Frequently Asked Questions: Fish

1. What type of fish can I have?

There are two main types of fish. Ornamental ones  include those with coloured scales, such as koi, and native ones would normally be found in local ponds. Local ones have a better chance of adapting and will need no attention, generally breeding quite happily once they have settled in. The more usual ornamental fish, such as the goldfish, will probably also not cause any problems once they are used to their environment, but if you are interested  in keeping koi, you should consider keeping them in special ponds, where the conditions can be carefully monitored. They can be housed in a garden pool but they will often graze on the plant life.

2. Do I need to feed fish?

In a well-balanced pond containing plenty of different plantsand creatures there should be no need to feed your fish, but for many pond owners this is part of the fun of keeping fish and, regularly fed, they will soon learn to come as they hear you approach. The main problem is what to feed them. There is a bewildering choice of foodstuff at water centres, and it is best to seek advice when you guy the fish. Do not give too much food at any time because as it decays, it will pollute the water, sometimes like stick food is good as it floats and can easily be removed if it is not eaten.