Do fish get too cold?

Question

We have recently put a pond in out backyard and I am worried that the fish will get too cold this winter. Does anyone know how cold is too cold for Coy.

I live in California

Answer 1

The fish will begin to go into dormancy when the temp. drops...so stop feeding them for the winter...also get your pond a trough heater to keep a hole open in the pond for the fish to breathe (you don't want the pond to ice over). I also have a pond with 15 Comets and Goldfish and I have wintered them outside this way for two winters.

Answer 2

We had a small pond with gold fish and koi until a neighbor moved in with a very determined cat. The fish overwintered in the pond. If the pond is deep enough the fish's metabolism will slow to next to nothing and they will ride it our just fine. We were told just to be creful not to break the ice. (Not sure why that was supposed to be important.) Our pond was about two feet deep, and built into a hill, so the front was exposed. and it often froze over and It may even have frozen solid. I'm not sure on that, since we didn't test the "Don't break the ice"rule. This was in Northern Virginia where the winters are not extremely cold every day, but often enough that the pond was frozen most of the time over several months.

Now most of our fish were gold fish but they are closely related to koi. And I believe koi are often kept in Japan, and I know they have "real winters" there.

One note, though: Once we had to remove the fish to a large bucket while we relined the pond. The fish kept jumping out of the bucket until we pu a lid on it. Then they tried to beat themsleves to death to get the lid off. I don't think gold fish who have been used to a large pond would appreciate being moved into an aquarium even if it was warmer.

Answer 3

It's not the temperature that matters but the depth of your pond. As you know, fish live in the frozen-over lakes and have no problems. As long as your pond is over 48" deep you shouldn't have any trouble over the winter. Keep the air going to the bottom of the pond for them and they'll hibernate just fine. There are lots of aquarium clubs all over the country that will help you with your Coy. Check with your local aquarium shop for some names and locations.

Answer 4

you didnt say where you live.. you could be in Africa or North Canada... a pet store in your area will be more helpful to your specifics

BUT it also depends on the depth of your pond.. if your pond is really deep the top will freeze over and the fish will be ok IF they have enough oxygen down there.. so that is where your area is important as some areas get cold early and stay very cold for long time.. other areas get cold and have warm breaks... so call and ask.. you have have to bring them indoors for the winter

Answer 5

The fish will not get too cold. The only thing to watch out for is that the surface does not freeze over for too long as the fish need oxygen which enters the water from the air.

Answer 6

Coy fish are from fresh water you should be care full with the temperature, the best way is with a a thermometer.
A good temperature for coy should be 74F.

Answer 7

it depends on the fish, you gotta find out that. You can ask in the pet shop, becuase some fish are for cold water and some others are for warm water.

Answer 8

Sure. They are living creatures. They have their liimitations.I have heard of them dying because of the cold. Very sad ,especially when it was due to negligence of someone who supposedly cared for them.

Answer 9

fish are cold blooded so it doesnt matter, as long as the water doesnt freeze through they will be fine.

Answer 10

Yes fish do get cold.More likely tropical fish.