Fish can find their way into all manner of ponds
Mosquitofish, commonly known as gambusia, are a small, hardy fish used to help prevent the spread of mosquitoes. The New Zealand Department of Conservation has found mosquitofish to be ineffective in controlling a mosquito population, but their use is still widespread. Even if unwanted, mosquitofish can find their way into your pond through a variety of transportation methods. Does this Spark an idea?
Survival
Mosquitofish are expert survivors, which is one of the reasons that you will find them swimming in your pond, even if you didn't put them there. Gambusia can survive in several different climates, including temperatures ranging from 1 to 35 degrees Celsius. They are also tolerant of salinity, low oxygen and pollutants. On top of being hardy, gambusia also reproduce rapidly, with a female producing an average of 50 fry, or baby fish, nine times a year.
Overflow
One of the easiest ways for fish to get into a pond is through overflow. Heavy rains and melting snow are just two of the ways that water can move from one body to another. When a lake or river overflows, it creates a channel which fish can swim up in their continuous search for food. These temporary streams occasionally run into small ponds and lakes that previously had no fish in them.
Birds
Birds have been reported to carry fish in their mouths and transport them to ponds.
Several organizations, including the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, have discredited the idea that birds can help transport fish from one body of water to another, but many pond owners still consider it to be viable. Birds are reported to be able to carry fish eggs attached to their feet and in their mouths. Although Mosuitofish do not lay eggs, it is possible that fry and even small adults are transported in the same way. Birds with large bills, like pelicans and storks, often carry water from one pond to another, with the potential to transport small fish as well.
People
Even if you monitor your pond closely, it isn't possible to watch it 24 hours a day. During this time, a person can dump water that they have collected into your pond. This water may contain fry or adult fish. Fish can also be placed into a pond, whether through malicious intent or in an effort to control mosquitoes, without your knowledge.
Accident
Even the most careful pond owners can accidentally dump water containing mosquitofish fry into their pond. This can happen when water from a lake or boat is put into a bucket, and then the bucket is dumped into the pond. Some species of fish can also be hard to tell apart, so mosquitofish may be mistaken for a more desirable type of fish.
Plants
According to the Fish Information Service, many egg laying fish like to lay their eggs on plants. When building a pond it is possible that some of the plants used to decorate contained fish eggs. This is most probable if the plants were taken from a lake or stream.
Tags: your pond, into pond, carry fish, dump water, find their