I'm setting up a ~1500G pond that I'm planning on adding fish to come summertime. Dimensions are approx. 10' long, 6.5' wide, and 3' deep, and I am planning on setting up a filter anywhere from 6000-9000GPH. This is my first real pond. Coldwater/temperate. I have some ideas, but wouldn't mind suggestions. The four coolest freshwater fish native to my area are the longnose gar, the bowfin, the American eel, and the Atlantic stingray. (which, is the least likely option, as they would require a very delicate conversion process, and very heavy filtration) So, the gar, bowfin, and the eel are the most likely candidates. The gar can get up to about 5'-6' in the wild, but chances are, it'll peak at around 3' in the pond. I hear gar are compatible with koi, just as long as neither are small enough to be eaten, as they reach roughly the same size in captivity. The eels would be compatible with just about anything that couldn't fit in its mouth or vice versa, and would have a fair amount of hiding spots and vegetation. I believe gar and bowfin should get along, but I'm a little nervous about keeping either with the eels.
I want suggestions on which one of these you would recommend, and if you know of any cool non-native/exotic fish that could 1) fit in this pond, and 2) live in cold/temperate water. MUST be 1'-3', unless it is an eel-like fish that often coils up, and therefore does not need as much room.
I want suggestions on which one of these you would recommend, and if you know of any cool non-native/exotic fish that could 1) fit in this pond, and 2) live in cold/temperate water. MUST be 1'-3', unless it is an eel-like fish that often coils up, and therefore does not need as much room.
