A pond brings so much life to your outdoor space! Beautiful aquatic plants, all sorts of useful insects, and sometimes even fascinating wildlife like frogs, toads, and newts. But what if you don’t have the space for a full-sized, in-ground pond? That’s where the mini pond comes in.
Although most fish get a bit too large to keep in a mini pond, you may be surprised to know that you do actually have some options in terms of livestock. Below, let’s have a look at 6 small pond fish that will help liven up your very own micro aquatic ecosystem.
A small garden pond can add beauty and tranquility to any outdoor space. However, stocking your mini pond with the right fish is key to creating a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Choosing fish that are appropriate for the size of your pond is important for their health and happiness.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best fish species for small garden ponds under 500 gallons.
1. Fancy Goldfish
Fancy goldfish like orandas, fantails and ryukins are a popular choice for small ponds. Their vibrant colors and flowing fins add visual interest. Fancies are social fish that do well in groups. Provide at least 20 gallons per fish. They tolerate a wide temperature range but need at least 2 feet of depth.
2. Common Goldfish
Though not as flashy as their fancy cousins, common goldfish are extremely hardy They adapt well to pond life and tolerate temperatures down to 50°F Commons are active swimmers that need at least 20 gallons each. Their metallic sheen provides a living shimmer to ponds.
3. Rosy Red Minnows
Rosy reds are a color variant of the Fathead Minnow. These lively little fish reach 2-3 inches in length. Rosy reds are very hardy, adapting to varied water conditions. They eat algae and mosquito larvae. Allow 10 gallons per fish. Use cave-like structures to encourage breeding.
4. White Cloud Mountain Minnows
Native to China, these minnows thrive in unheated ponds. Their vibrant colors and active schooling behavior make them a delight to watch. White clouds need a minimum of 10 gallons per fish. They spawn readily if happy. Keep water cool and clean.
5. Paradise Fish
Though often kept in aquariums, Paradise Fish originate from pond-like rice paddies in Asia. The males sport vivid colors and flowing fins. Paradise Fish are labyrinth breathers, allowing them to gulp oxygen from the surface. Allow around 5 gallons per fish.
6. Least Killifish
The smallest member of the killifish family, Least Killifish grow to just over an inch. Despite their size, they adapt well to ponds with proper oxygenation. Provide floating plants for cover and insect larvae for food. They need a minimum of 2 gallons each.
7. American Flagfish
Native to Florida, Flagfish sport red, white and blue coloring. They reach 4 inches in length and tolerate temperatures down to 60°F. Flagfish feed on algae and insects. Allow 5 gallons per fish. Use plants and rocky caves for cover. They may jump, so a pond cover is recommended.
8. Endler’s Livebearer
Endler’s are a small, active livebearer that originated in Venezuela. Males display vivid spots and splashes of color. Allow 2-3 gallons per Endler. They breed frequently so be prepared to remove extra fish. Floating and stem plants provide safety for fry and adults.
9. Weather Loach
Weather Loaches are unusual scaleless fish from Asia. They have sensory organs to detect barometric pressure shifts and become more active before storms Loaches grow to 6 inches and need at least 20 gallons each They hide during the day and are fun to watch cruising at night.
10. Crayfish
For something different, try freshwater crayfish. They help control algae and detritus. Allow 2-3 gallons per adult cray. Provide hiding spots with overhangs. A mesh pond cover will prevent escapes. Remove offspring regularly to control populations. Avoid keeping small fish with adult crayfish.
When choosing fish, consider water temperature, pH and pond depth. Factor in full adult size, not just juvenile size. Schooling fish should be kept in groups of at least 6. Make sure to quarantine new fish in a separate tank or tub for a few weeks before introducing them to your pond to prevent disease issues. With some thoughtful selection, your mini pond can soon be thriving with suitable fish friends! Provide proper filtration, oxygenation and habitat areas for healthy fish. Monitor water parameters and enjoy the serene beauty your new fish bring to your garden pond.
What is a ‘mini pond’?
Although definitions can vary, we’d consider any water feature with a volume between 20-200 gallons to fall into the “mini pond” category. This can range from large planters and barrels to small in-ground ponds in a garden.
A mini pond is a fantastic way to enjoy most of what’s awesome about ponds in general without sacrificing a lot of space. Perfect for a city balcony, deck, or tiny garden! You’ll be surprised at how much small wildlife a well-placed and well-planted mini water feature attracts.
Setting up your tiny pond is very easy and you don’t have to be a pond expert to do it. The most important thing to keep in mind that small bodies of water are more prone to swings in temperature and water quality.
Our tips for a successful mini pond:
- Place your pond in the shade. It will heat up too quickly and become prone to algae explosions in full sun.
- Consider your climate. Unlike large, deep in-ground ponds, mini ponds easily freeze over. You may have to run yours only in summer, use a heater, or move it to an indoor space like a garage during winter.
- Use lots of aquatic plants. They provide shade, offer hiding places and foraging spots for bugs + beasts, and help keep the water quality high.
- Make sure wildlife like frogs can get in and out of the pond, like by stacking rock “stairs” in and around it.
- Keep your pond only lightly stocked and choose appropriate fish. Adding too many fish or going for species that are too large can upset the balance of your mini ecosystem.
Below, let’s have a look at our top 6 of best small pond fish, the tiniest of which are suitable for water features as small as 20 gallons!
Small pond fish for your mini pond
One of the most popular fish for small ponds is the fathead minnow, or specifically, its golden color morph: the rosy-red minnow. Growing to a maximum length of up to 4″, this species is actually a North American native. It’s also one of the most commonly sold feeder fish species.
Feeder fish are kept in large numbers in cramped conditions. Only hardy species can survive this, and that’s good news for us pond keepers! Fathead minnows are able to withstand both poor water quality and low oxygen levels. Of course, this doesn’t mean we should keep these fish in dirty ponds, but it does mean they’re forgiving of the occasional beginner mistake.
Fathead minnows are lively and fun to watch. If you keep the water quality in your pond high and temperatures aren’t too hot or cold, you may even find them reproducing. You can encourage spawning by placing objects like caves in your pond, as the minnows like to lay their eggs on the undersides of these.
| Name | Fathead minnow, rosy-red minnow, tuffy, Pimephales promelas |
| Difficulty level | Easy |
| Minimum pond size | 40+ gallons |
| Temperature range | 40-85 °F |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The 7 Best Pond Fish
FAQ
What is the best fish for a small garden pond?
- Goldfish and shubunkins: Are very popular and will tolerate a wide range of climates. For your first pond just stick with common goldfish none of the fancy varieties.
- Rice fish (Medaka): These fish are tiny only growing to 4cm (1.6in) and that’s fully grown!
- White Cloud Mountain minnows: Another small fish.
What fish keep small ponds clean?
The best algae eating fish for a pond are Koi, Channel Catfish, Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark, Flying Fox, Pond Loach, and the Japanese Trapdoor Snail.
What is the best fish to stock a small pond with?
Fish species suited for small ponds are generally limited to largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish.
What is the easiest fish to keep alive in a pond?
Mollies and platys are very easy fish to care for and come in many varieties and colors. They can be kept in schools and grow to about three inches in length.May 14, 2024