Question
QUESTION: We recently put in a small garden pond. We started out with 4 fish in the
pond, 3 goldfish, one Orfe (I believe Orfe), all of them came out of the same
aquarium from the pet store. The fish would swarm and we really enjoyed
feeding them. Yesterday we added one other fish-a goldfish-type that has
several speckles and slightly different shape (not sure what exactly it is). Now,
all of a sudden, all of the fish stay at the bottom of the pond and no longer
swarm and don't even come up at all to eat. Could it be the cooler
temperatures (Sept 7) or did we do something wrong? We're very confused
and we miss watching our fishes eat.

ANSWER: Hi Cheryl:  I would start by getting your water tested and doing a small water change.  Most pet stores will test your water for free.  If the pond is new it may be a chemical issue and the water may be toxic to the fish.  It may also be that the weather is making them more sluggish especially if it is cooler then it has been.  You may also have a pond full of sick fish... this can happen after adding in a new fish.  I would again... get your pond water tested and if the water chemistry is within the normal range then I would skip a day of feeding and do a small water change.  Is there a water source that disturbs the water or another way that you are adding oxygen to the pond?  let me know... dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, Dave. I will get the water tested. However, the pond was filled
completely by rainwater so I'm expecting it to be ok and there isn't any
drainage that I can see of anything leaking into the water. I have a pump for
aeration going all the time. Follow-up: The fish did finally make an
appearance last night and ate again but they seem to be swimming much
swifter darting through the water very quickly. We were glad to see all 5 of
them eating last night at least. Yes, I will definitely get the water tested.
thanks!

Answer
Hi Cheryl:  That is good news that the fish are eating.  Even rainwater when it sits in a pool will begin to accumulate toxins.  Water chemistry in aquarium and ponds follow something called the nitrogen cycle.  The nitrogen cycle is basically a balance between fish waste, food, and the beneficial bacterial colonies that consume the fish waste and extra food.  When the balance between the two is out of kilter then the water chemistry rises and the fish get sick.  When you have a new pond or aquarium the water must cycle or find its balance and sometimes the fish will behave as you have described.  Another consideration is that the fish in your pond may have gotten spooked by a predator such as a house cat or even a raccoon.  This would explain the darting behavior and the fish hovering at the bottom of the pond.  Keep me posted... dave