Fish and Plants

Fish can be stocked for recreational fishing, food, hobby, breeding, mosquito control or just for looks, so you should consider what species are suitable for your overall objectives and conditions. It’s important to use plants that do well in your environment without becoming invasive. Plants play a major role in the food chain and life cycle of fish and provide protection from predators such as birds. Plants provide both decorative and functional benefits and should be part of every lake or pond.

What kind of fish?

It depends on your goals. If you want a fishing lake then native fish like Yellowbelly, Silver Perch, Aussie Bass, Murray Cod, or (in northern areas), Barramundi will be on your list but when you think about these fish don't just think about catching them, think about feeding them. Well designed lakes cater not only for the target species but also allow for forage fish to act as a food source. Smaller species such as Rainbow fish, Snub nose Gar, Hardy Heads, Gudgeons, Yabbies and others can provide the backbone of your fishery. Each state has its own laws about what species you can stock depending on your location so you need to be aware of these laws or risk a fine.

If you want an ornamental pond then some of the more colourful species such as goldfish or koi may be a better option. Koi are large Japanese carp that can grow into large colourful fish but are only legal in NSW and WA so if you live outside of these states the humble goldfish will be your species of choice if colour is what you're after. If you're not after colour and prefer natives then you can choose from several species that will do well in ornamental ponds. It all comes down to what you prefer and the habitat you're providing.

When keeping fish you need to provide an environment in which they can thrive. Filtration, aeration and pumping equipment should be considered as should the fish food. Feeding your fish a high quality food is critical for maintaining a healthy lake or pond. Poor quality fish food ends up polluting your water, feeds algae rather than your fish and can end up costing you way more in the long run.

What kind of plants?

Plants play a vaulable roll in nature and should be given the opportunity to play the same role in your pond. Plant selection is one of the most important decisions you will make because if you plant an invasive species it may prove difficult and costly to control. If a friend or neigbour offers you some plants for you pond don't just put them in, identify them first and find out how they're expected to grow in your environment.

When building a pond or lake you should consider that you'll have some choice in the types of plants in your pond but mother nature will have the final say. Plants can grow from seeds or fragments brought in by flood, blown in the winds or carried by birds and some of these may be species you don't want. If you expect this and plan for it in the design of your pond then you can minimise the affects of invasive plants by providing limited space for them to grow.

Plants provide valuable water cleansing functions such as reducing nutrients, shading, habitat for fish, birds, frogs and water bugs and algae reduction.It's a good idea to select a broad range of plants from full aquatics that are completely submerged, emergent species that have roots underwater and leaves that either float or rise above the water and marginals that just have their feet wet.This will provide a good mix of plants that best mimics nature.

Plant selection is a personal choice and there are many native or exotic species to choose from that provide both form and function.