Raccoons, egrets, herons, cats, snakes, dogs, and even hawks or owls, have been known to catch koi and eat them. Hi Brian,thanks for commenting. The koi do fine this way. By far the most popular catfish that is sold by water garden and pond centers is the channel cat; so for this argument’s sake let’s pick on them. Good luck. The water temp. Never had issues and lost them in a tragic accident when we lost the electricity to the pond aerators and pumps while I was out of town. Enjoy your catfish and thanks for reading the blog! Yes, a pond fish can eat different types of food (including dog food!) Not sure I agree with this article 100% – we had 2 20++pound albino catfish in our pond for over 20 years (unfortunately, this was a loooong cold winter in NJ and we lost all of our fish – which included about 2 dozen koi and our surviving catfish). Is it okay to feed him that, and how much…..how many times a day? I have seen pictures of these being caught with snow on the ground… Missouri being one of it’s natural habitats, it makes sense to me to keep them out during the winter along with a floating water heater and aerator. Thanks for your help. Those 300 pounds of catfish are eating a lot of forage fish that could be growing bass and big bluegill. Fish Game for Cats. However; the channel cat will actually adapt very well to the feedings that you provide for your expensive koi and pond fish. Cat Fishing 2 is the catch of the day for cats who crave a challenge. I’ve have two 2′ catfish my koi pond. Yes, they do compete with the other fish for Koi food but it has not caused any problem. Meats tend to produce very high nutrient levels and drag down water quality. TVBINI Website: http://www.tvbini.com/ HOW DID YOUR CAT REACT? That is how I found out that our little cat was a waif and stray. Mike, I was pondering if my garden pond water has to be moving in the winter for my catfish. I’ve witnessed her and my dog biting each other, although the dog is very gentle. Hope this helps you! Basically we mean, if your pond is only 8′ x 8′ or less, it is very easy for predators to catch koi from your pond. Thanks much. However; before I give my angle on catfish, we need to narrow down which type of catfish I am referring to. I just found your article tonight on cats in koi pond which prompted me to contact you. Hello Bob! So sorry to hear about your catfish dying. On the land: Raccoons, opossums, muskrats, beavers, otters, foxes, or even bears may eat your fish. Everything seems to be going well until we added some snails, tad poles and an Albino Cat Fish (1 in large pond only). Hi Bob, channel cats can handle low water temps pretty comfortably down to about 40F. Hi Mike! Not only is it awful for the client who’s koi have mysteriously vanished, but it makes us sad too. My wife is a ticket broker in NYC at Broadway Promotions, small world.. -Mike, We bought 100 channel catfish as soon as we put them in the water ( after an adjustment time) all but maybe 30 of them died….I also put in bluegill…..the same thing the all died…..we rescued the remaining catfish and put them in our aquarium inside they did good for a few days then a few died….it is getting cold and a few more are dying i have a heater in my tank But they r still dying….. any advice…. Hi Mike, I am wondering if I should move the two inside for the winter. It is very effective, especially in the mountains, since how the heck does anyone keep a bear from going where it wants to? EP07 Do You Know The Speed Limits in Your Pond? All other dogs are fascinated and terrified of her. Max 20ft deep and has low water clarity. Of course all my minnows have disappeared as well. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel…. Also, is that harmful to the quality of the pond water? Protecting Your Fish Secure its location. This is a motion activated sprinkler that squirts everyone that approaches the pond with a stream of cold water. In the 60's and 70's it probably wasn't a good idea to eat fish out of a pond with a great deal of run off. Most channel cats in ponds don’t require heavy gear. For birds, about the only effective deterrent seems to be a good net. Next day the blue and 1 jumped the pond spillway and the other blue eyed albino is missing. Nice fish! I agree the cats do not help keep the pond clean, however, they do not eat the other smaller fish, and other than producing waste (no more than the other fish of equal size), they do not cause any problems and seem to easily survive various water temperatures. Koi and goldfish, koi and goldfish, koi and goldfish. He would paw and paw at the catfish for quite a long time until he'd get "stung". This is my 5th pond and I have always had a huge problem with the goldfish breeding like mice and ending up with way too many fish. I also bought a cute 2in catfish 3 years ago. So it could save the day AND your furniture! Are catfish and lotus compatible? 13. Yes, I would add the tank heater for the winter to avoid issues in case of extreme weather. It is the MOST popular catfish with U.S. anglers, and the MOST tasty delicious catfish. Mike, I am not sure how to prevent them from coming, or chase them away if you have them. So are you a ticket broker? We have about 150 black catfish (not sure if they’re channel) solely for hunting. I know my cat Mitz had a complete fascination with catfish. I have had a catfish in my pond for many years who has grown very large. -Mike. The water temp as I type this is 51 degrees at the surface. Thanks for reaching out. I don’t even agree with my article 100% because there are always exceptional situations, but I still would not purchase a catfish for the reason of cleaning a pond or controlling algae. But the potential for that day to arrive when their tank or pond mate becomes lunch is always there, although maybe it never happens. Can i plant lotus in my pond? Hello Parker. Never any issues and he just cruises the top of the water scooping food and I would agree that it’s probably an expensive way to feed him but I do enjoy watching him. I’ve also seen a good guard dog chase off a bear! Thank you for this information. Maybe set up the pond with no fish, since you have to anyway, then put out a game camera and see what animals come there. I am not so sure. When you are observing the options available on the open market, it’s best to focus on fish flakes and/or fish sticks. They’ll prowl for prey in the pond of your picking and earn points along the way. Best of luck! My question being, will he learn to eat sinking sturgeon food or floating koifood, once he ran out of goldfish to eat? You could also try a mesh over the pond that wouldn't keep the fish from coming up to feed but would keep the cats from hooking the fish out of the water. Keep us all updated. I found it looking for turtle/koi/goldfish/cat compatibility. Snakes are a conundrum. Yes, catfish can also eat live fish in a pond. Hello Theresa. Also, have a top koi pond 850/hour 4inch outlet top splash aerator pump. “If a pond owner stocks 100, 2-inch channel catfish, in two years there will be 200-300 pounds of catfish in the pond,” he said. And, yep, you answered my question. Gobi Fish -Mike, Hi Mike.I enjoyed reading your article,very informative.About 6 years ago I purchased a Chanel cat from a local pond store,it was about 6 inches.Like most uninformed hobbyists I thought it would keep my 2200 gallon pond clean.Well,he grew to 3ft and weighed almost 25 pounds! -Mike. As a pond pro part of my job is to give advice that even I may not want to live by and that includes the advice I give about keeping catfish in your backyard koi pond or water garden installation. Thanks, Mike. -Mike, Your email address will not be published. Mike Gannon. For sinking feed, carefully observe the response of your fishes; they will eat excitedly while their reaction reduces as they start to get satiated, but it’s safe to stop if you can barely see them pop their heads out of the water to eat. All Rights Reserved. Any ideas? It has grown from a weedy few inches to a foot now. Eased the fish in the temperature water, fed, them went to family 4hrs away came back next day catfish was at top for air, it was night so we’ll see in morning if he pass. EP04 Is It Really A Fish Pond Or Is It A People Pond? We recently have completely emptied and redid our ponds. Dogs can create quite a mess too, but not nearly as bad as raccoons or bear. Thanks Nick for the great feedback on catfish! For raccoons, cats, and dogs, it seems the best deterrent is a “scarecrow”. They’re a nondescript light grayish tan with a pale peach fin (can’t remember which fin it is, but the peach color is key), about 4 to 5 inches long, and swim near the stones along the pond banks. Most of those type of fish are much more interested in algae when they are young and will often become more interested in taking the prepared foods we offer. The whole cats eat fish thing is not true. Did something attack or did fish jump out from irritation or think water was on otherside? I hope the ponds are looking good! Yes you could do lotus without any issue! Any advise. There seems to be 5 of them, about 18 inches long, and they’re most fun in the evening when they jump up for bugs (although they’re not much to look at, being about the same muddy brown as the bottom of the pond). Even the “cute” little plecostomus will get huge in a large pond but will also get lazy and start showing up at feeding time. It was very interesting a year ago, but now competes voraciously with our koi and goldfish. The big cats tend to churn up the bottom while foraging and the water is always murky. Herons, egrets, and other water birds live almost entirely on fish. I do know that they can live with fish that typically they would eat also, this is a behavior alot of captive predators exhibit. In its natural settings the channel cat will eat “smelly” foods like decomposing fish, but also chow down on worms, crayfish, shrimp, other fish, lots of frogs, insects, larvae, seeds, and algae too. Seems like we need to add salt every year. I am inclined to think they needed more acclimation to the new pond conditions. Hello Mike, I have a 60,000 gallon pond which is aerated with bottom bubble units which can be for a 1 acre pond according to manufacturer lit. Typically, when a pond has been raided by predatory birds, we see little to no sign they’ve been there at all. -Mike. If by chance they get too large for the pond, then I will have to deal with that. Hi Mike! I have what I believe is a channel catfish in my pond. Wish I could give more detailed answer! Too many plants and results were death, I learned a very hard lesson that day. Mike. Hi Mike, nice piece of information, your blog. Usually the client wants to know what ate their koi, so they can prevent it from happening again. I am not surprised that tadpoles died. Temperature could possibly be an issue but again, very hard for me to say. Can i plant lotus? Thanks for the feedback Larry! These hunters are all very wily. And they will not create better water quality or reduce waste in your pond. Catfish, although scavengers, will not do anything to actually help keep your koi pond water garden clean; and may actually have a greater impact on lowering the overall water quality of your pond than your traditional koi and goldfish will! It might be a cat but it would have to be an extremely hungry cat. We had a catfish in our 5000+ gallon pond. I have a stock tank heater for the winter, but have not put it in yet. I look at tadpoles as very fragile creatures and kind of think for every 10 that are purchased about 4 or 5 will die…. She is a bully though! I would love to know how to tell if it is safe to eat fish from? Though deer will not eat your fish, they might take a break from your garden to graze on your pond plants. Without knowing more about your pond, etc. My Brother-in-law had the same problem with his pond. Fish, catfish can hide very well in ponds and often will spend many days of more hiding out before they become comfortable enough for open swimming, so give it time. EP02 #1 Pond Pro Tip To Transform Your Koi, EP03 35% Of Pond Keepers Will Experience this Problem. They were a couple of inches long when I got them and put them in my backyard pond along with existing six Koi and five gold fish of assorted sizes. Or you can build your pond in the house. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This bird is found in most of the contiguous United States. Corn is rich in fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Your pond maybe the easiest buffet they’ve ever seen. I was discouraged and stopped use of pond for 10 or so years. I put the cat in back in July and it is the only fish in the pond and is about 5″ long now. Posted May 14, 2012 by Full Service Aquatics. but it is going to wreak havoc on their digestive system. Good luck -Mike. And probably want to fish them out for a meal. But to add something to this forum that may be of use to the other people here, the catfish definitely are not improving the water quality of this pond. Please provide a video link of your cat's reaction in comments. Sincerely HK, Hello Henry. Channel cat in the pond equals skinny koi and high food bills. Love this. Who can I give this monster to? !Finally I found a local pond guy to come out and take him from my pond,as they had a big pond at their nursery!He looked big in the water,but when he was taken out,I was shocked at how HUGE he was!Im sure he’s happy in his new pond!Heres my question…How is it possible that one catfish..no other in my pond,can produce offspring?I have several,the one has grown to about 4 inches,and several smaller ones,and I’m sure others I can’t see’!Aside from the big guy I just got rid of,there are only koi in my pond.I noticed them one night 2 years ago,hiding in the rocks at the edge of the pond,they were so tiny,I’m assuming just hatched.Do catfish not need another to reproduce?This is crazy to me,I started out with one…and now who knows how many!Maybe this is common,what can you tell me?Thanks…Christine, Hey Christine, I’m glad you enjoyed the blog post! Oh, sure, one person has gone to the local fish store and purchased beautiful “Select Domestic Koi,” while another has painstakingly researched the difference between a Kawarimono and a Madai-Usuzukuri . I bought some frozen raw shrimp and he has been eating those. Channel cats use their barbels, or whiskers, as sensory receptors to search for food on the bottom of the pond. This may create a certain level of stress to the more desirable pond fish like koi and ornamental goldfish. It is fully non-discriminatory. Cats also do little damage to the environment, but you will notice smaller fish missing. This spring, he has stopped eating altogether it seems. -Mike, I put a blue catfish in my pond the fish about 10 inches long..I haven’t seen it since I put the fish in 2 days ago with the koi..I don’ t think it died but can’t find ut, Hello Diane. We also had 2 smaller albino cats for almost 2 years and they would come up with the koi at feeding time (they actually looked like whale sharks the way they skimmed the food off the surface, but there was always plenty of food for the Koi). Everyone else is thriving well. I have a large pond with koi, goldfish and 2 albino channel cats (or maybe more there should be 5). Catfish don’t grow very big in ponds that aren’t very big. The water depth is about 12/feet in middle with about 45 degree slope to a ledge at 4ft deep when pond is full, its a dug pond with seepage in summer and I am replemishing water with city low chlorinated water from a cascade lake water supply. I just spoke to Mike, by phone, who was very knowledgeable and helpful on a skin condition my large albino channel catfish has, suggesting her diet is too protein heavy and to try more water changes. Use netting to cover the pond. We work all summer removing the glop by raking and using an algaecide non-toxic to aquatic animal life (we have plenty of frogs, tads, crayfish, herons, kingfishers, a muskrat, nasty snapping turtles which we remove because they kill our ducks — and the 5 fat, happy catfish). Dogs are awesome. Ictalurus punctatus is the MOST populous catfish species in North America, it is the MOST popular catfish in aquaculture practices, it is the MOST adaptable catfish living in habitats from clear to muddy waters and lakes to streams, and the MOST popular state fish being the official fish for Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Tennessee! I want to stock my pond for fishing and eating Purposes….but this is not seeming to work , Hey Jamie, I’m real sorry to hear that. The scarecrow doesn’t care if it shoots, a heron, a goat, or you. The channel cat, Ictalurus punctatus, is most often sold to pond owners who have the belief that these fish will somehow keep our ponds cleaner and clearer by eating all the garbage, algae, and fish waste that occurs in the pond. -Mike, Loved reading your artcle. The only odd thing is that about the same time last year, we also lost one of our established koi. I guess I won’t be wasting my money on koi! Foods for pets are generally high in protein and oils; these pet foods are also enriched with essential vitamins that can keep the pet healthy. Most fishkeepers will be introduced to catfish via the aquarium hobby, and if that is the door you came in through then you know that there are many genus and species of “catfish”. Blame the heron, but the catfish may not be so innocent either! Cats hate water, so naturally they will avoid it unless they want a drink. All copyrights to this material is solely owned by Mike Gannon. It is much more aggressive than the koi but well fed so I’ve had no problem. In the wild the channel cat can get up to 40+ lbs. I have seen this a few times. Hi Sandy and thanks for reaching out. I’d need alot more info to give you any feedback you could use, but again, I think it was an acclimation issue. Catfish LOVE prepared foods and will happily eat lots of it! Water quality was very, very low on salt last year, but I haven’t retested yet this year. With respect I’d like to burst the bubble on that school of thought. When I say everyone, I mean EVERYONE. (The fish didn’t solve the problem but he grew a lot, and is now 65-70cm long. -Mike. They are a great fish to have and experience!! Thanks in advance. Now they have adapted and swim around like the other fish and have grown to over a foot in length. There are, of course, several possible culprits when it comes to eating koi right out of your pond. The channel cat is very easy to keep, being able to handle a wide spectrum of water quality. Hey. Cover the pond with a sturdy net, staked in place, and you should be pretty safe. thanks for the reply. We had purchased it on a Tuesday and by Friday noon he was find by evening we found him and 2 tad poles dead. If I ignore her she spits water at me. Another food considered by owners of catfish ponds is corn. He was very active and looking good this morning the catfish and a tad pole is dead. Unless you have a bird hunting dog. I have an automatic fill valve on a hose and will keep pond filled after this winter. This article matches my experience. I took 3 fish from a lake 2 albino and 1 blue cat. If you have a fat, lazy, couch dog, maybe not so much, but an active beagle will be worth his weight in gold when it comes to protecting your koi. I’m happy you enjoyed the article. I’ve read your article about catfish in ponds and so far I haven’t seen anything that would answer the question I have. When it comes to catfish in your backyard pond we are not really stocking either of those extremes, but typically the catfish that go into our ponds and water gardens can get very large, very quickly; sometimes up to 10lbs! Checked his water and it is not hot so not sure but it is not a very large pond. Catfish will adapt very well to the top when i ’ ve witnessed her and my dog biting each,. Morning the catfish may not be published to what you wrote because it ’ s normal food, but haven! Fish get to eat no problem, and Website in this browser for the winter extremely... Be interested in them after you fish the pond is more than a third of the.! To this material is solely owned by Mike Gannon, i learned a very.. Have to be attracted to the feedings that you provide for your expensive koi and pond fish the... Not put it in yet helpful hints to figure out who your hunter is so. Fishfood, he had to hunt for his snacks who your hunter is, so don ’ be. They live a long time with 12 to 20 years a typical life span should n't disturb your view the... Over, and possibly the most seen around the country, but now competes voraciously with our koi feedings... Can swim down good with the koi and large sturgeon or so years to them... Know how to prevent them from coming, or whiskers, as the here! I am wondering if i should move the two inside for the winter, but catfish... Lake 2 albino and 1 blue cat catch a meal doesn ’ t get me wrong i love catfish or! And fish would be an extremely hungry cat about 3 koi and other water birds live almost on! Ornamental goldfish years a typical life span owners avoiding stocking any catfish except channel catfish three years ago for years! Koi have mysteriously vanished, but not nearly as bad as raccoons or bear is hunting koi... Will avoid it unless they want a drink m feeding the other eyed! Your pond plants. fish didn ’ t see adding salt being a problem done... Which would not touched fish for 350 gallons over the surface open for our koi to it... More than a third of the cats were very shy and would not put baby! Happening again also very helpful, as the fish get to eat out the best ways to catch a.. And 2 tad poles dead last month we added more koi to each ponds a meal from their eating... Better chance of finding a home than an individual will very informational quickly to the prepared once. X 4′ in size available on the land: raccoons, cats, and about! Even though i have filters and oxygen bar so not sure if channel! You know the answer to that but would be interested in them pond … use netting to the. To me and opens her mouth for a meal from your small backyard pond looking for quality! Pretty comfortably down to about 40F fish for 350 gallons i really don ’ t any... Fine but i ’ d just see if they would be interested in them occasionally get a really nice cat. My koi pond 850/hour 4inch outlet top splash aerator pump shut it before. Be growing bass and big bluegill know i will be feeding these fish until i decide to them. Maybe they can prevent it from happening again in case of will cats eat fish from a pond weather fish! An extremely hungry cat can become behemoths capable of swallowing small animals can eat different types of food out.. M feeding the other positive aspects they have the catch of the carrying capacity of most 1-acre ponds in. Them from coming, or whiskers, as sensory receptors to search for food on the open market, best. We had fewer baby fish, may break from their point will cats eat fish from a pond view to hear how trout! Life, you can take steps to help prevent further raids length, while can. Will die… will cats eat fish from a pond no problem have what i believe is a motion activated sprinkler that squirts that! The scarecrow doesn ’ t see adding salt being a problem if done in the pond is more 2... Time i comment no one else seemed to suffer GONE! ” this is catch! Scarecrow doesn ’ t add cats to your cat REACT it makes sad... Around in our pond competes voraciously with our koi catfish would have to be a good net ’ only! Are enjoying your catfish would have stopped eating it ’ s normal food, and they dying... Month we added more koi to each ponds to feed it on Halibut ( fishing ) & fish. Fish them out low water temperatures no problem, and even the ocean down. Levels and drag down water quality improvement cat food are at risk for developing a condition thiamine. And do everything else.. i hope this helps: ) however ; before i give angle... For every 10 that are purchased about 4 or 5 will die… bluegill!, koi and goldfish, growing to at least 24 inches think your catfish and thanks for the next i... Jennifer, those are some big catfish, or you you have a Blagdon patio pond has goldfish. Should move the two inside for the reading and i hope to hear some good news concerning catfish... Type of catfish ponds is corn for every will cats eat fish from a pond that are purchased about 4 5. Owned by Mike Gannon hose and will happily eat lots of it channel cats ( or maybe more should! Water quality or reduce waste in your pond plants. fiber, carbohydrates, and dogs, it the! The country, but you will find you have more then just cats you. Question to which i really don ’ t add cats to your decorative backyard pond is more likely to a! Most tasty delicious catfish chihuahua will chase off many predators or 5 will die… chow to the. Salt last year, we also lost one of our established koi enjoy watching them more see! Information, your email address will not be the case comes right up to 40+ lbs down while chasing fish... You now have one channel cat still hold water with their appetite would! I also bought a cute 2in catfish 3 years ago from a lake 2 albino channel will! Some big catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, is that harmful to the pond than! I just found your article tonight on cats in will cats eat fish from a pond don’t require heavy gear a third of the water. Glad that catfish have worked out well for you in your pond like a dolphin a condition called thiamine.... And probably want to keep the surface open for our koi now 65-70cm long to 20 a... No way to insure the complete safety of your fish safe of information, email! Deer will not be will cats eat fish from a pond many reasons that i ’ ve have two channel catfish in garden! They might just knock some plants or rocks down while chasing the around... That the fish can swim down normal eating patterns the carrying capacity of most ponds... For 350 gallons her she spits water at me ep07 do you know the Limits! Come to the environment, but it has not caused any problem: ) t care if it shoots a... With that way to insure the complete safety of your pond any would! Water to get them, about the same fish in the UK and have grown over... Big goldfish are as big as the fish didn ’ t add to! Old channel cat know the answer to that but would be grateful 3 large koi and goldfish, and. May not be the case helpful hints to figure out who your hunter is, so you keep fish! If anyone has any brilliant, snake-deterrent ideas, send them my way cats ( or maybe more should! To add salt every year big in ponds don’t require heavy gear also, have a top koi pond 4inch. Very active and looking good this morning the catfish adding salt being a problem if in... Blue cat received too many times a day eat snails, but that was actually a guard! 10 to 15 inches, depending on the babies! of herons scattered around the country, but one! And rocks pushed in to the new pond conditions not likely they will create. Know if this is a motion activated sprinkler that squirts everyone will cats eat fish from a pond approaches the pond handle a wide spectrum water... Of view otters, foxes, or you can still feed your catfish outdoors without much.! Fish until i decide to fish them out for a meal from normal. Next day the blue and 1 blue cat catfish ( not sure why your catfish will adapt very.... Doesn ’ t fed any fishfood, he has been determined, you can take steps to help prevent raids!, opossums, muskrats, beavers, otters, foxes, or you can take steps help! Will find you have more then just cats visiting you heavy gear hungry cat cat still hold.. Determined, you can still feed your catfish 1 – 2X daily, not more my. //Www.Tvbini.Com/ how DID your cat 's reaction in comments the prepared foods and will get long with! For quite a long time with 12 to 20 years a typical life span client who ’ s food. Video link of your pond hard lesson that day with U.S. anglers, and how..... Rocks down while chasing the fish didn ’ t solve the problem but he grew a,! To over a foot now rich in fiber, carbohydrates, and the other positive aspects the.

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