Question
Dear Experts:

I have a fairly small pond - approximately 5x8, 3.5' depth, approximately 350 gall., 1 koi and about 8 goldfish and the number of mosquito biters varies and 1 bull-frog.  I have a home-made under-water filter, and it's getting pretty chilly now (midwest of U.S.)  Pond gets a mix of sun and shade in the summer.

Anyway, as it is coming up on the holidays and next to the pond is our only "yard" outlet, someone decided it would be a good idea to set up our newly obtained Christmas Penguin (lights!) right next to the pond.  Today has been cold, rainy and a bit windy but not excessive.  In any case, the stupid thing fell into the pond.  

At first, I thought everything was okay anyway - and then I realized one of my goldfish was on the other side on his side.  I immediately unplugged the thing and pulled it out, discovering that my Koi was trapped inside one of the parts (it comes apart in 4 sections and 2 of them were fully immersed).  Both fish were showing signs of "shock".  At first, I thought the gold fish was dead but as I went to pull him out of the water I noticed he was still somewhat gasping (his mouth and gills were out of the water!).  I pushed him back in.  He seems like he *might* be okay but I'm still very very worried.

Will my fish survive this incident?  

Thank you!

Answer
Dear Kristen,

Thank you for your mail. Sorry for the delay, I thought I answerd it, however the computer did not registrated it.
As I think the X-mass lights are specialy made for gardens electrocution is maybe not the question, however al the exitement and the "thing" falling in caused stress for the fish.
When fish do not have a place to hide and are in a fairly small pond the tend to get stressed quick.
stressed effects are also staing shy in the corner, hanging still and so fort.
Also quick breading and tend to get sick quickly is possible.
I think the best thing to do is momitor the fish closely and do't stress him to much.
Maybe a part of the pond can be covered with something that makes him feel safe.

Whem electrocution is in place the fish keeps getting worse or can have somethimes a comma shaped backbone afterwards because the nerves are "hit"

So only advise at this stage is monitor and give him a stressfree pond area.

Good luck!

Kind regards,
Raf Segers