Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Relocating Fish

We have a man-made pond which is 3.5' deep and about 10' square. After a few near dog drownings we have decided to get rid of the pond. A friend nearby with a large natural pond says he will take my gold fish. We do not know what fish he has in his pond already, but suspect tilapia. It was never stocked professionally as far as we know and have only seen baby tilapia swimming in the shallows. This is Barbados so we do not have carp, pike or such. The pond is about 60' in diameter and approx. 10' deep. It has good vegetation. Do you think my gold fish will survive the transfer? They range from about 1 to 7 years old - 4" to 12" long. Obviously they are used to being fed every night which will not continue after the move. Many thanks for your input.

Goldfish are just colorful common carp. They will survive and thrive in almost any water condition. The goldfish will do just fine on the veggies...in fact, probably far better with a constant food supply to browse on, rather than having only nightly feedings.

If Barbados does not have Carp, I would check the laws to make sure the goldfish can be released into a pond that can overflow. Goldfish/Carp can be highly invasive and destroy some waters.

Goldfish are not common carp. They are a different species than common carp, but they are in the carp family. I would hesitate to stock any pond in Barbados (or anywhere) that may allow for these to escape into the wild. In addition, the risks for your neighbor include disease/parasite introduction, overpopulation/displacement of other fish species, and increased turbidity.

Thanks for the species correction, Todd!

Pond Novice, you may love your fish, but it would be best all around to destroy them. If determined to find them a home, consider giving them to someone with a large aquarium, and NOT an outdoor pond.