You can keep an almost endless variety of colorful fish in your water garden to add interest and beauty. Proper planning will increase your chances for healthy fish. Simple precautions—such as testing water quality, planning for adequate filtration and circulation for the size of your pond, neutralizing chlorine when adding water, and protecting against common diseases—can ensure your pond fish and plants remain in optimum health.
Koi
Prized world-over for their vivid coloration, striking patterns, and longevity, Koi are actually the colored variety of the common carp. There are many colors, shapes, and types to choose from.
Goldfish
A favorite from everyone's childhood, these larger, hardy goldfish are know as good swimmers, despite their short fins, and do well in poorer water conditions. There are many varieties to choose from. You may have seen them and wondered what they are. Here are some of the most common
Comet
The most common goldfish. Has a long, slender body. Orange color, but can also be white and red which is called Sarassa.
Shubunkin
Identical shape to the Comet; instead has a base color of light blue, covered in patterns of darker blue, red, brown, white, or black.
Fantail
Perfect for water gardens, the goldfish-shaped shubunkin features a stunning pale blue background with flecks of red, black and blue.
Black Moor
Has the body of a Fantail, has bulging eyes, and is black, as the name would suggest.
Oranda
Short and plump like Fantails, but has bulging growths on its head, almost like a cap.
Loinhead
Very similar to the Oranda’s head shape and Fantail, but lacks a dorsal fin (the fin that runs down the back of a fish).


Fish-to-Pond Size Ratio
  • Koi grow up to 2 feet and require a minimum of 500 gallons per fish.
  • All Comet goldfish, including Shubunkins, grow up to 14 inches and require a minimum of 75 gallons per fish.
  • Smaller exotic goldfish, like Moors, Orandas, Lionheads, and Fantails, grow up to 8 inches and require 50 gallons per fish.