Wall Water Features

For owners of water features, fish question?

Last year something ate my koi and goldfish. I started to replenish the water feature with a few goldfish and they are hiding now for 2 weeks. When I poke into the rocks they will come out for a mini second. When will they stop being shy and just swim around? I have large areas between the rocks where there is room and they (now 2) are staying in there and not coming out not even when I am feeding them (or trying to feed) . My lost batch took awhile to get used to the environment but now this is going on 1 month! Guess the net will have to come over the area

Public Comments

1. you may have a wild animal such as a racoon or maybe even hawks or large predator birds eating your fish. if the new ones are hiding, it could be because something is disturbing the water, keeping them hidden. I would keep an eye out to see what it is that is disturbing them. also, fish like cool water. on a hot day they will swim deep. make sure also that you are circulating enough oxygen in the water.
2. They are protecting themselves from preditors, they obviously dont feel safe, maybe add more water lillies and things that will make them feel protected, birds may also be getting to them so it may be an idea to put a net across the pond.
3. cats.
4. The neighbors may be stealing them, as these fish can be very costly. If you spend a lot of time with them, they will let you pet them. I have heard that a cat can be trained to protect the fish.