Question
QUESTION: I have Shubunkin goldfish in my pond now and want to add more fish. I was thinking of adding minnows to my pond. Can minnows and Shubunkin goldfish live together in a backyard pond?

ANSWER: David,

Goldfish and minnows will live just fine together.  However, you should quarantine and treat the minnows for parasites just like you would anytime you add new fish to your pond.

I hear so many horror stories about people who add a new fish to a pond full of prize goldfish or koi without treating them and infect their fish with parasites that they are not used to and they all die in a matter of days.

And don't count on the dealer to treat them.  I know for a fact that suppliers don't treat for parasites.

Hope this helps,

John

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

QUESTION: What would I treat the minnows with and how long do I quarantine them for?

If I got minnows out of a lake, would I have to treat and Quarantine them as well?

Answer
David,

I deal with many customers every day.  There are all levels of concern for their fish.  Some are willing to spend almost anything to save their favorite fish and others aren't willing to spend a dime.  They just get another one.  Personally, for me there is a limit as to how much trouble and expense I'm willing to go to for a very inexpensive or free fish.

In the case of inexpensive goldfish and wild minnows, you are probably alright to just take your chances as long as you realize that you may have to get some more if the first ones don't make it.  The wild minnows probably have a few parasites too, but they are also probably immune to them.  Just realize that if you don't treat them and you add an expensive Koi or goldfish later on, you may have some problems.  You can also go ahead and add the minnows, and then treat the whole pond, goldfish and all.

Hope this helps,

John