Question
Hi.a I live in Richmond VA, We have had snow on and off for 2 months now.  I have 27 Koi, ranging between 8-12 inches long and 2 black catfish that are 24-30 inches long.  I have had these fish for 7-8 years.  The pond that they are in is 8 feet wide, 12 feet long and 3 feet tall (above ground).  This is the first year that we have experienced a winter like this with the fish.  They normally hibernate, and they are fine. The pond was iced over for some time..We cut of the fountains and filters just like last year, but it was not nearly as cold.  I am worried. Today, myself and my 2 boys went out and turned the fountains back on, and no fish.  Can not find them anywhere.  We even threw food, and normally they would come up under any circumstance..Have they died in the weather and decomposed?, Or did the catfish become predators. Thanks Jennifer

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

Thank you for your question.
However it is hard to answer as it can be of different cause.
When winter and cold temperatures appear the animals go and look for food.
If they find a source of fish, they tend to come back to feed themselves.
Otherwise the cold can reflect in dead fish.
However as you told me that the temperatures are not that cold as last winter the best guess is that if they are not "hanging" on the bottom predators came and eat the fish.
Wish you a good and happy fish and pond season ahead!