Desperate in Wilmington…Fish Disappearing from My Pond – 07/24/08
My pond 8x6 is covered with bird netting. Yesterday I went out to feed my fish and 5 had lodged their selves in the nooks and crannies of rocks and died, 3 were floating on top of the water.
<<Hmm>>
But really has me stumped is about 15 others are missing.
<<Ah…a clue here>>
I went down in my pond today and found no fish!! Where are they? What could have gotten the rest of them with the bird netting over the pond for protection?
<<I wonder…how close is this netting to the water’s surface…and does it completely “enclose/encase” the pond?>>
I have polled everyone at work, looked online and can't find the answer, please help. These were not just fish, but my pets.
Kathleen
p.s. there are no signs of fish parts outside of my pond
<<I’m sorry for your loss Kathleen. Even with the bird netting, I think it is very likely your fish fell prey to Herons. In our part of the country (I’m in SC) the Green-Backed Heron (Butorides virescens) young are leaving the nest and being taught by the adults to fish. Just this last week I had three-at-a-time visiting my little 550-gallon pond on my deck (and if you’ve seen them once, they have probably been there a hundred times)…and even after I put up the bird netting the little buggers still managed to get in/under to do their fishing (is “nothing” afraid of people anymore?). You wouldn’t see any “fish parts” as they would be swallowed whole…and the dead fish you witnessed were likely “missed” strikes by the birds through the netting that killed the fish. The best you can do is to make sure the netting totally “encloses” the pond and does not droop close enough to the water’s surface to allow the birds to “fish through” the netting. Regards, EricR>>

 

Re: Desperate in Wilmington…Fish Disappearing from My Pond – 07/25/08
Eric,
<<Hello Kat>>
The netting encloses the entire pond.
<<I see…but if it hangs close enough to the water’s surface; the Herons and other predators can still pluck fish through it>>
:( I'm so depressed, if I only knew what the culprit was. I’m a nurse and see death and pain everyday, coming home to my pond was a retreat from stress, now it's all gone.
<<I am sorry to realize your loss>>
So the net encloses the pond and drapes over the pump extension, kinda like a tent of mesh over the pond, I just don't get it. Well thanks for your quick response,
:) Still puzzled. Kat
<<Other than human involvement (i.e. – someone stealing your fish… happens…), the “disappearance” of large numbers certainly would seem to indicate a predator is getting past the netting (aside from fishing birds it could be raccoons, possums, or even the neighbor’s cats). Another check of the netting to ensure ground-level entry is not possible (perhaps some bricks along the perimeter to hold the netting down) would be in order I think…along with maybe the use of a motion-activated deterrent like that offered here (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=14227). Regards, Eric Russell>>

R2: Desperate in Wilmington…Fish Disappearing from My Pond – 07/26/08
Eric, you’re the greatest,
<<Why…thank you!>>
I feel as though I have my very own consultant.
<<I do hope I have been of some service>>
What a great service you and your company provide. Kudos :)
Kat
<<We are very pleased you think so. And I do hope you resolve this issue (perhaps even with just the passing of time) and introduce “new friends” to your pond. Cheers, Eric Russell>>

Ridding pond of channel catfish – 08/17/07
Sirs:
Please excuse me for circumventing all the other paths on your web site; but, I'm really up against a problem, and have spent weeks now searching the web for an answer, to no avail. Then, by chance, I ran across your site.
Three years ago, I stocked my pond with 25 channel catfish. At the time, they were fingerlings. Three of them died shortly after putting them in the pond. By the next summer, the others had grown to about 8". I should tell you that I was told by the fish farm where I bought the cats that they were all bulls...I didn't want them reproducing. Being a novice, I had no way of knowing whether they were or not. They weren't, and by the third spring, there must have been 300-500 baby cats in the pond.
This summer, we fished out all the remaining original fish, and the ones from last summer will probably breed next spring. Short of draining the pond, how do I get rid of all the catfish so I can start over? There are no other species in the pond, and I don't need thousands of channel cats in a pond this size.
The pond is a rounded oval shape, roughly 55 ft X 85 ft, and an average depth of 10-12 ft; very steep sides, no weeds to speak of, and very little algae. It is used primarily for swimming; and, as an emergency water source in the event of a neighborhood fire, since most home-use water in this area is trucked in. Some homeowners have wells, but the flow is very slow (avg 12 gph), and most have iron in them.
Thanking you in advance for any advice you can offer.
Paul F. Shagnot
Ashtabula, Ohio
<Unfortunately there are no specific Ictalurid poisons... though there are fish mostly types... I am hesitant to suggest their use however, due to the chance of poisoning other wildlife... and the uncertainty of the disposition of run off water here. My best advice is actually to drain AND lime AND dry this basin... and refill. Otherwise, I suggest you check with your State "fish and game" re their suggestions. Bob Fenner>
Thanks!
<Welcome! Please do write back re the outcome of your search, efforts. Bob Fenner>

Re: Ridding pond of channel catfish   8/18/07
I will. I had been told that straight household bleach ("Clorox") would do the trick, since it dissipates rather quickly (days); but, I can only imagine how much it would take.
<Many, many gallons. Swimming pool sodium hypochlorite/bleach is about the same, but much more concentrated, cheaper... but this too would take many gallons... and mal-affect the mud/overburden...>
Then again, somebody else told me to stick the two ends of an electric cord in the water, stun the fish, scoop them out, and relocate them. Not sure I like either............
<Electro fishing is not safe w/o careful training or likely to be totally effective. Bob Fenner>

Treating a snake bite; pond goldfish predators   7/31/07
Hello...
We have recently created a really nice 500 gallon water garden in our backyard. We have 14 fish: 2 black moors, 3 calico fantails, 2 gold fantails, and 7 common goldfish, all about 3-4 inches long.
<Do keep your eyes on the Comets... as they outstrip the fancy goldfish in growth/size they can become too much for the others to compete with food-wise>
They have all adjusted nicely to their 275 gallon portion of the pond and we have grown quite fond of watching them every day. We thought we were home free from predators as all 14 have been just fine. A few days ago we were watching the pond and found a very small striped garter snake hanging out and going for an occasional swim. It was much too small to be a threat to any of the fish, but it raised our attention that this could become an issue should we see bigger snakes. Well, of course it happened. For the past few days we have seen a larger garter snake lurking about. It is about 2 feet long and the diameter of my finger. We wanted to create a wildlife habitat, but never thought that the size snakes we have here in North Dakota would ever be cause for worry. This particular snake was seen twice yesterday attacking my fish! First he went for my larger black moor while he was in the water. I was lucky to hear the splashing and jumped in and grabbed the snake. He let the fish go and I let him go by accident and he got lost in the rock pile. I couldn't believe he would try to go for such a large fish!
<Oh yes>
Then last night at dusk he was apparently waiting on the rocks near our waterfall. As one of my calico fantails came out of the little grotto behind the falls the snake struck and they both tumbled about in the water. Again I jumped into the pond and grabbed the snake, this time being sure not to let go. The fish appeared to be fine and I carted to snake off to be released away from the pond. My black moor seems to have some silvery patches near the base of his tail and on the other side of his belly, presumably where the snake must have gotten hold of him. My question is what should I do for him now?
<Mmmm>
He seems to be swimming and eating just fine but I don't want to be remiss in caring for any potential wounds. I have removed him from the pond and have him in a gallon sized fish bowl with an aerator. I have Stress Coat, Melafix, Tetracycline, and aquarium salt. Please let me know what I should do, and if any of these products will help.
Many Thanks, Debbie
<I would leave this fish be as it is in the pond itself. Very likely moving, exposing it to such materials is more trouble, damage than not... and it will probably heal just fine in the pond. You do need to address the snake issue however... as these... and likely other predators will be re-visiting the pond... and your goldfishes are easy prey... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/pdpestspreds.htm
and the linked FAQs file above. Bob Fenner>

Koi problem, pred.    7/15/07
Hello-
I have a pond in Seattle that is several years old. My biggest, oldest fish (about 16 y.o and maybe 20" long is suddenly missing some scales. I noticed just two at first and now some more. Otherwise he is acting fine and eating normally. All the other fish are acting normal and none of them appear to have missing scales. BTW, I use a scarecrow water sprayer to deter blue heron and raccoons with good success. (After losing fish to both.) Any insight you have would greatly appreciated.
T. Sullivan
<I too greatly suspect some sort of predator... the potential list is long... perhaps a mammal here ('coon, large cat...) . Please read: http://wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/pdpestspreds.htm
and the Related FAQs file linked above. Bob Fenner>

HELP!! Pond Frogs  7/10/07
One of my costumers
<Heee!>
has put in a bigger pond(12' dia. 18-24" deep) and a frog thought it would make a good home.? :~)? They, however, don't want the frog in the pond.
<So?>
Is there any way to get rid of unwanted frogs in a pond without hunting/trapping them?
Thanks????? Aaron
Tanks-A-Lot
<There are some chemical treatments... but the death of a good deal of biomass here will likely be trouble... I'd leave them be. Bob Fenner, ribbit>

Injured Koi carp   6/18/07
My boyfriend has noticed one of out smaller Koi fish swimming close to the top of our pond, when netted out we noticed a claw mark down its side, like a cat claw injury almost.
<Might be... or a bird beak mark... or turtle, or possum, raccoon....>
Is there anything we can do to help this Koi as are unsure what to do. Thank you Claire
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/pdfshdisart.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
 

1 Goldfish with white eyes and another with a wound, ponds...   – 03/09/07 I've looked through your FAQ's and couldn't see anything like my problem. I recently moved my pond goldfish into a larger pond. <With all new water? Better to wait on such moves till the overall weather is better... water temp. consistently 55 F. or warmer> One of them has developed white lumps over its eyes. It looks fine apart from these and is swimming around as usual (slow due to time of year but as much as expected). The stress of the move caused a couple of last years fry to die and so the pond was treated with Medifin and everything seems okay now except for this ones eyes. <Okay... there are other fishes, livestock not similarly afflicted> The other problem is a wound on my largest fish. A damn cat or something managed to get him out of the water. God knows how - he needs two hands to hold him. I found him on the ground beside my pond (which is partly built up above ground level). I put him back in the water and he is swimming around and everything but he does have a wound on the top of his body. This was all about a week ago. The wound is about the size of a UK penny. It doesn't seem to be causing him any trouble but it looks sort of yellowy so I wanted to know if there is anything I can do to aid healing. Appreciate all and any help with either query. Thanks. VivienneO.. <There are some "general tonic" sorts of approaches... but once again, with the water temperature being low, the fishes' immune systems being concomitantly depressed, I would not do much to further impugn them... Perhaps a bit of "aquarium salt" (sold at your stockist (UK term) as such)... a level teaspoon per twenty gallons or so... should do it. Goldfish are actually quite tough, and yours should recover, including the one with the marks above the eyes (likely due to a trauma in the net, swimming into the side...) with just time going by and your good maintenance. Bob Fenner> Re: 1 pond Goldfish with white eyes and another with a wound   3/11/07 thanks for your advice. I didn't put all new water in, <Good> it was a mixture of the old pond's water, rainwater and tap water. I'll bear in mind not moving them when its cold. I thought it would be okay as it's been warmer (all the plants are budding) and they were moving around a bit more. If I have to move them again I'll wait until they start eating. <A very good idea> There hasn't been any improvement in the eyes but the others wound looks smaller, so hopefully everything will clear up. I'll get some aquarium salt and dose if it looks necessary. Thanks again. VivienneO.. <Such wounds take quite a while to repair... months usually. BobF> Re: 1 Goldfish with white eyes and another with a wound  - 03/12/07 ><Such wounds take quite a while to repair... months usually. BobF> Arh, I didn't realize that! Is it safe to assume that as he is still alive after nearly three weeks, and there is no sign of ulcers or anything, that he will survive his ordeal? <Mmm, is a good indication> I really don't want to lose him now that I can finally see him - he is very dark and i couldn't see him at all in the old pond. I was quite shocked by how big he'd got! Anyway, thanks for answering all my questions and queries, its helped me to stop stressing about it!! VivienneO.. <Have you read on WWM? Much ancillary information to relate, understand... water changes, keeping the system covered... Read. BobF>

Leeches? Nope   3/11/07
Hi, I have a small pond, approx.900 gallons, with Koi and goldfish.  I noticed when I was cleaning the filter that there was small little reddish-brown "worms" but I don't think they are worms because they can hold onto the filter when I try to wash them off.  I caught a couple of my goldfish to see if they had any attached and they didn't.  I didn't try any Koi because I didn't want to stress them.  Do you think they are leaches and if so are they harmful?  Thank You Sarah
<Not likely leeches... as these are obligate parasites (would be on their host/s...) and most often black in color... What you have found are likely a species of useful oligochaete segmented worm... I would leave these be. Bob Fenner>

Koi... health, predation     1/19/07
I have had established Koi/goldfish pond in the backyard for several years.  Four Koi/5 goldfish plus two goldfish babies.   Two of the Koi are losing scales and their fins look ratty.  We  are now down to only  two goldfish as a blue heron is visiting despite our efforts to make him unwelcome.
<Yikes... do string some stout line above, criss-crossing the pond area... and about the edge...>
   Would this cause stress to Koi and would they lose their scales because of stress.
<Mmm... no, but from being jabbed by a predatory bird, yes>
   We have used pond salt and changed ½ water to make sure its clean and healthy water.  Help. Help...
<Water quality test results? Bob Fenner>

Injured Koi, moving/jumping and a large bird predator   1/9/07
I just recently became a Koi pond keeper. My husband and I built our own pond last spring. It was at deck level close to pathway to our house and approx. 3000 gallons. We knew nothing about Koi keeping and asked as many questions as possible. We stocked our pond with approx 12 fish, a mixture of goldfish and Koi. We also added about a dozen snails.
We used the aquatic plants recommended by the shop where we purchased everything else. I had no idea how much I would come to enjoy this pond. In a short period of time the fish were eating out of my hand. I absolutely loved it and enjoyed taking care of them. By the end of summer we noticed our population growing with tiny fish no more than an inch in size with beautiful vibrant colors. The fish seemed to really thrive an the only thing I ever really battled was the algae growth as the pond was located in quite a sunny area and the trees around the pond were just starting to grow. This spring (one year later) my husband and I sold our home and moved to a waterfront property on a freshwater lake. I refused to leave my fish behind as I had grown quite attached to them. We built two small ponds at our new house and prepared to transfer the fish over. We knew the new ponds were too small for permanent living but our move was quick so we only had time to construct something to house them until we could move in, plan our landscaping and larger pond and construct it. After a long day of stress (more so on me than the fish) we had successfully moved all of them over. To our surprise we had accumulated over 60 fish ranging in size from 1 in to 10 inches. I had no idea they would reproduce so rapidly. During the move we lost only one very small little guy and even that hurt my feelings. After we built our larger pond we moved the largest fish into (6 at 10 inches in size). I checked on them frequently and found three missing the following morning. I sadly assumed a predator had gotten them until I saw something laying in the leaves below the pond. I found 2 of the three missing fish.
One of them was missing his pec fins and wouldn't swim. I worked with him for over an hour as he just kept falling to the bottom and laying on his side. He finally started swimming on his own and is still living and doing well. The guess was that the fish were jumping out. I could only assume that one of my dogs had found the fish and damaged the fins explaining the missing pecs.  I moved the large fish back to the pond they seemed to enjoy and put some smaller fish in (about 10 at 5-6 inches in size) and then I covered the ponds with netting. Two days ago we had 70 degree weather and I decided to give my pond some attention. I removed the netting (it is hard to hand feed them with the netting) changed out some water, added some features for hiding places and decided not to re-cover them. My determination was...
the smaller ones don't appear to try to jump. I came home today to a huge egret standing in my yard.
<Yikes...>
He flew away when I startled him but not before consuming what appears to be about 10 of my fish. The water was a mess. It looks like he got in. I have one fish that I found at the bottom, he appears to be breathing ( he moves his mouth) but does not swim at all. I moved him through the water trying to see what kind of injuries he has and can only find some scratches on his back and one red spot (almost like a puncture) Its been 4 hours and he is still on his side on the bottom. Is there anything I can do or should we go ahead and euthanize.
<Mmm, I would not give up hope here...>
I was hoping to save him but I am just not experienced enough and I am afraid of doing more harm than good. Thank u so much in advance for your advice. (and I have put the nets back on)
<Do raise the netting up a good foot or two, over-draping the edge...
Perhaps a support made of PVC piping and fittings... Bob Fenner>

New pond... design/iatrogenic problems   12/3/06
Hi,
<Hello there>
I've done a bit of research but have not found the answer to these questions.
We've recently installed a small pond between 2 patios in our back yard in the Pacific Northwest.  It measures approximately 8' x 12' and is 20 inches deep
<Mmm, too shallow... will be too variable in temperature to be stable... hard on livestock>
with a thin layer of small gravel in the bottom.
<Is this intended to be a biological system? You don't want gravel at the bottom... as you will learn>
It also has a small waterfall for circulation.  We've added pots of water plants, lily pads, floating lettuce and hyacinth and some others.  We bought 12 goldfish and they seem to be enjoying the pond immensely.
<You will need to bring all this life "in-doors" during the winter months...>
  My first question is about feeding.  The pet store clerk and the water pond clerk both said that they don't feed their fish.
<See WWM re... no feeding during times when temperatures dip/stay below about 55 F.>
It increases the nitrate levels in the pond, plus the stores sell them really fast.
<...>
  So-do we need to feed them or will they feed on the plant material and what ever algae grows in the pond?
<See WWM...>
My second question involves our new pond inhabitant.  A rather large bull frog just appeared yesterday.  He seems to enjoy the pond too.
<And your fish>
Because it is the end of September, I'm wondering if he plans to hibernate here.  As I mentioned, the pond is only 20 inches deep with a little gravel.  Is that enough depth?
<Not enough...>
  Plus there is no mud for him to burrow into.  I hope he's had his fill for the year, because I don't want him eating my fish.  
Should we "encourage" him to leave?
<I would, yes>
Any help you can give is much appreciated.  We're new to water features and want to do it right.  I suppose we need to figure out about testing the water too.  What is the correct ph balance we should try to maintain?
Thanks for your help.
Sandy
<I strongly encourage your reading of what is posted on ponds on our site: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/Pond%20Sub%20Web.htm
From the top down... including pond design... Yours will be problematical due to its size, shape, the gravel... Bob Fenner>

Goldfish Attacked By Raccoon  - 09/07/06
The background: I have a 35 gallon barrel pond that's home to four mega store-bought "feeder" fish, who have been quite happy for months.  
The barrel is stocked with a variety of plants, including Anacharis, water hyacinth, and others. I don't feed them much, a few pellets now and again. There's a filter in the barrel, water chemistry is consistently good (once I learned from your site what that means) and I keep up with water changes.
The problem: Sadly, twice in the past 10 days my barrel pond has been attacked by raccoons. One fish was eaten but the others escaped. The latest attack was over the weekend while I was out of town. I put their house back in order and screwed mesh over the top to protect the fish. Ugly but effective. The remaining three fish seemed to be doing OK. The biggest seemed the worst off, swimming very slowly and staying near the bottom. Not eating. This morning I went out and he is floating at the top, barely moving his fins now and again. He does seem to be bloated, though not as ballooned out as some of the photos on the site. I can see there are several missing scales on his side, presumably injuries from trying to escape the raccoon. He will occasionally right himself for a few moments, but the rest of the time he floats at the surface.I read over your FAQs about floaty goldfish. I removed him from the  tank and placed him in a container with some Doc Wellfish aquarium  
salt, at the ratio of 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons (his container is just one gallon, though). I don't have a quarantine tank.
The FAQs indicted that Epsom salt was the thing to use; I happened to have the aquarium salt on hand for immediate action. Should I redo the solution using Epsom salt? I placed a cooked, shelled pea, cut into quarters in the container with him but he doesn't seem interested.
Is there anything further I can do to try to help the fish to recover?
He looks pretty bad, so any advice is most welcome. Thank you for your help. Linda
< The raccoon may have damaged the internal vital organs and there really isn't too much you can do about that. If the organs are OK, then the stress of the raccoon attack may be the problem. Stress causes problems like internal infections. Treat for bloat with Nitrofuranace and Metronidazole, or Clout. Keep the water clean and see if he starts to eat in a few days. That will be your signal that he is getting better.-Chuck>

Pond Is For The Birds   9/11/06
Hi Bob, We have a large out door pond with filters and water falls .
We have four Koi and 4 goldfish . About a month ago we added 3 fan tails . One disappeared . Two weeks ago one of the others started swimming funny . Almost like her back side is partially paralyzed . She is staying in a more shallow end of the pond because when the other fish bump into her she can not move around well and may start to roll backwards . It seems healthy and alert in all other ways .We also have noticed for the first time that we have 3 babies about an inch and 1/2 long . No idea where they came from .
We live in CT and it is starting to get a little cooler . Not that that means anything .
Any help you can give in regards to the fan tail would be appreciated .Thank you ,
Diana
<You could have had a visit by a stork or egret. One fish disappeared because he didn't know where to hide and was eaten. The other fish was attacked by the bird but suffered a spinal injury by the beak and got away. Look for a scare on the back of the injured fish. Look for large white bird droppings to confirm a visit. Not many diseases cause this kind of problem.-Chuck>

Re: Fish With Injured Back  9/12/06
Is there anything I can do to help the injured fish ? The fish did not get hurt the same time the other one disappeared .I do not see any droppings but we have a lot of white stones around the bed .
< Here is what I am thinking. The first fish was caught by a bird and eaten. The other fish swam away fearing that they would be next. The bird came back sometime later after the fish calmed down and tried to get another fish. If it is an injury to the back then only time will tell if he will get better.-Chuck>

Turtles/Raccoons   8/8/06
Would a raccoon(s) eat a red ear slider turtle that is approx 8" in size and that was in a pond?
<Yes, is possible>
This morning my turtle was gone, and some items on both sides of the pond were knocked over, and a paver stone in the pond was moved.   The pond is one of those precast, black heavy duty plastic, that is approx 8" deep on the first level, which turtle used for sunning himself.  He would stay in the water in deeper part of pond which was approx another 8" deep.  I kept the water about 2 " below that level and used paving stones piled together so he could climb up to eat his food on a dry area and for him to access the first level for bask in the sunshine.   I know he did not climb out of there, walls are too steep for him to do so.
I have known that there are a couple of raccoons in the neighborhood.
We live in a very suburban area, but there are older trees and I'm sure some hiding spots around sheds and such for them to hide/den in.  We don't see or hear them often but I did see an adult and young about 2 months ago crossing street in front of my house.
<Are largely nocturnal>
Unless someone came into our locked backyard last night, I feel the raccoons could responsible for his disappearance.   Is this possible?
<Unfortunately, yes>
Thank you very much for any information you can provide.  It's very upsetting to think he was eaten.
<Very sorry for your loss... The planet is indeed "crowded"... and thankfully so... I do not want to live in a world w/o wildlife... I just wish they wouldn't eat our pets, so much of my garden... Bob Fenner>

Re: Turtles/Raccoons  8/8/06
Thank you, it's not the response I wanted to hear but understandable.
We were foolish to think that that those animals didn't have enough to eat and hence would take a large turtle.
<Suspect you mean/t the opposite... that the Raccoons had enough to eat and therefore would not go after the turtle. A sad loss just the same. Cheers, Bob Fenner, hoping to squeeze some time out to go "fight the squirrels" in their garden out back later.>

Re: Turtles/Raccoons   8/11/06
Mr. Fenner,
<Maria>
Sorry to bother you again, but if indeed a raccoon got our turtle, shouldn't have there been some sort of sign of a struggle?
<Mmm, not necessarily. Your turtle might have left of its own accord... the evidence you mention might be from something else... but raccoons will carry off turtles...>
  There is no evidence in the pond, nor in/around it, and I haven't found the shell, so far anyway.    Of course, I don't know the eating habits of the coons, but since a 6 ft fence surrounds our yard and there is no way for them to crawl underneath,
<Can indeed climb over>
I'm hoping that if they are behind the turtle being out of the pond, he may have gotten away and burrowed somewhere in our yard.  Again, he was at least 8" round and estimate his being 5-6 lbs.
<Wow!>
We found him a month ago crawling from the curb onto the grass in the front property.  We believe he may have been dropped off by the people behind us who moved on 7/1, as they had a large pond for several years. Since the new people did not move into the property until last week, we think that the former owners-knowing we have a pond, although smaller - may have dropped him off, otherwise we have no idea where a turtle that size came from in our area.  Our neighbors on both sides of us do not have ponds.
Again, I thank you for any information you can provide.
<I do hope your turtle is alive, healthy and happy somewhere. Bob Fenner>

Pond Goldfish behaviour, post Bird predator injury, trauma    7/13/06
Hi,
  I've kept fish for many years and have a 100g pond (soon to be much much larger!).
<Yay!>
This year we had about 4 fish taken by the heron we was left with one distort shubunkin with a now massive scar down one side we were lucky he survived, we still had a few fish left but small ones and they hid so he was mostly on his own as he was one of the largest, we've sorted the heron problem but the shubunkin (Nemo) seems to be acting a bit odd. We replaced the fish we lost with some smaller ones which he gets on with well. One of the fish we lost to the heron the shubunkin (Nemo) was actually mating with so I don't know if this caused stress.
<...? Pretty traumatic...>
He's settled down a bit now but still goes into fazes, the other day he darted real fast across the pond and smacked his side on the bottom of the pond and kicked up silt!! He's also tried going up the waterfall which I know is natural, but none of the other fish are doing this. All the water is ok, I did think parasites but cant find any, there is no excessive levels in the water, so what's going on?
Thanks very much
Vicky
<This fish should be fine, improve in its new quarters. Bob Fenner>

Pond fish disappear  - 05/29/06
We have a pond about 90 feet by 40 feet with depth of 3-5 feet, natural overflow to a wet weather pond keeps the depth pretty even.  We have lived here a year and during this time have counted around 100 "goldfish", also some Koi and a couple of rainbow trout.  Numbers of fish have varied slightly but made it through the winter here in Oregon with no problem.
Last time we saw the fish was 3 days ago.  Wandered by the pond today and all of the fish are gone!  The newts that live in the pond are still there, but no fish!  None and no floaters!  We live in the country on a dead end road so don't think humans had anything to do with this.
<Me neither... aren't so thorough...>
In the entire year we saw a heron once and it moved on quickly, I am assuming because the pond is rather deep.
<Not likely this either... if a bird, birds, a diving type...>
   The pond looks the same as always and we have not done anything we can think of that might have changed the pond environment.
Would this many fish just be on the bottom for an entire day?
<Could be>
We have checked the pond about ten times today and yet to see a single fish. This is making us crazy!  We really like these fish!  Any ideas?
<Some other predator likely, but as you state, could be hiding... I'd be looking for tracks around the edge, evidence of eating, defecation. Bob Fenner>

What's eating our pond fish now?   4/18/06
I hope you can help. We live in Georgia and have a garden pond about 16 feet square and 3 feet at it's deepest. We lost many of our first  
batch of fish (5 Koi and 25 goldfish) to a Heron during the late fall (we saw it in the pond).
<A common predator...>
We retuned 11 fish that we saved when it got warmer but within a week they were all gone.
<Mmm, perhaps some underwater cover (a sinking plank supported by block... to hide under... Or fish lines, netting tied up above the pond... Works>
Now the weather is hot (70-80's) we brought 30 small goldfish and 6 bigger goldfish (4/5 inches). We lost 34 in the first 24 hours, one we found dead (two  
marks on it's side but did not cut the flesh) and I saw one small goldfish dart away.
The Heron has not returned. Don't see them in the summer. We have never had raccoons.  What could have eaten so many so quickly?
<Mmm, snakes, turtles, frogs...>
We thought toad/frog. I've seen a couple of small frogs and we hear a very load croak but have never seen who makes it. Could a toad eat that much?
<Yes... or toads>
After we put the last batch in yesterday I only saw around 10 small goldfish and a couple of larger ones this morning and by afternoon they were gone. So this is not a night creature and I was home most of the day and saw nothing.
Thank you for your time in this strange matter. Hope you can shed some light.
Joanne Cork
<There are electrical wires that can be rigged up at low elevation around the pond edge... quite unobtrusive. Bob Fenner>

Aphids on my water lilies    3/31/06
Hello,
<Hi there>
I have a man made 25,000 gallon pond in my back yard.  I live in Wisconsin, so I mainly use hardy water lilies and have about 50 Koi and several types of frogs.
<Understood>
I continue to have problems with aphids showing up on my water lilies and Lotus leaves starting about the end of July.  As soon as I see them, I discard any bad leaves, but they just seem to over run my plants.
<Yes... there are other means...>
I'm afraid to use chemicals as they may harm my fish or frogs.  Do you have any solution to this problem?  Thanks for any advice you can give me.
<Yes... I would do a few things... There are insecticides (not safe used illiberally) that can be sprayed with a spreader-sticker onto your surrounding trees in two applications (Spring and Fall, early and late)... that are aphid specific that will greatly reduce the number of "fly downs" that eventually infest your lilies... and I would use Volck (actual product name) spray on the pads themselves (read instructions), which is very safe, effective... and I would arrange your sprinklers to shoot onto your lily pad leaves during the day, to wash off the aphids... there are some smaller "dither fish" that you might add that would consume such incidentals... And I would avail myself of a local (State certified) Pest Control Advisor or Applicator if you can't locate the former (see your Yellow Gov't Pages)... re the use of these methods, their suggestions>
Best Regards,
Jerome Orsted
<Bob Fenner, former licensee in CA>

Protecting Koi from G.B. Heron   1/13/06
Hi
<Hello there>
My husband and I have a 3,600 gallon Koi pond in backyard.  We have  recently lost two of our Koi to the Great Blue Heron and he injured one that we  are trying to save.  We have three very large Koi left...about 12-14  inches.  
We were told that placing large pieces of slate raised on cinder blocks  will give fish a place to hide and protect them from this predator.  
<One approach...>
We  purchased two large pieces and have set them in the deepest section of the pond  which the spot the fish seem to favor most during the day.    We  live in North Carolina near Durham.
Is that a good solution?
<I would string some fishing line filament in cross links above the water as well... Do you have companion animals? There are motion detector devices that can be wired to strobe lights, horns... last, but not the end, there are depredation permits... Bob Fenner>
Thank you
Liz

Goldfish Snacks - And Not The Crackers! - 08/07/2005
Hiya
<Ahoy thar.>
could you help with a problem we have, we have about 10 goldfish in a 300 gallon pond, in the last month we have noticed that several of the fish have bite marks on them, one in particular looks like it has no mouth left,
<WOW.>
is it disease, is it a predator, we have no idea.  
<More than likely a predator.  Without more detailed descriptions of the wounds, though, no way to know.  A predator is highly likely, though.>
As an extra note we have two very large frogs/toads that have just moved in.  
<Some frogs will eat small fish - but I've never heard of them leaving bite wounds.  Look to the skies, and neighborhood cats or "vermin" (wildcats, raccoons, etc.), for your predators.  You might want to consider purchasing a motion-activated sprinkler for scaring away birds and kitties with the munchies.>
Help please.
<I hope that does.  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Koi fish hiding
Hi, my name is Sherrie, I have about a 300gal pound in my back yard.   I have four Koi fish and I have 7 gold fish.  I have had them since April  of this year.  I live in Florida.  about a week ago my fish stopped  coming to the top of the water to eat, all of them.  and they stay hidden  in the homes I have in the pond for them.  they won't come out at all not  even to eat.  could it be weather change, or breeding?
<Not breeding... this occurs mainly in the warming months of Spring, occasionally in Summers... but yes to the possibility of cooling weather, water... and another idea: You might have a predator about that is scaring your fishes. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/pdpestspreds.htm
and the Related FAQs (linked, in blue, at top)>
I put a little  of food in the mornings just in case they do get hungry.  I have two  pumps with filters, aeration, that I clean every two weeks.  help. thank  you
<Do read about adding some cover... perhaps a piece of corrugated fiberglass supported by a couple of blocks... for your fishes to hide under, feel more secure. Bob Fenner>

Leech problem in pond
Hello my name is Tyler Dunlap.  I got your email off a web site for wet web media.  I have a 2 acre pond with an average depth of around 9 ft.  with a fish population of bass, blue gill, and cat fish.  I was wondering what would be the best solution to treat our pond for our leech problem because the pond gets swam in quite often and they have become a problem.  Thank  you
Tyler Dunlap
<Mmm, more to this than "pour so much of A per gallon"... need to know the physical, chemical make-up of your water, if water goes elsewhere... I would check with your local "Fish and Game" or Ag service agency at the State level here... there are more specific anthelminthics that can be used... are a bit expensive... if allowed. Bob Fenner>

Pond plants, turtle fodder
Hello,
<Hi there>
Could you please offer some advice about how to get plant life to grow in a pond and get ahead of the turtle population? In an effort to commune with nature, it appears we need an all out battle.
<Mmm, I do have a plan... to discourage those rambunctious turtles rather than deter them from eating, breaking your plants, I encourage you to consider putting up a short (temporary) fence around the water feature... after a few weeks (to months...) they will "learn" there is no pond there... go elsewhere>
We apparently need fast growing plants, but want to be careful of noxious weed which will take over our pond and the surrounding creeks.
<Yes!>
(Our pond connects with a large creek; care to not create an environmental nightmare is a concern also).
<A HUGE one>
We have a man made pond of almost an acre. The outside edge is walled (cement) and in the center is an island of trees (junk trees mostly, the beavers have taken the good ones). The water ranges from 3 feet at the wall to 9 feet then up to the island. We know there are turtles - red bellies, occasional snapper and whatever - along with various fish. Oh, there are muskrats too. We use a fountain for aeration. There is little if any vegetation currently except for some grass and weeds on the island. The island is primarily tree roots at this point. (We can't figure out what the turtles live on now).
<... such a large, natural system... is a "horse of a different hue"...>
I tried to put lilies into the pond (tropical). Started with 5. We caged them best we could (irregular bottom) hoping to deter turtles and fish until they could get growing. First day - one entire lily was gone. By the third day, doubling up on the wire leaves two lilies left. They too are doomed as we can't keep them caged forever.
<Yes... Mmm, the cooler water varieties are tougher here... but still almost irresistible to the animals you list...>
Is there a way to get ahead of the turtles? It would be nice to build a habitat that is conducive for them and frogs. But, it appears they don't want to give us a chance.
Can you help with ideas and/or advice?
<Am fresh out on this matter... but do know where I would look for info. next... your State "Fish and Game", then next, the local colleges if they have Ag. and Zoology departments>
Desperate in NJ,
Thyra
<Ah, my in-laws live in Belmar, Garfield, Kennelon... Bob Fenner>

Koi problem
dear Sir,
I am at present looking after my sister-in-laws Koi.  One of them seems to be staying on the bottom most of the time.  It also keeps going over onto its side but rights itself.
I would appreciate any advice you can give me.
Kind regards.
Kevin Healy.
<It may be that this fish has swallowed something (like a bug), or has somehow damaged itself. Do keep an eye on it for signs of missing scales, bruising... Otherwise, I would not remove it or treat the system in any way at this point. Much more potential damage from "trying to do something" at this juncture. Bob Fenner>

Re: Koi problem
Many thanks for getting back to me Bob, I have built a pond in my own garden and intend to keep Koi.  Your site is very helpful to those of us that know very little about this subject.
<Good>
It is nice to know that if I have a problem I can e-mail you and get a quick response.  I note that you say keep an eye open for missing scales.  I have seen about 8 scales floating on the pond but not sure which fish they have come from.
<Ah ha! Do look about for further signs of a "visitor"... I now suspect further that your one fish is in a funk due to a predator... there is an article and FAQs file posted on WWM re these, and their prevention.>
I suppose it is very likely that they have come from this fish.
Once again, many thanks for your help.
Regards.
Kevin
<Good luck, life to you Kevin. Bob Fenner>

Re: Indoor Koi Pond Question/Problem
Thanks for the quick response Bob. Your website was the only one I could find where there were actual people on the job and could contact someone with my question. Way to go! If I could ask you, would freshwater sponges be harmful to the pond, if in fact that is what they are, or would it be wise to try and get rid of them, and if so, how would I do that?
<These very interesting organisms are not a problem in any sense as far as I'm aware... I once spent a day with a friend in the service side of our industry, in a cold pond stream... under a bridge, trying to get some decent pix of these... they "come and go"... Bob Fenner> 

Koi behavior after a fellow Koi dies
We purchased a house with an existing Koi pond (obviously we know little about them other than the basics-pond care, feeding etc.).  Last week the largest Koi-approximately 3 inches, was found deceased laying about two feet from the pond.  We didn't find any visible signs of disease or attack from a predator.  The death remains a mystery to us, but also a mystery, is the behavior of the remaining Koi.  They have resorted to hiding and not eating as if they are traumatized by something.  Does this happen?  What can be done?  Thanks for any tips!
J. Griffiths
<It may be that "something" scared the "missing" Koi to jumping out of your pond (this happens), but do know that these fish are keenly aware of their "social dynamic" and do react as you observe/report with the loss or change in behavior of one of their kind. I would not be overly concerned at the one loss if as you state the others show no sign of disease. Do give a quick read through our "Pond Index": http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/Pond%20Sub%20Web.htm
re Koi/pondfish disease, overall pond maintenance... to see if there is something we're not as yet aware of in your consciousness re this system. Bob Fenner>

Goldfish pond concerns, predators, owees
Yesterday I noticed something white hanging at the base of the fin on the back of one of my gold fish.  Without taking the fish out of the water, it appears as though something has sliced into his flesh and it is still attached and floats along with him when he swims.  I had 10 gold fish and added 2 Koi the middle of June and on the 20th of June my daughter gave her dad some kind of a fish that creeps along the bottom of the pond and eats the algae and 3 or 4 large snails that are also supposed to be algae eaters.  I have had a couple of fish disappear on me as I never find them floating but for the life of me I don't know where they are.  I have not seen anything other than a frog which is now gone so it's a real mystery what is happening to them.  One day I thought they'd all disappeared but slowly them came out from under the rock.  We have a nice sized pond about 12 ft long and 8 ft at the widest.  There is a waterfall at one end of the pond and the pond is stepped.  The deepest part under the falls is 3 ft and then it steps up to 2 ft and then 1 ft around the outer perimeter.  Is there anything I can do for this fish that is maimed. He's eating and swimming.  Would appreciate any info you can pass on.  Thanks.  Dorothy
< You have a bird problem. Years ago while I was in Florida I was fortunate enough to stay with a very knowledgeable fish farmer who had all of his ponds covered in sun screen to keep fish eating birds away. He knew that birds such as egrets and herons had been after his fish because the larger fish had these "saddles" across their backs where the birds beaks had tried to pluck them from the water but left damaging scars on their backs. If the birds are allowed to return then the damaged fish will be the most likely target. Try to discourage the birds to keep your fish in the pond. There are many things you could try, plastic owls, scarecrows or strips of aluminum on strings are all worth a try. They would try and eat rubber snakes. Your local hardware store or nursery may have some ideas on how to prevent the birds from returning. As long as the water stays clean the wounds should heal. If it looks like it is getting worse then remove the fish and put him in an aerated tub and treat with Furanace.-Chuck>

New pond, missing fish
I added 7 fish (3 Koi and 4 goldfish) to our new pond a week ago and have only seen two of them for about 30 seconds.  They seem to be hiding.  I don't know if they are eating.  None have floated to the top so I guess they aren't dead.  Being new to this, I don't know if they are in there or not.   Thanks for your help.
<Mmm, either these new fishes are hiding largely from being new, or something... like a predator is scaring them. Do you have habitat for them to hide under? Perhaps they've been consumed by...
Bob Fenner>

Re: New pond, missing fish
First of all, thank you so much for answering so quickly.  I appreciate it and enjoy reading the FAQ's.  Lots of info that I can use.
Secondly, a friend gave us two very large "trained" Koi from his pond. After a day or so, we started seeing the other fish!
<Ah, good>
They are still staying low in the pond but they are beginning to come out.  I guess they figure if the big guys get to eat, its ok for them to venture out.
Again, thanks for your help and a great web site.  jb
<Glad to hear all is okay in/with your pondfish. Bob Fenner>

"Odd" goldfish behaviour
I have a garden pond with four goldfish and three Shubunkins and this summer they produced millions of babies.  The older fish became quite tame, coming right up to me for feeding and all the fish would feed quite calmly.
<Neat>
However I have been seeing less and less of the bigger fish over the past 3 or 4 weeks and the feeding behaviour of all the fish has changed dramatically.  They rush up to the surface to snatch at the food and quickly disappear.  I haven't seen any of the larger fish for a few days now.  I don't know if they've been snatched by the heron that has been known to visit or if they've disappeared to the bottom of the deeper part of the pond, or are hiding under the water lilies - what do you think??  
<I'd look about>
Is this normal?  Are they just hibernating at the bottom?
<All sizes will "hibernate" when the weather is cooler...>
  If you think it's likely to be the heron how can I protect the babies that are left??
I'd be very grateful if someone could let me know.  Thanks a lot.
Katie
<Mmm, please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/pdpestspreds.htm
Bob Fenner>

A duck and goose = dirty pond
I initially got a 175 gallon flexible liner pond for water plants (lily's) and maybe small guppies. However in the meantime acquired a duck and a goose, both about two months old. Well guess who is in the pond everyday?
<Bad visual>
I have to replace the water every day or two. I want to keep duckweed in another receptacle to feed them because they'll eat it up before it can clear the pond. What other filtration system can I use on a pond this small-or do I have to build them a lake!?
<More likely the latter. The 175 gallon volume is way too little to even try to filter, keep one waterfowl/foul... I would keep changing the water. Bob Fenner>
Rita De Ferrary
St. Thomas, VI

Magnus Feels Froggy - Gone Fishin'
Hello, 
<Hi there Magnus on call to help.> 
If you can give me any advice on he following I would be really grateful as I am extremely upset at the moment. I have had a pond for 5 years. I had 
•10 six year old large common goldfish, 
•3 three year old golden Orfe 
•3 three year old ghosts 
•4 three year old Shubunkins 
•6 four year old Koi carp (one very large compared to the others) 
•20 assorted various aged off-spring from the above 
•2 4 year old tench 
•Numerous frogs of all ages 
<sounds like you had a really nice collection of fish in your pond.> 
I have never had any problems with my pond or fish, and the fish showed no fear of anything as they have been left do what they do with no interference. They always came out to get food when they saw me, and had no fear of the net when I skimmed dead leaves off the top of the water.  I went away for four days this week. When I returned, I found the pond greatly disturbed, sediment floating on the top, no fish to be seen. 
<YIKES!> 
My immediate reaction was that someone had broken into my garden and had fished the lot out. 
<This is not a unusual idea, My Aunt had someone stealing Koi from her pond and selling them to Koi dealers. Eventually the person was caught, but she had lost thousands of dollars from the few stolen.> 
But, there was no evidence of this. Eventually I saw two or three fish at the bottom of the pond, and to my horror, two large goldfish with what looked like scratch wounds down their sides and part of their tails missing. Being really upset, I took the decision to empty the pond, take an inventory and now the fish are safe I am considering re-locating the fish to a relative's pond. I was shocked to find that I only had the following fish left. 
•2 six year old large common goldfish one really damaged ( eight missing) 
•3 golden Orfe (none missing) 
•1 three year old ghost ( two missing) 
•4 three year old Shubunkins (none missing) 
•2 four year old Koi carp (one very damaged) (4 missing including the largest) 
•12 assorted various aged off-spring (8 missing) 
•2 tench (none missing) 
•still numerous frogs, none damaged 
<OH MY... I'm So sorry to hear of your loss! that is very upsetting, from one goldfish/Koi friend to another I feel your pain.> 
I just want to know what would have taken all these fish in such a short space of time, could cats have done this, the water level is quite a bit lower than the outside pond wall, how would they have taken so many?, and there was a lot of floating sediment as though the water had really been dredged about. 
<There are many animals that can do this to a pond. You hadn't mentioned where you are living, but some areas have some really bother some wildlife. A Florida friend of mine lost his goldfish and Koi to an alligator! while I'm not suggesting this is the case here I would sooner think that this is because of an animal than a person. The sediment could be there because of what ever had been attacking the fish scared them to the deepest areas of the pond and they themselves had stirred up the sediment.> 
I know herons attack fish, but would they have left what looks like scratch marks on the survivors, and would they have landed in the water (about 3' deep) and taken so many, all the largest? 
<The four culprits that typically are the dreaded enemies of the goldfish pond are Herons (any fishing bird really), Raccoons, Foxes and cats. (foxes are the least concern really, but I have seen them steal fish out of shallow ponds.) Herons are the worst. They can get into anywhere and will literally fish a pond empty in a short while. They won't leave a pond until they have either emptied it, can no longer catch them, or the other fish are to large to swallow. A heron will try to get any fish into their mouth, and with big fish you can see the scrapes and the scars on their body where the bird had tried to eat the fish but either couldn't get it out of the water, or couldn't swallow it. Raccoons, cats and foxes are bad, Raccoons will wade out to get goldfish, check your fences or garbage cans to see if anything else is disturbed that will show you if you had a raccoon in your pond. These animals will scrape up a fish if they can't catch and hold on to it.> 
I found no fish bodies anywhere in the garden (but I do have foxes who may have taken them), no dead fish in the water. 
<if there aren't any bodies in the garden then most likely it was a heron. Fish dead in the water might have been eaten by the other goldfish.> 
But the remaining fish were extremely timid. I was very attached to all my fish, and this experience has put me off stocking a pond with fish again. Does this sound familiar to you. I really need advice so that I can decide what to do in the future. 
<Sadly this does sound very typical. My other aunt lost over 5 thousand dollars in goldfish and Koi from her pond by ONE heron in a few weeks time... They repeatedly scared the bird off before it could eat, but it managed to snag a couple fish here and there. They are fast birds and will do damage to the pond fast. Keep an eye out if it was a heron than your culprit will most likely return to the seen of the crime. There are measure you can take to protect your fish, by putting on alarms or sprinklers to scare away the birds. Also you can string fishing line around the pond so that the birds are incapable of flying into or getting to the pond. I would look online at other goldfish/Koi pond owners (preferably local one) and see what measure they have taken.> 
Thank you in advance of any advice you can give me. 
Best Wishes Julie Peek 
<Julie, I'm sorry to hear of your loss, and I do wish you the best of luck in the future. Try not to give up hope. -Magnus.>