Cold Water fish

“Putting life in your pond”

fish_in_pondWith adding life to your pond it is important to have a balance of fish with Bottom, Mid and surface feeders all doing their part for the ponds eco-system.

It is also important to remember that some fish like Koi carp grow very large and will soon fill a small pond.

We carry a fantastic selection come and look round and choose from our in store display ponds and take time to chat with our expert staff on what species would suit your pond.

220px-BarbelBarbels are group of small carp-like freshwater fish, almost all of the genus Barbus. They are usually found in gravel and rocky bottomed slow flowing waters with high dissolved oxygen content. A typical adult barbel will range from 25 to 100 cm in length and weigh anywhere between 200 g and 10 kg, although weights of 200g are more common.Babies weigh 100-150g

The difference between mirror and common carp is both genetic and visual - biologically they are similar. The mirror carp was the first mutation of common carp, owing to two alternative genes, the S allele and the N allele. The genetic term for a mirror carp is "ssnn" (all minor). Common carp have an even, regular scale pattern, whereas mirrors have irregular and patchy scaling, making many fish unique and possible to identify individual fish by sight, leading to most carp in the UK over 40 lb being nicknamed. This lack of scales is widely believed to have been bred in by monks in order to make the fish easier to prepare for the table.

fantailThe Fantail goldfish is the western form of the Ryukin that possesses an egg-shaped body, a high dorsal fin, a long quadruple caudal fin, and no shoulder hump.

lionheadsLionheads were bred in China to depict the image of the mythical Chinese lion-dog (the shishi, in Japanese legend). They were introduced to Japan from China during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Japanese produced lionheads with more rounded back profiles, modified tails and diminished size of the headgrowth.

They are easy to keep in cold water tanks and are very popular.

ghost_carpGhost carp or Ghost Koi are a cross between a King Carp and a metallic 'Ogon Koi'. This is not a hybridisation between Species but between Carp Varieties of the same species.

Conventional crosses to produce Ghost Koi are Purachina (Platinum Ogon) produce White Ghost Koi : Yamabuki ( Yellow Ogon) produce Gold Ghost Koi.

They come in all scale patters associated with King Carp but are distinguished by the dark gray/Black scull patterns on the head.