Stapeley Water Gardens

Goldfish - this typically all orangey-red is is available with a short or long tail fin (comets).
They are hardy and suitable for just about all pools, assuming a depth of at least 38 cm (15 inches). They don't generally damage plants, reach between 10 - 20 cm (4 - 8 inches), and breed easily. Coloured varieties, such as sarasa comets (red and white) and shubunkins (calico) are equally hardy.
All true goldfish fry are an olive brown to black colour with most changing colour between 3 months to 2 years of age.

Fancy Goldfish - these goldfish varieties are available in many colours, but the main difference from true goldfish are their more rotund bodies and generally more fancy fins (some also have large head growths). These fish are generally not as hardy as normal goldfish, indeed the very fancy varieties, especially from certain sources, are not recommended for ponds. However, more basic fantails will usually withstand both the cooler winter temperatures and the general hustle and bustle of pond life.
Golden rudd- a lighter coloured from of our native rudd, with some fish resembling golden orfe, whilst others are almost black, with reddish fins. Very similar to orfe in terms of behaviour and requirements, however, they only usually reach between I5 - 25 cm (6 - 10 inches) in length, and breed far more readily.

Tench - our native green tench is a slightly curious addition to the pond as they will rarely be seen due to their almost black coloration and secretive behaviour. The golden form is a better bet. Tench are very hardy, breed readily, and grow to 20 - 35 cm (8 - 14 inches).

Orfe - a very active and slender looking fish. The most popular golden variety is actually more of a salmon orange colour, but a slate blue variety is also available. Orfe are typically surface shoaling fish and in one's or two's can be very timid. They cannot stand as low a dissolved oxygen level as carp and so ideally require clear and/or moving water. As they grow between 30 - 45 cm (12 - 18 inches) in length they should only be stocked, long term, in pools over 3.5 sq. m. (38 sq. ft.). Despite being more sensitive to certain chemicals than carp, they are less prone to disease, possibly in part due to the less stressful nature of their farming.

Koi and Other Large Carp - stunningly attractive fish available in an extensive range of colours and patterns. These carp can become very tame in time, and are seen as a real hobby fish, with fully judged quality standards. The fish are as hardy as goldfish, but because they usually reach between 30 - 55cm (12 - 22 inches) in length and, especially in numbers, can damage submerged planting, they are not for all pools. Ideally in the long term you need a pool of at least 4 sq. m (43 sq. ft) in surface area and with a depth of at least 75 cm (30 inches) in the deepest area This also applies to other carp, such as common, mirror and hybrid ghost koi.

Grass Carp - these almost black fish are growing in popularity due to their potential blanket weed eating properties (see algae control). They are not for all pools as they reach 45 -90cm (18- 36 inches) in length, are very adept at jumping (especially in small pools or when moved), and will potentially damage most submerged plants. They are best kept in larger koi pools and can become stunning fish in time, especially the 'golden' (albino) form.
Many other species of fish are available for temperate ponds such as sturgeon and coldwater catfish, but most have potential drawbacks that can make them unsuitable for most ponds.