Comet Goldfish

Comet goldfish are colorful like Koi but very hardy, these fish will not destroy your pond plants because they are not interested in eating foliage. Popular up until about a generation ago, there aren't many of these fish in shows now, but if you find one or two, these will do well in your pond.

Look for minimum body length of 3 inches with the caudal fin, a single forked fin with pointed extremity, carried high. Color will extend into the fins in healthy fish and can be metallic or calico. The calico fish usually has a blue base with violet, orange, yellow, red, and brown patches mixed throughout. Metallics look like burnished metal in shades of orange, yellow and red.

There are four basic classes of comet fish, in addition to the Koi that everyone seems to want. Goldfish, the classic pond fish are the classic orange color. Sarasa Comet, with red and white patterns is just as hardy as the classic comet is, and both range around 12 inches plus the fin. The Premium Comet, part of the Sarasa, with deeper reds and little white. And, finally the Shubunkin or calico fish distinguished by black spots on the body and tail fins.

The absolute best part of having comet fish is that they not only lend colorful interest to your pond but if you are not experienced in handling pond fish, these are great fish to place in the pond. They are very "forgiving" in terms of pond conditions, enduring variations in temperature and water quality. The comet also eats mosquitoes and pond algae, and can live as long as 14 years.

When all is said and done, having a few fish in your pond will add more than just color. Just be certain not to overcrowd your pond. A good rule of thumb is to provide a gallon of water for each inch of fish and remember that the fish you get now will not be the same size next year. "Happy fish keeping."

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