Read on to learn about some of the best fish species to keep in your garden rockery pond
1. Common goldfish
These are a simple choice for your pond. They are very tough fish that can live in a range of conditions and they are not high maintenance. They also come in a variety of colours to add some extra visual appeal to those grey rockery stones.
They are best for smaller ponds, though large groups of them can thrive in a larger one. They are capable of growing up to around 12 inches and have the potential to live for 10+ years. Cold water is fine for them and they tend to do best with lots of pondweed to feed on.
2. Koi carp
These coldwater fish are very popular in rockery ponds, with similar hardiness to goldfish. They are very decorative fish, adding splashes of colour to your garden stones. They originate from Japan but have become a common sight all around Europe and beyond.
Though very hardy, they are not great with long, cold winters where temperatures remain below zero for extended periods. They can generally survive typical UK winters, though they might struggle in the Highlands of Scotland.
3. Plecostomus
These are a species of catfish that make an excellent choice for rockery ponds. They look quite exotic and exciting, with large fins and intricate patterns over their bodies.
They are nocturnal, so your larger rocks will make excellent hiding places for them in the daytime. As bottom feeders, they will mop up smaller stones on the bottom of your pond, and they are somewhat better suited to larger ponds.
4. Fathead minnow
This freshwater fish originates from North America and has an olive-grey colour with a distinctive stripe along its side. It will grow up to around 10cm and is very good at surviving changing temperatures and environments, so it is a very versatile pond fish.
You can keep them in smaller ponds, and they are even effective at surviving in low-oxygen water that might be uninhabitable for other fish. This makes them a popular choice for garden rockery pond owners.
5. Golden tench
This is an artificially-bred fish that has a close resemblance to goldfish. It is known to be a very hardy fish that rarely catches diseases, earning it the nickname 'the doctor tench'.
They are bottom dwellers that scrape for leftovers on the base of ponds, helping maintain a clean environment. They like to live in groups of at least 5 and can grow as large as 50cm in length, so they are best suited to larger ponds.
6. Golden rudd
These are often known as the rosette pond fish. Known for their hardiness and resistance to disease, they are able to survive harsh winter conditions, making them an excellent choice for ponds.
They also have a pleasing appearance. Their silver body is surrounded by bright red or orange fins, so they are easy to spot in the water. They have a potential lifespan of 15-20 years or more, so be prepared to have them with you for the long haul.
7. Ides/orf fish
If you want to have plants in your rockery pond, these fish are an excellent choice because they don't really disturb plant life. They are very active and dwell close to the surface, with the potential to grow to more than 50cm in length.
They are well adapted to survive winter in a deep pond as they hibernate in deeper water - you will need a pond that is 1m+ in depth for this. They do, however, require plenty of oxygen, so a pump or water fountain may be necessary to keep them healthy.
8. Grass carp
This fish was actually brought into Europe for weed control purposes, so if you need to keep the vegetation down in your pond then grass carp can help. In the wild, they are most common in fast-moving rivers, but they also thrive in still water.
Their average size is over 50cm so, once again, they are best suited to larger ponds. Be warned that, if you are growing plants in your rockery pond, they are likely to feed on them.
9. Gobi fish
These little beauties are fantastic algae eaters, but they are also omnivores so will feed on insects, worms and snails. They are relatively small at around 15cm long, and their lifespan is approximately 5-6 years, so they are a good fit for smaller ponds.
They like to live in groups of at least 6 and spend most of their time at the bottom of the pond. Their dark brown colour means you probably won't see very much of them, and they may hibernate through the winter in deeper ponds.
10. Sticklebacks
These fish vary in size, with some able to grow to around 20cm. They are extremely adaptable, making them a good choice for ponds. Their appearance may seem a little plain at first, but their scales are very reflective and display an array of subtle colours in the right light.
Conclusion
If you are planning a rockery pond for your garden, your first consideration will be the types of rocks you use. We have a diverse selection of rockery stones and rocks to suit all styles.
Once you have the rocks in place, you should select your fish carefully based on the type of pond you have, your choices of rocks and plants, and the weather conditions in your location. The fish on this list are all well-suited to living in UK weather conditions, so you have a good starting point for making your choices.
For rockery stones and outdoor accessories, visit Decorative Gardens today.
