Page 313 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

PLANTS AND LANDSCAPING • CHOOSING FISH 311

Choosing and introducing fish

The availability of pond fish is seasonal, with the
largest selection offered for sale during the spring and CHOOSING HEALTHY FISH
early summer months. This is a good time to purchase • Make sure your chosen fish • Inspect the fish closely for
pond fish, because it gives hardy varieties that is swimming without difficulty signs of skin damage, including
through the water before missing scales or reddened
overwinter in the pond the opportunity to become asking for it to be caught. areas on the body.
well established before the onset of colder weather. • View the fish from both sides, • Look carefully for any signs
because a problem may be of external parasites, which are
Always obtain pond fish from a reputable supplier evident on one side only. hard to eliminate from a pond.
who allows you to inspect the fish before purchase.

Most aquarium stores offer a range of coldwater fish, but if you
want exhibition-standard koi, you should seek out a specialist
dealer. Pond fish are usually priced by size, with the largest INTRODUCING NEW FISH
individuals commanding the highest prices. It is best to start Most fish can be transported from the supplier to your pond in large
out with younger fish; this is not only less costly but also gives plastic bags, but very large koi may have to be moved in vats. Care must
you the opportunity to tame them. Coldwater fish can grow be taken when transporting fish, to avoid subjecting them to unnecessary
rapidly under favorable conditions, so take this into account stress. If possible, use a local supplier to minimize the traveling time.
when considering stocking levels for the pond. Adding oxygen to the traveling bag lengthens the time that the fish can
House newly acquired fish in an indoor aquarium or a small be kept in it, but never keep them confined for longer than necessary.
outdoor pond for a week or so before transferring them into
the main pond, to be sure they are healthy. If you have only
recently filled the pond, treat the water with the appropriate
amount of dechlorinator before introducing the fish.

Stocking levels in a pond without
filtration should not exceed 2 in
(5 cm) of fish for every 1 ft
2
(0.09 m ) of pond surface area.
2
1 Catching the fish 1 Oxygen is added
1
2
The supplier will usually catch To sustain the fish during
the fish for you, transferring it transport, the bag is inflated
into a bag filled with water. with oxygen and sealed tightly.

1 Safe travel 1 Releasing the fish
4
3
A cardboard box protects the Do not dump the water into the
bag and keeps it upright. Never pond; allow the fish to swim out
leave the bag in direct sunlight. then discard the water.

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