Freshwater fish spend most of their time in water with a salinity level lower than 0.5%. They originate from wild lakes and rivers and have developed various features to survive in freshwater, including gills that keep salt inside and scales that reduce water diffusion.
There are hundreds of freshwater fish types, from black mollies and tiger barbs to angelfish and koi. They come in all shapes, sizes and colour variations and can be uniquely paired to create a diverse environment. However, not all freshwater fish are compatible, so it's important to research breed behaviours and needs before making any introductions.
Deciding whether to choose a freshwater or saltwater aquarium is one of the most crucial decisions regarding fish keeping. Both have multiple benefits and offer incredibly stunning showpieces for your home; however, they also come with their own distinct set of challenges.
Typically, freshwater fish, including freshwater pond fish, are less demanding than their saltwater friends. They require less maintenance without compromising beauty and have a lower running cost. They also tend to be hardier than saltwater inhabitants and can withstand changing conditions more forgivingly.
With this in mind, freshwater fish are the perfect choice for first-time fish owners. They're also suitable for the outdoors, making them the obvious choice for those looking to enhance their garden pond.
At Pond Planet, we offer an incredible range of freshwater fish tanks and aquariums in various shapes and sizes, including globe and cube-shaped tanks designed to be as stylish as they are functional. From fully kitted-out fish tanks with everything you need to get started to modern tanks with LED lighting, our collection has styles to suit all your (and your fishes!) needs.
Whilst many people enjoy the impressive showpiece that a freshwater aquarium offers, others prefer the tranquil setting of a garden pond. So, can freshwater fish live in a pond?
The answer is yes. Freshwater fish can live in a pond if you provide them with the right water conditions and environment. The fish breed can also determine whether or not they are suitable for pond life, so it's crucial to be careful and thoroughly research each breed's specific care needs.
Breeds such as goldfish, koi carp fish, and weather loach are considered freshwater pond fish that can thrive in a pond environment.
Below, we've covered the three things to consider when adding freshwater fish to your pond.
You must set up your pond correctly if your fish are to survive. Your pond should have a suitable filtration system, including a pond pump to efficiently aerate the water and a pond filter to keep the environment clean, healthy and suitable for life. You should also include many pond plants to allow your fish to hide, relax, and seek shade from the sun.
Many people choose to have natural ponds in their garden, which are self-supporting ponds that don't need a filtration system. In place of a pond filter, natural ponds use plants, including marginal, oxygenating and moisture loving pond plants, to naturally maintain and support the pond's environment. Our recent blog covers all of the benefits pond plants have to offer.
However, if you are going to keep a healthy community of freshwater fish, you should install a proper filtration system.
We offer a fantastic collection of pond pumps and filters, so we're confident you'll find a set-up to suit your needs. We also offer fully-compatible pond pump and filter kits so that you can support your pond and freshwater fish with optimum performance and efficiency.
Water temperature directly affects the health of your freshwater fish. If the temperature is too warm, the water starts to lose oxygen; whilst if it is too cold, your fish's metabolism will slow down, impacting their growth and overall health.
Generally, the water temperature should not change by more than 5 degrees daily. To help control your pond water temperature, you should build your pond partially underground, ensuring that any fluctuations in the water temperature happen gradually.
You should also invest in a pond water heater. Water heaters are especially important in winter, which brings harsh conditions that most fish breeds cannot withstand. They work by keeping a section of the water surface free from ice, allowing harmful gases to escape whilst providing much-needed oxygen to your pond and its inhabitants.
Some freshwater fish will thrive in an outdoor pond, whilst others are only suited to an indoor aquarium. With this in mind, it's important to thoroughly check the needs of each fish breed to ensure that you are providing a suitable environment.
Freshwater fish are used to a closed, controlled habitat. Whilst you can achieve this environment with a pond, you have to be much more careful about certain freshwater fish types.
Koi and goldfish are best suited to withstand cooler temperatures and require a bigger space than most aquariums can offer making them ideal for ponds. Both varieties are resilient and can survive even when the pond freezes over.
However, just because your freshwater fish can survive a winter outside doesn't mean this is best for them. With this in mind, it's crucial to thoroughly research each specific breed to ensure you can provide a year-round, suitable environment. And if you do introduce your fish to the pond, they must be breeds you can catch again to move back inside during winter!
When introducing your freshwater fish to your pond, you must safely acclimate them to their new environment.
Below, we've covered the two important steps to consider when acclimating your freshwater fish to their new home. If not properly acclimated, your fish will become severely stressed and can even suffer death, so it's vital not to skip these steps.
To prevent shock and ensure a smooth transition, you must allow your fish to adjust to their new water temperature and water conditions.
You can do this the same way you would when adding an aquarium fish to a fish tank, placing them in a plastic bag with water and letting them float in the pond. The water in the bag will gradually adjust to the pond water temperature, allowing the fish to transition into their new home successfully.
Your pond water may also have a different water hardness and PH level to that which the fish are used to, and your fish will need time to adjust to it. To adjust your fish to its new environment and conditions, you should gradually add small amounts of pond water into the bag. Once the water is 50/50, you can safely introduce your fish to their new environment.
Pond test kits are a great way to check the water pH levels, and you should use them regularly to check the pond's ammonia and nitrite levels.
Once you’ve decided on the type of fish you wish to keep this will determine the type of home they will require; a pond or aquarium.
All fish have different needs and requirements, so you'll need to be sure that you can provide them with the right conditions. Additionally, not all fish breeds get along; whilst some may happily welcome others into their home, others may be territorial and aggressive. Meanwhile, some species may eat any fish smaller than them, so it's vital to do your research!
Below, we've listed the most popular freshwater fish for ponds and aquariums. Whether you're seeking inspiration or advice, read on for our top-recommended freshwater pond fish breeds.
