Keeping goldfish and koi carp in an outdoor pond is a growing worldwide trend, one that is expected to grow until 2030. They are mainly imported from Asia and are kept in ornamental ponds. The trend is also gaining popularity in the US as koi carp are a beautiful addition to a garden pond. Seen as a symbol of good luck and fortune in Japan, they can bring about an air of peace and relaxation.
Despite the positive symbolism it brings, there are some things to keep an eye out for. Since koi carp and other fishes are normally showcased at an outdoor garden pond, it’s natural to think that there are predators lurking about. Thankfully, there are a few devices to choose from that can keep them away
Keeping predators at bay
If you have a couple of koi carp and other fishes in your pond, you’re probably thinking about how you’re going to protect them. The main predators you’ll have to worry about are going to be herons and raccoons, although kingfishers have been known to go after fish in ponds. Most birds of prey stay near wetlands and larger water sources, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Other predators you’ll have to deter could be snapping turtles, bullfrogs, cats, foxes, snakes, and sometimes an opportunistic bear might take a swipe. But don’t worry; your pond can be made safe and secure. You just need to find the right method that works for you. Here are some suggestions you can use.
If your generally friendly #Koi all of a sudden become cautious, it's possible that a predator comes and visits your pond when you're not there. ❗ So pay close attention to all that might have your koi fish frightened. pic.twitter.com/NDo68fsm3i
— QuinteroKOI (@QuinteroKOI) October 22, 2022
The Yard Gard is a favorite for keeping away unwanted visitors. It emits an adjustable high frequency between 15hz and 25hz. Humans cannot hear this noise and it won’t harm or disturb the fish. It can, however, keep other animals away from your pond.
The BirdXPeller PRO is also a great gadget to keep pesky birds away. The small, discreet box can be installed next to your pond where your koi are. It emits distress calls and predator noises, which makes birds, and other animals keep clear. The noises used are naturally recorded, but they should be enough to appear authentic to your fish predators. They can even be set for species-specific sounds, so if you’re having a problem with one type of bird in particular, you can set it for those.
Some simple suggestions would be to add decoys around your pond, such as plastic owls or floating alligator heads. A sprinkler system with a sensor can deter most animals. You can also cover the pond with a net. This helps in keeping out birds and domestic animals like cats.
Koi fish can be attacked by lots of different animals. Depending on which country they are in and whereabouts the pond is, predators include badgers as well as dogs, cats, otters, and even snakes. 🐶#floatingisland #watergarden #waterplants #fishpond pic.twitter.com/0DMcbStzce
— Koi Enterprise (@KoiEnterprise) March 6, 2022
Other things to consider
Koi are very hardy creatures, so with the correct care and maintenance, yours could potentially outlive you. Their general lifespan is around 20-30 years, however, they have been reported to live in excess of 100 years, with one supposedly reaching 226 years old.
Bearing in mind that they can reach a value of over $1,000 each, you’ll have to consider how many you want and what you need to make their home comfortable. Take note that domesticated goldfish can grow to about 14 inches, and koi carp have been known to reach a whopping 47 inches. Although most won’t grow past 23 inches. On average, a pond containing five koi carp should contain at least 1,000 gallons of water. It should measure 6 x 8 feet and be at least 3 feet deep.
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by Christopher Isak with Midjourney for TechAcute.
Sources: Digital Journal / Hartz / Koi-Story
