POND CRITTERS: Pond ecosystems invite a variety of life. Most pond owners build their ponds with plans of keeping exotic, beautiful Japanese koi fish. While colorful koi fish are the main attraction, there are other types of animals, that you may or may not choose, looking for a pond to call home or a place to find food. It is a good idea to be aware of the types of critters that you will find in your typical backyard pond habitat.
KOI FISH TURTLES
Beautiful koi are one of the main joys of owning a pond. Smarter than you think, these pond fish become wonderful mainstays for the pond or water garden. Turtles like to eat lily pads and other aquatic plants. They also produce a lot of waste. They tend to come and go when not in an enclosed area.
  GOLD FISH FROGS
For small ponds, Gold fish are a great choice. They are rapid breeders, but stay relatively small in size. Frogs are another creature that may just show up in your pond. They tend to enjoy spending time in skimmer baskets.
MOSQUITO FISH HERON
Mosquito fish, like Platys, are essential to the pond ecosystem. Their diet consists of mosquito larvae, so they keep down the mosquito population. PREDATOR! The Blue Heron can quickly wipe out your entire koi collection. They love to eat koi! They stand in the shallows, wait for the koi to swim by, and then they snatch‘em up.
PLATYS EGRETS
We prefer Platys to Mosquito fish because they are much more colorful. They are also heavy breeders and are pretty small in size. Good for mosquito control. PREDATOR! Egrets are also koi killers. The larger your koi, the harder it is for these birds to catch and eat them.
HI FIN SHARK RACOONS
Hi Fin Sharks are the perfect compliment to your koi. They grow at the same rate and size. Black and tan algae eaters that cruise the pond floor. PREDATOR! These monsters can literally destroy your pond and eat all your fish. Their sharp claws damage pond liners and come in handy when fishing.
AQUATIC SNAILS DRAGON FLIES
You will find these guys thriving in plant pots, floor drains, and filters. They consume organic waste and debris in very small amounts. Bright, beautiful, curious insects that magically hover over pond water. They are harmless to the pond. Their larvae thrive in the muckier areas of the pond.
SPIDERS   MOSQUITO
Ponds spiders love to feed off the pond ecosystem. Aphids, flys, striders, skaters and beetles are no match for a variety of pond spiders. These nasty bugs are a threat to humans thanks to the West Nile Virus. Add Mosquito Fish or Platys to your pond to control the mosquito population.
If your pond is new or old, large or small, North County Ponds is trained in a variety of pond care services including regular pond maintenance, on-call pond services, pond clean-outs, complete filter system installs, pond water treatments, system cleanings, pond sealing, koi medicating, koi and fish care, algae control, aquatic plant care, and all other aspects of pond and lake management. Call North County Ponds at 760-710-1632 for questions, pricing info, or to schedule a free pond consultation.
 
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