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Ponds & Aquatic Plants

Scared fish still hiding after a week

14 years ago

Hi guys. Last week on the 23 of May something took 3 of my biggest fish. Now it's over a week and the other 4 are still hiding. I bought a few more smaller ones and now even though I have the pond covered with net and nothing can get them they're still hiding, including the new ones. I'm tossing food in, the sinking kind, but haven't seen anyone eating...how long do you think they'll hide and why are they acting scared of me now. I guess no one can answer that, but how long before I need to worry...

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Comments (6)

squirelette
14 years ago
Hi,
Even though you have the pond covered now that does not mean that the predator is not still coming around trying to get in. If that is the case the fish will continue to hide from any movement above the water. They will also continue to hide for a while after until they feel safe again. It will take a long time if there is not much movement around the pond less if there is regular movement. They are likely coming out after you leave to feed because they are associating your shadow and movement with danger now instead of food.
cheryl217
Original Author
14 years ago
Ok, so here I am trying to stay away so I don't scare them more and all that does is scare them more...you'd think after having this pond for 7 years I'd know better...
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Hi Aggierose Your question is one that I've asked myself as a new pond owner, as well as millions of others. An outdoor fish pond is not like an aquarium in which you can stroll up to the glass and see your fish. As experienced fish owners had once given me advice and millions before them, have patience. Your fish can feel the vibrations of your footsteps through the water. This in itself with a new enviroment will freak fish out. It will take a long time before your fish become accustomed to your shadow and your vibrations. I've had my pond for a year and a half, with daily work, I finally got them to hand feed. My advice is to sit on the side of the pond, on a rock or chair when you have allot of time. Grad a beer or glass of wine, possible a good book and relax. When you do start seeing your fish, remember any sudden movement such as a flick of the arm to throw food will scare them. It's almost as a hunter waiting for their prey. I used to thumb flip a pellet or two so its available to them. I hope this helps...Craig
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Comments (2)
New fish always hide at first. Having the water clear up can give them an un-secure feeling as well. They know predators come from the sky. Be patient and they will come around. There are coons in your area even if you don't see them. Having the pond close to the house does not deter them. We watch them from our front window and they lick the BBQ grills if we forgot to shut the lid. They prowl our neighborhood every night. However, they would mess up your plants if they were visiting your pond. They will find it eventually though. They always do. Herons and kingfishers come very early in the morning at dawn and aren't always spotted either. Both are present here in the Willamette Valley. Kingfishers make a squawking sound like a Scrub Jay crossed with a machine gun. Very distinctive. They've cleaned me out more than once. I'm sorry to sound so negative but you've got too many fish already in a pond that small. Please don't add any more. That koi will grow to two feet long in no time with proper nutrition, most won't advise keeping koi in ponds under 1000 gallons and three feet deep.
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Howdy, Winter, the season of mites and other pests! Mike, do you not spray Fish Emulsion indoors because of its wonderful scent? lol. Why not try odor-less? Heck, if I can endure the smell, surely you can. Mike, you and I have discussed the mite topic repeatedly, so you're aware of the ingredients added in my home-made insecticide. Fish Emulsion alone should prevent mites and/or kill small amounts, but when highly infested, it may not be sufficient. Besides FE, I add 2 drops dish soap, red pepper, mouth wash, garlic, and citrus rind/liquid. Am I missing an ingredient or two? Insects detest these scents. When I had the energy, lol, I'd spray indoor plants with the above ingredients, minus Fish Emulsion every other week. Fish Emulsion and additives are applied, 'foliar spray,' four times a year. Spring, summer and autumn, mid-winter...autumn, before plants are brought back indoors. Citrus were mite-free. And yes, the house had a fishy odor, but it only lasted three/four days..Besides, my plants are worth a little discomfort. lol. The best part is Fish Emulsion is organic, chemical-free. Breathing FE will not harm humans or pets, nor will other additives. Plus, it works as a foliar feeding. No leaf or root burn. Anyway, thought I'd add my 2-cents. It's odd, although I clicked the 'receive a notification email,' I haven't received emails..that is until this morning..from you Mike. PS...Where's the sun? Toni
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hardin
14 years ago
What you might do, is toss food in and walk away. Then toss in and hang around for awhile, sitting quietly, and then moving around normally after a few more days. They will get used to you again.
kalevi
14 years ago
Big bird visited my pond last week. The fish are still staying deep but at least I was able to get a head count when I fed them sinking food. I lost one of my largest red golfish. I saw the heron from my kitchen window, after he was done eating.

This happens a couple of times a year but I consider it population control. My pond is 3' deep in the middle and the heron usually gets 1 fish which traumatizes the rest to hide. It takes a couple of weeks for them to behave normally.
cheryl217
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks everyone! I noticed today that even though they are still huddling I can at least see some of them...
lsst
14 years ago
I added a new fish to the pond and it took 6 weeks for her to feed with the others. I actually thought something had happened to her as once I put her in the pond, she disappeared until one day she schooled with the others to feed.

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