Pond fish to go with Koi
- Thread starter ShaheenFishwala
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I have kept koi with cichlids from southern South America (a temperate area, water temps dipping into the 50s in winter). Cichlids from Uruguay, Argentine like Gymnogeophagus, Australoheros, even some Crenicichla.
These cichlids are less aggressive than their tropical cousins.
But because of their natural coloration are harder to see than the obvious koi (depending on the color of your pond)
I had to bring all fish in winter in Wisconsin and in a kiddy pool became most visible during that time.
In the actual outdoor pond, with a more natural substrate, only the koi and goldfish are obvious
In the pond above there were perhaps 20 cichlids.
Some of the cichlids would only become obvious when in shallows, and in spawning colors, like th Australoheros in the shot below.
These cichlids are less aggressive than their tropical cousins.
But because of their natural coloration are harder to see than the obvious koi (depending on the color of your pond)
I had to bring all fish in winter in Wisconsin and in a kiddy pool became most visible during that time.
In the actual outdoor pond, with a more natural substrate, only the koi and goldfish are obvious
In the pond above there were perhaps 20 cichlids.
Some of the cichlids would only become obvious when in shallows, and in spawning colors, like th Australoheros in the shot below.
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Sturgeon, bowfin, Highfin banded shark just some ideas although it depends on if they are raised with the koi or not
Cichlids sound awesome. The beauty of fish keeping is experimenting and creating an ecosystem that you like best.
Due to the seasonal changes in NJ, I keep my Koi with Shubunkin and some Comets and have added a tri banded hi fin banded shark to clean up the algae.
I tossed in some blue shubukins to broaden the coloration of the pond.
I would not suggest placing fancies (like moors or butterflies in the pond). During mating season, the koi really beat up the female goldfish and lesson learned.
Whatever you do, compliment with Plants and enjoy for years to come as you plan out your next pond that will be twice the size of this one!
Due to the seasonal changes in NJ, I keep my Koi with Shubunkin and some Comets and have added a tri banded hi fin banded shark to clean up the algae.
I tossed in some blue shubukins to broaden the coloration of the pond.
I would not suggest placing fancies (like moors or butterflies in the pond). During mating season, the koi really beat up the female goldfish and lesson learned.
Whatever you do, compliment with Plants and enjoy for years to come as you plan out your next pond that will be twice the size of this one!
