The Top 7 Fish for Your Mini Backyard Pond
Having a small garden pond can be an enjoyable way to add some aquatic life to your backyard oasis But what are the best fish for stocking a mini pond? Small ponds with limited space require fish that stay relatively small in size Larger fish would be cramped and unhealthy in a tiny pond,
When choosing fish, you also want ones that are hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. Mini ponds experience more fluctuations than a larger body of water. Here are the top 7 small fish perfect for mini backyard ponds:
Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)
The fathead minnow is a hardy fish native to North America. These tiny fish only reach 2-3 inches in length, making them ideal for small ponds. They thrive in cooler temperatures down to 45°F but also tolerate summer heat. Fathead minnows are omnivorous and will eat both plant matter and small insects.
Three-Spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Sticklebacks are small fish, growing to only 2-3 inches long. They are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere in fresh and coastal waters. These little fish are adaptable and can live in both cold and warm ponds. They eat small invertebrates like insect larvae. The three-spine stickleback gets its name from the spines on its back.
Mosquitofish (Gambusia sp.)
As their name implies, mosquitofish devour mosquito larvae. They help control mosquitos, which is a benefit for your backyard pond. Mosquitofish are small, growing to just 2 inches in length. They are livebearers that can populate a pond quickly during warm months. Mosquitofish are hardy and can overwinter easily, tolerating temperatures down to 45°F.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)
White cloud minnows are a stunning little fish that add a pop of color to ponds. They have bright red fins and tails and a shimmery white body. These minnows only reach 1.5 inches long, making them true nano fish. White clouds come from cool streams in China and Vietnam and can tolerate cold water. They do well in unheated mini ponds.
Japanese Ricefish (Oryzias latipes)
Japanese ricefish, also called medaka, stay under 2 inches in length. They are a durable fish species found in rice paddies and streams in Japan, Korea, and China. Ricefish survive a wide temperature range between 35-85°F. They eat mosquito larvae and zooplankton. These peaceful community fish add interest to small ponds.
Weather Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)
The weather loach is an elongate fish that grows to 6 inches long. They inhabit the bottom of the pond. As cold water fish, they thrive in unheated ponds and will become active when it rains. Weather loaches have a distinctive worm-like appearance. They eat larvae, worms, and snails off the bottom of the pond.
Bonus: Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
For something different, consider adding vibrant cherry shrimp. They live and breed well outdoors and help clean the pond. Cherry shrimp reach just over 1 inch long and are fun to watch as they graze on algae. Their bright red coloration stands out.
When choosing fish for a small backyard pond, select ones that remain under 3 inches long. Prioritize hardy species that can withstand temperature fluctuations. The fish in this article are ideal choices to create a stunning mini pond.
The 7 Best Pond Fish
FAQ
What is the best fish to stock a small pond with?
What is the easiest fish to keep alive in a pond?
Can I put fish in a small outdoor pond?
What are the small fish that clean ponds?
What type of fish can be used in a pond?
Often referred to as the plecos, the Plecostomus fish are a catfish species that are another choice for a pond. First of all, they are exciting and attractive to look at; they have rich fins with a tiger-like pattern sprayed all over its body (which is why it is called a catfish).
What fish eat in a garden pond?
Take a look at the 14 small fish that will help you create an impressive garden pond: 1. Umbrella Cichlid – Apistogramma Borellii Detritivorous; also eat mosquito larvae, cyclops, artemia, daphnia, and mysis.
Are goldfish good for garden ponds?
Goldfish are small, hardy fish that does well in extreme temperatures. Hence, the perfect choice for your garden ponds. I recommend keeping the following important points in mind before going for Goldfish for your garden ponds. Since Goldfish are cold water fish, you should provide a decent shade to your pond for maintaining the water temperature.
What is the smallest fish in a pond?
The red shiners or the red-horse minnows are one of the smallest fish species on this list. They only grow to about 3 inches in size. But that does not mean it is not a good pond species. In fact, these fish are very well suited to ponds and similar settings, as they live in creeks and in rivers in nature.