Page 360 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

358 POND FISH DIRECTORY

OTHER COLDWATER FISH

In addition to goldfish and koi, many other fish
from a wide range of families thrive in
coldwater ponds, from small, colorful
species, such as this Red Shiner (see also
p.361), to prehistoric-looking sturgeon.
However, the keeping of coldwater fish has
raised environmental concerns, principally that
imported exotic species may escape into the
wild and endanger populations of native fish. As
a result, there are legal restrictions on the sale
and movement of some species. Dealers should
be familiar with these laws, but you can check The Red Shiner
(Cyprinella lutrensis) is an
with the US Department of Agriculture (or, in attractive and easily
maintained cyprinid. Like
Canada, the Department of Fisheries and most coldwater pond fish,
it originates from
Oceans) for up-to-date regulations. temperate regions.

Etheostoma caeruleum Gasterosteus aculeatus Lepomis humilis
Orange-Throated Darter Three-Spined Stickleback Orange-Spotted Sunfish

ORIGINS Southeastern Canada and eastern US, near the ORIGINS Occurs widely over much of Europe, northern ORIGINS North America, where it occurs in rivers and
Great Lakes; also in Louisiana and Mississippi. Asia, and Africa. Also present in North America. lakes from Texas to North Dakota.
SIZE 3 in (8 cm). SIZE 5 in (12.5 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm).
DIET Small live foods and the eggs of other fish. DIET Prefers fresh and prepared live foods. DIET Mainly live foods of different types.
WATER Temperature 39–68°F (4–20°C); hard WATER Temperature 39–68°F (4–20°C); soft WATER Temperature 39–72°F (4–22°C); hard (100–150
(100–150 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 7.0). (50–100 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0 ). mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Breeding males are territorial. TEMPERAMENT Males become territorial when breeding. TEMPERAMENT Occasionally aggressive.
These small, bottom-dwelling fish are difficult to Three spiny projections The small size of these sunfish, coupled with their
observe in ponds but are more visible in well- lie flat along the back attractive appearance, means that they can be kept
filtered coldwater aquariums. In a pond setting, in coldwater aquariums as well as in ponds. Sexing
they supplement their diet by feeding on aquatic is quite straightforward, since only males display
insect larvae. Male Orange-Throated Darters are the distinctive reddish-orange spots, which are
more brightly colored than females. A rise in brown in females. The white edging around the
water temperature triggers breeding. The female so-called “ear flap” behind each eye is another
lays several hundred eggs over the Bony plates cover point of recognition. Avoid housing them with
course of two or three days the sides of the body other sunfish, because they will hybridize readily.
and buries them in mulm
on the pond floor. These sticklebacks show a distinct difference in
coloration between the sexes during the spawning
Male period, when male fish become red and blue.
The male builds a nest out of plant matter and
lures a succession of females inside so that they
can lay their eggs, which he fertilizes. In total,
the nest may contain as many as 50 eggs from
different females. The male guards the eggs
and also watches over the newly hatched fry. Ear-flap edging Male

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