in a semi-tropical environment where the temperature has a small swing, sticklebacks are a fun choice. These fish are related to seahorses and pipefish. They don’t get very big, aren’t particularly long lived, and nobody would call them visually stunning, but they do have one of the most interesting mating rituals of all freshwater fish species. Male sticklebacks develop red coloring on their breasts, after which they construct a shelter to attract females. When the female stickleback lays its eggs in the shelter, the male vigilantly guards the nest until the eggs hatch, sometimes even longer. It’s quite a thing to witness.

Whatever fish you choose to keep in your pond, make sure you have all the supplies and equipment you need to maintain the pond properly. From koi pond filters and pumps to food and supplements, Aquatic Warehouse has everything you need. Give us a call today at 858-467-9297.