9 replies to this topic

[grant gourami]

I'm setting up a new 50 gallon patio pond and wanted to do something a by more unique than goldfish and feeder minnows.

[Michael Wolfe]

central mudminnows would be pretty cool.  they are hardy and easy to observe as they stalk around.

 

so would spotfin shiners (Cyprinella are pretty showy in breeding colors and are always zipping around).

 

both are native to your area.

[grant gourami]

What about a rock bass? Or would that be pushing it.

[Michael Wolfe]

one fish in a 50 gallon tub would be rather boring wouldn't it?  especially a single large predatory fish, that pretty much just sits all the time.

[grant gourami]

Good point... i haven't seen either of those anywhere near me. I'd honestly like a large fish and some top level schoolers.

[Evan P]

If you have a large fish, you will no longer have your schooling fish before long. Michael had some great suggestions. Cyprinella are awesome in a pond, oftentimes jumping for bug flying overhead and displaying their beautiful finnage nearly all summer.

[Betta132]

You want fluttery stuff. Just about your only large fish options will eat all of your other fish and then just sit still being a vaguely fish-shaped shadow. 

[grant gourami]

Ok then. We're can I go and collect some spotfins? I haven't seen any where I usually collect.

[Michael Wolfe]

They thrive in faster moving water... they are a big strong shiner... but I am not familiar with you region... maybe some farther north members will speak up.

[Evan P]

I catch them just about everywhere I sample. Any moderately sized river will have them.