Top Fish for Your Backyard Pond in Minnesota
One of the greatest joys of having a backyard pond is the opportunity to introduce fish into your personal water haven. Whether you’re building a new pond or enhancing an existing one, selecting the right fish is what helps create a vibrant, lively ecosystem. In the Twin Cities area, where our Minnesota climate can be challenging, it’s important to choose fish that thrive in our harsh local conditions. At Superior Ponds, we’re here to guide you in selecting the best pond fish for your Minneapolis or Saint Paul area backyard.
Koi Fish: The Classic Choice
Koi Fish are undoubtedly the most popular and well-known pond fish. Originating from Japan, these colorful carp have been selectively bred over centuries to achieve the stunning colors and patterns we see today. Koi are available in a wide array of colors, including red, white, black, yellow, and even blue, making them a beautiful addition to any pond.
Koi thrive best in larger ponds, ideally around 1,000 gallons or more. In Minnesota, where winters can be harsh, it’s essential to have a deep enough pond to allow koi to overwinter safely. These fish can grow up to three feet in length, and with their friendly nature, they quickly become beloved members of the family—many pond owners even name their koi!
Butterfly Koi: Graceful and Elegant
Butterfly Koi are admired for their long, flowing fins and graceful appearance. These fish were originally bred by crossing traditional koi with longfin river carp from Indonesia to increase their hardiness. Butterfly koi have a more slender body compared to regular koi, adding a unique elegance to your pond.
Their extended fins make them appear as if they are gliding through the water, bringing an added touch of beauty to any Minnesota pond. Just like standard koi, Butterfly Koi are best suited for larger ponds and can handle the Twin Cities’ seasonal changes well.
Goldfish: A Versatile and Hardy Choice
For those with smaller ponds, Goldfish are an excellent choice. These resilient fish are related to koi but require significantly less space, making them perfect for ponds of all sizes. Goldfish have been a staple in ornamental ponds for over a thousand years, first developed in China.
There are many varieties of goldfish, with Comets and Shubunkins being among the most popular pond goldfish. Comets are typically orange or white, while Shubunkins display a mix of black, orange, and blue hues. Goldfish are certainly hardy enough to withstand Minnesota’s changing seasons, making them a reliable option for local ponds. There’s a reason these fish are considered an invasive species in our natural ponds and lakes!
(not sure the difference between koi and goldfish? Read our identification guide HERE!)
Calico Fantail: A Splash of Color
Calico Fantails are another member of the carp family, recognized by their vibrant, multicolored appearance and distinctive forked caudal fin, which resembles butterfly wings. With their striking black, orange, and red markings against a pearly white background, Calico Fantails add a splash of color and elegance to any pond.
These fish are also quite hardy and can thrive in a well-maintained Minnesota pond, bringing beauty and diversity to your water feature.
Golden & Blue Orfe: Fast and Fun
For a fish that adds energy and excitement to your pond, consider the Golden & Blue Orfe. These slender, bright orange or blue fish are known for their fast swimming and social behavior, often seen moving in schools. Orfes range in color from bright orange to dark silver and are less common than koi or goldfish. While often overlooked as a pond fish, they bring a lively dynamic to your water feature.
Although they may not be as widely recognized, Orfes are well-suited to Minnesota ponds, adding both character and movement to your water garden.
Choosing the Right Fish for Your Pond
Ultimately, the fish you choose for your Minnesota pond should reflect your personal taste and the unique characteristics of your water feature. Whether you opt for the classic beauty of koi, the elegance of butterfly koi, the versatility of goldfish, or the lively nature of golden orfe, maintaining the right balance of fish will ensure a healthy and vibrant pond.
At Superior Ponds, we’re here to help you select the best fish for your Twin Cities area pond, ensuring that your backyard water feature is a source of joy and relaxation to you and your family for years to come. Contact us today if you’d like to discuss which fish species are best suited for your pond and how we can help you create the perfect aquatic environment.