Pond Fish Management
| There are two kinds of management that are relevant to ornamental pond fish. The care and maintenance of ornamental fish in a balanced garden pond where the fish are just part of an overall garden feature, which is the main concern of this web-site. Also the care and well-being of ornamental fish in a fish pond where they are the sole focus of attention. With water gardening, there is no clear distinction between the two.
|
 In the balanced pond the fish are just one element.
|
 Those who have a keen interest should join a specialist society.
|
Given these variances, and the fact that many casual water gardeners, even if they have no intention of becoming ardent fish keepers, are interested in more than the mere rudiments of fish feeding, then the basics of pond fish management have been embraced. Those who have a great interest in any particular aspect or fish type should seek out a specialist society in order to garner more information.
|
| The management of pond fish in a general garden pond is relatively simple. Ensure that the pond is not over-crowded and that the species and varieties concerned are suitable for the climate of the garden. With container water features it is sometimes possible to keep fish outdoors for the summer months that it would not be possible to maintain ordinarily in the garden pond.
|
 Management in a conventional pond is relatively simple.
|
| Take care with the feeding and do not over-do it, and at all times be vigilant, recognising when a fish becomes lethargic and out of sorts. Keeping fish is rather like being a farm stockman - ensuring that the fish population is content - in much the same way as a dairyman does with his cows.
Seasonal differences do create some tasks, especially in cold and temperate districts. It is important when a pond freezes over that it does not remain so for more than a couple of days.Even though all the processes within the pond slow down during the winter, those like the natural decomposition of organic matter, still produce gases that under normal circumstances escape into the air. When ice closes over the surface of the water they are precluded from doing so.
|
 In cold areas it is vital to keep an area of the pond ice-free.
|
Likewise there is no oxygen exchange at the surface of the water and so the fish are in danger of asphyxiation unless the ice is vented. This can be done using a pan of hot water to melt through, or by the use of a pond heater. Fish breeding is also an aspect of pond fish management that causes concern, especially to the novice with a garden pond. Fortunately, if everything in the pond is right for breeding it will happen without the water gardener needing to do anything.
|
However, with fancy varieties, or when bright colours and specific characteristics are to be developed, then a more controlled approach to fish breeding is necessary. This is further assisted by a basic knowledge of genetics and inheritance, and in most cases demands a little extra equipment and a special facility.
|
 A controlled approach is necessary when breeding fancy fish.
|
|
America 
Australia 
Canada 
Europe 
International 
New Zealand 
South Africa 
United Kingdom 
