That Fish Blog » Ponds and Water Gardens

Koi Ponds in Autumn – Maintenance and Dietary Changes

marinebioblog — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:43:28 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. As fall arrives in the temperate zone, outdoor koi ponds will need some attention if all is to go well when the temperatures drop. Basic Considerations The metabolisms of both koi and the various bacteria that occupy the pond and filter slow down as temperatures fall. Your fish will not be as hungry [...]

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Koi Ponds in Autumn – Maintenance and Dietary Changes

Overgrowing Pond Plants and Invasive Species

marinebioblog — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:50:56 +0000

It's starting to get warm. Really warm in the U.S. And, for many of you, you're starting to notice your pond plants are starting to kick it into overdrive. Pond Plants, more than most other plants in my opinion (probably because they always have access to water) can really kick into growth once the water temperature [...]

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Overgrowing Pond Plants and Invasive Species

Dealing with Pond Plant Pests

marinebioblog — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:02:36 +0000

Patty here. It's inevitable. Just when you think your pond is looking its best and all is right with the world, they invade. Aphids, weevils, moths, beetles and others descend onto those beautiful lilies, floaters, and marginals like a summertime scourge. So what are some solutions to these nasty little pests? Being that your pond is most [...]

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Dealing with Pond Plant Pests

Anchor Worms: a Common Springtime Pest in Koi and Goldfish Ponds

marinebioblog — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:13:13 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Anchor worms are crustaceans (specifically copepods) and as such are more closely related to shrimp than to worms. They often make their presence known in outdoor ponds as winter turns to spring. Lernaea elegans, the most commonly encountered species, remains dormant during the winter and becomes active as the water reaches 55 [...]

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Anchor Worms: a Common Springtime Pest in Koi and Goldfish Ponds

A Word About Water Hyacinth

marinebioblog — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:10:46 +0000

Patty here. Just about anyone with an ornamental pond has either heard of water hyacinth or has a personal experience with hyacinth to share. I find it to be an interesting and useful plant, and here in PA we don't have to worry about its invasive tendencies and notorious reputation like those of you in [...]

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A Word About Water Hyacinth

Koi: To Feed or Not to Feed and A Matter of Extremes in the Spring

marinebioblog — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:17:44 +0000

Anyone who keeps a koi pond in cooler temperatures has been there. You start getting a few warmer days in late March and your koi, who had been inactive all winter, begin to swim around and look for food. Being the "good" koi keeper you are, and just an all around nice person, you start [...]

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Koi: To Feed or Not to Feed and A Matter of Extremes in the Spring

A Brief Intro to Koi

marinebioblog — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:53:41 +0000

Patty here. Koi are basically colored Carp. They are descendants of Asian and Central European Carp originally domesticated and used as food in China and Southeast Asia. Their hardy nature and adaptability made them easy to propagate and transport to new locations. Beginning over a thousand years ago, Asian breeders were selectively breeding these fish [...]

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A Brief Intro to Koi

The Name Game, Part 3: Koi and the Japanese Naming System

marinebioblog — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:12:32 +0000

In past blogs (here and here), we've gone over the basics of the Latin scientific naming system. Now, with spring and pond season just around the corner, it's time to discuss a different naming system - Japanese Koi Nomenclature. Koi are considered some of the most valuable ornamental fish in some parts of the world [...]

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The Name Game, Part 3: Koi and the Japanese Naming System

Keeping the Chinese Sailfin Sucker (Shark) in Outdoor Goldfish and Koi Ponds

marinebioblog — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:38:35 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Known by as many as twenty common names, including rough fish and Chinese high-finned banded shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus), this unusual Chinese import is the subject of much confusion...both as to its natural history and care in captivity. One thing is certain - this often over-looked oddity is among the hardiest and most [...]

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Keeping the Chinese Sailfin Sucker (Shark) in Outdoor Goldfish and Koi Ponds

Amphilophus festae: The Red Terror – Cichlid Species profile

marinebioblog — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:18:22 +0000

Jose here. A South American brute that can give many Central Americans a run for the money (when it comes to aggression), the Red Terror is one of my favorites. Ranked in the top 5 among cichlid keepers, the festae is not afraid to bite the hand that feeds it, which is good cause feeding [...]

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Amphilophus festae: The Red Terror – Cichlid Species profile