Pond Predators
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- mica
- VickiPaull
- mica
- VickiPaull
- CarolWallace
- almosta
- VickiPaull
- njt2213
- VickiPaull
- yadahh
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» VickiPaull - Great Start!
It sounds like you have alot of interesting texture and color!I'm sure those plants will quickly provide all the shade you will need and then some, as they mature. And snails have a way of multiplying like crazy! I never feed my goldfish. Sounds cruel, but they eat algea and any stray mosquito larve and just do great. The main problem with them is they do tend to dirty their water so you want to stock them on the conservative side and not over-feed. (Which I am sure you already know.)
Have fun with your experiment, and please give us progress reports!
-- posted by VickiPaull
» mica - feeding the fish
This is another thing that I gleaned from my Mom's experience. For two years she did not feed the fish at all, and it worked out just fine; as you said, Vicki, they find plenty to eat. This is the first year she has fed them, and she just gives them the smallest little bit, (if you overfeed, the food decomposes and adds to the algae problem) and she doesn't worry if she misses a few days... the main difference that she's finding is that the fish are friendlier if you feed them-- they come up to the surface hoping to get goodies, and if you stick your fingers in, they'll give you fishie kisses ;-)-- posted by mica
» VickiPaull - Cute!
Yes, my guys are fun to watch but not too friendly. My "house fish" is a beta and he gets so excited when we come into the room! He jumps and swims in circles and will take the food practically from our fingers. So I guess, if you want a relationship with your fish, you probably have to feed them.-- posted by VickiPaull
» CarolWallace - Fish kisses
My husband bangs the edge of our pond with a stick each evening and all the fish swarm to the side, knowing it's feeeding time. And they do give his fingers little fish kisses.But you're right about it only being a little bit of food. I think fish are a blessing - taking care of insects and eating all that algae - but the food and the resulting process of elimination can create a problem unless you keep the "fish food" diet on the meager side. But it IS fun!
-- posted by CarolWallace
» almosta - Other Pond Predators
A couple of other pond predators come to mind.Public enemy number one is the infamous Snapping Turtle. These guys are omnivorous (will eat anything) and can clean out every water lily, lotus and most fish, frogs and smaller wildlife in a matter of days. Always keep a sharp lookout for them invading your pond just after a heavy rain. Although not protected, the humane way to rid yourself of these critters is to catch them with a hand or trot line baited with chicken gizzards. Once caught, put em in a tub and take em to the nearest lake or stream. Just be careful, they can take off a finger in a heartbeat.
The other predator you need to be aware of is much smaller than a Snapper, but just as much a problem. Would you believe Dragonflies? Well, not quite. Its the dragon fly nymphs or larvae that hatch from the adult's eggs that are laid in Spring and Summer months. They resemble small salamanders and will attach themselves to baby fish and minnows and eat them in large quantities. Older fish are usually resistent because their scales are thicker and offer protection.
Hope this helps!
-- posted by almosta
» VickiPaull - Re: Other Pond Predators
In response to message posted by almosta:Thanks for the warning! I have never had a problem with either one, but that doesn't mean I couldn't. Particularly turtles, my husband is crazy about them and is always trying to get me to get some! I have always resisted because of their diet, I am going to have him read your post, maybe it will discourage any unwanted introductions into my pond.
-- posted by VickiPaull
» VickiPaull - Re: help please!!
In response to message posted by njt2213:My goldfish love the stuff. I have heard from others that Koi will eat it. Some fish farming is done with duckweed. Tilapia have been successfully grown in ponds with Duckweed. It not only helps with water quality but also provides a high protein food source for the fish. I hope this gives you a starting place for your report, I am sure you'll "Ace It!"
-- posted by VickiPaull
» yadahh - My teeny-tiny pond
In response to My teeny-tiny pond posted by mica:Hey just saw you mentioned your cats. We have a new pond, several months old. Ever since we put it in we have had problems with cats.I put 4 fish in and within hours one was eaten and 1 was on the walkway beside the pond,the others hide and wont even come up to feed .Just wondering if there were any suggestions to deterring the neighbors cats from the pond.
-- posted by yadahh
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