You've made the decision to add a pool with fish to your garden. But what type of fish do you put in it?
- The common goldfish is familiar to everyone. It is very hardy and a good type to begin with.
- The Comet is descended from the common goldfish. Its body is longer and the fin and tail are more elaborately developed. While typically all gold, the Comet may also have markings of white and/or black.
- For something with a little more color try the Shubunkin. Similar in form to the Comet, blue is the base color over which patches of red, gold, black and darker blue are laid.
- The Japanese Fantail and Calico Fantail are very hardy and elegant additions to the garden pool Their bodies are gracefully rounded longer, flowing fins and tails. They swim in a slow, graceful and stately manner.
- The fish that looks like a Japanese Fantail with a dainty cap on its head is the Oranda. The Oranda is a more delicate fish best suited to warmer, sheltered pools.
- The Koi is the king of the pool fish. It is large but gentle in nature, with bright colors and spectacular patterns that make them everybody's favorite. Some may live 70 years or more.
Sherolyn Richenberger, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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