When most people think about pond fish, the usual suspects come to mind: goldfish, koi, maybe even a shubunkin or two. But if you’re looking to add a splash of personality and something a bit different to your garden pond, there’s a whole world of lesser-known species that can bring colour, movement, and ecological benefits.
Let’s explore ten unusual pond fish that you’ve probably never considered – but just might fall in love with.
1. Weather Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)
This slender, eel-like fish is not only fascinating to watch but also has a quirky party trick: it becomes more active when the weather’s about to change, which is how it earned its name. Hardy and friendly, weather loaches are social fish that enjoy the company of their own kind. They’re great for cleaning up leftover food at the bottom of your pond and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
2. Golden Tench (Tinca tinca ‘aurea’)
Known as the “doctor fish” in some circles, golden tench are thought to have beneficial effects on the health of other fish – though this is more legend than science. Regardless, they’re peaceful bottom-dwellers that add a subtle golden shimmer to your pond. They thrive in well-planted ponds and help reduce algae by stirring up the substrate.
3. Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)
With their flowing fins and vivid colours, paradise fish are true showstoppers. These cold-water labyrinth fish don’t need highly oxygenated water, making them ideal for still ponds. However, they can be a bit territorial, especially during breeding, so they’re best kept with species that can stand their ground or in a species-only setup.
4. White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)
These tiny, schooling fish are often overlooked, but they’re perfect for smaller ponds or wildlife-friendly setups. Hardy and easy to care for, white clouds are cold-tolerant and very peaceful. They add a subtle sparkle of movement just under the surface and are happy in groups of five or more.
5. Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis)
Looking like miniature stingrays, hillstream loaches are a favourite among aquarists and can do well in ponds with good water movement. They’re fantastic algae eaters and are best suited to ponds with waterfalls or fast-flowing areas. Watching them glide along rocks is a real treat!
6. Rosy Red Minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Often used as feeder fish in aquariums, rosy reds are surprisingly attractive and very tough – perfect for outdoor life. Their pinkish-orange hue adds a lovely contrast, and they’re extremely easy to care for. Great for cycling a new pond, these active swimmers are also fun to watch darting about in groups.
7. Medaka Rice Fish (Oryzias latipes)
Originating from Japan, medaka fish have long been kept in rice paddies and make excellent pond residents. They’re available in a variety of colours and are very cold-hardy. Medakas are peaceful, easy to breed, and perfect for adding a gentle touch of elegance to your pond.
8. Sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae family)
A native species to much of the UK, sticklebacks are a great addition to wildlife-friendly ponds. Males develop vivid colours during breeding season and create fascinating nests. While small, they are full of character and help maintain a balanced ecosystem by eating mosquito larvae and other small insects.
9. Bitterling (Rhodeus amarus)
This silvery-pink fish has a truly unique breeding method – it lays its eggs inside live freshwater mussels! Bitterlings are small, attractive, and peaceful, making them great for natural-style ponds. If your pond is home to native mussels, this is one of the most interesting fish you can keep.
10. Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)
Often seen in aquariums, zebra danios can thrive in outdoor ponds during the warmer months or year-round in milder parts of the UK. They’re fast, energetic swimmers that enjoy the company of their own kind. Their distinctive striped pattern adds movement and visual interest near the water’s surface.
Final Thoughts
Who says garden ponds have to be all about koi and goldfish? With so many lesser-known species out there, you can easily create a unique aquatic haven that’s both beautiful and biologically diverse. Whether you’re drawn to the quirky hillstream loach or the shimmering golden tench, each of these fish offers something different for your outdoor space.
Before adding any fish to your pond, always research their compatibility, water temperature needs, and whether they’re suitable for your local climate.
Which of these unusual pond fish is your favourite? Have you tried keeping any of them? Let us know in the comments below – and don’t forget to check out our other pond care and garden wildlife articles to keep your outdoor space thriving year-round!