![]() ![]() In temperate regions, it may be necessary to overwinter fancy goldfish in indoor, temperature-regulated tanks. Rapidly cooling temperatures can shock their system as their metabolic rate is consequently slowed. liz west / CC BY 2.0įancy goldfish are more sensitive to drastic water changes and cool temperatures than common, hardy breeds of ornamental fish. 1) Harsh winter temperatures In temperate regions, it’s usually safer to house fancy fish in a tank setup during the winter. They will need to be acclimated properly prior to being released into prepared, species-only ponds. ![]() As they are highly sensitive to sudden changes in ambient parameters, they can’t simply be introduced into any type of pond after being purchased in a pet store. Outlined below are some of the major challenges to keeping fancy goldfish comfortable and happy in a pond setup. This is why they require close observation and, if possible, should not be stocked with other types of fish. Their unique anatomical structures impede just about every physical activity they must do to survive. Fancy goldfish, in contrast, have the tendency to move through the water in a slow and awkward manner. Main Challenges to Raising Fancy Goldfish in PondsĮxposed conditions in ponds are easily tolerated by hardy goldfish breeds, which are morphologically equipped to swim quickly, feed efficiently, and tolerate winter temperatures. Despite their tolerance for outdoor conditions and seasonal changes, ample care must be provided to ensure that they remain healthy and stress-free. That being said, there are some types of fancy goldfish that are more suited to pond life than others. While hardy goldfish can thrive alongside other ornamentals in a pond setting, which allows them to grow to their maximum size, fancy goldfish may struggle to compete and stay protected. As some of these features can compromise their feeding efficiency, preventing them from swimming quickly toward food or from scanning their surroundings for danger, they require more care and dedication than their hardier counterparts. Their anatomical abnormalities are precisely what make them so popular as eye-catching ornamentals, yet these may significantly impede their survival and longevity.Įven seasoned aquarists prefer to keep fancy goldfish in dedicated tanks, where their abnormal features are less likely to be damaged by other fishes. bubble-shaped eyes, colorful headgrowths, nostril outgrowths, etc.), fancy goldfish are some of the most highly-prized aquarium fishes. Known for their elegant and graceful fins, their enlarged abdomens, and their bizarre facial structures (e.g. Lerdsuwa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons If you enjoyed this article, why not take out a subscription to Practical Fishkeeping magazine? Check out our latest subscription offer.1.7 Final Tips on Caring for Fancy Goldfish in Ponds Many fancy goldfish have abnormal features that put them at risk of injury it may therefore be safer to keep them in a tank than in an outdoor pond. At the very least this will stress them - possibly even worse! Never just go and buy fancy goldfish from a shop and put them in your pond as these fish will almost certainly not be used to our prolonged winter. Research the background to your chosen fish and contact either your most local goldfish club or the Goldfish Society of Great Britain to source those that have already overwintered in an outdoor pond. Some strains of fancy goldfish are hardier than others and I’ve never seen the likes of Pearlscales or Bubble eyes kept in this way. ![]() Just because the fish may be OK outside you still can’t mix them with single tail varieties and I would recommend a one-variety pond approach. I am also aware of Orandas, Fantails and so on kept successfully under similar circumstances and, in a few cases, much further north. Growth rates were also good, despite the fact the fish were subject to normal seasonal changes. It never adversely affected the fish - in fact they spawned regularly! This was unheated, only 30cm/12” deep and regularly froze over in winter. I live in the south-east and have kept Ranchu, considered by many to be delicate, in an exposed outdoor pond for nearly ten years. Where you live in the UK may have some bearing when it comes to keeping fancy goldfish in a pond, but it will definitely extend to some the fancier varieties if you live further south and experience a shorter/warmer winter. Some fancies are more suitable for ponds than others. ![]()
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