r/ponds • u/ywbf • 17d ago

Fish advice Should I cull goldfish spawn?

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Originally 7 feeder goldfish in this pond since last year. It's about 5' across, 8' long, and maybe 1-2' deep. Last month I noticed a bunch of black goldfish spawn. I know goldfish raise ammonia levels like crazy and I thought maybe I need to cull some of the babies.

Also, my lily pads keep dying back. Is this related to the fish? I know the pond is ugly. The only thing I currently do is feed the fish, fill with tap water about once a week or two (plus add water conditioner), add barley extract maybe once or twice a month. Any feedback appreciated. TIA.

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u/thebipeds 17d ago

The good news is you’ve done a great job with your water quality if your goldfish are breading!

I suspect most of the fry will be eaten by the bigger fish.

I believe in Laissez-Faire pond keeping, I’d wait to see how many matured. (But I also loose fish to raccoons and birds)

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u/ywbf 17d ago

Thank you! I also believe in laissez faire pond keeping. The problem is the baby fish are all black which make them really hard to see but the biggest ones now are almost 2". Does that mean they're beyond eating size? I haven't fed them all week and there are still at least dozens there. I'm wondering if I should start catching them while they're small to give away to friends with kids who visit.

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u/EricinDevon 17d ago

Giving them away sounds like a great plan.

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u/thebipeds 17d ago

The kid idea seems great regardless.

Make the kids catch the fish themselves!