FISH SUITABLE FOR GARDEN FISH FARMING

Rainbow trout

This fish was introduced into British waters from western parts of USA at the end nineteen century. It is an attractive fish, with a lateral pink or red strip that runs along its silver sides. Its sides, black,dorsal and caudal fins are densely covered with black spots. To some extent it resembles the British brown trout in appearance and  habit but it is distinctly more colorful. Other important differences are that the rainbow trout will tolerate  will tolerate a rather higher temperature, a rather lower oxygen content in the water and somewhat less clear water than the brown trout, which revels in cold, sparking waters.

These differences make it  make it possible to keep rainbow trout in comparatively small garden ponds, in which the small volume of water gives rise to wider temperature fluctuations. In occasional heat wider conditions, when the temperature might rise to a dangerously high level. It is wise to have facilitates available to cool the water by removing some of it and slowly feeding in cooler water form the mains. It also helps to shade the pool with Hessian on very hot days.

Rainbow trout feed naturally on a range of adult insects and larvae the mayfly is a particular  favorite. The  older ones prey on other fish. When they are kept in a pool in a garden they will find a considerable part of there diet for themselves but obtain a good growth rate, It is necessary to supplement this. They can be given household scraps especially if the scraps contain a small amount of meat, chopped-up earthworms, which are particular favorite, maggots, which can usually be obtained form a fishing tackle shop, minced meat-the cheapest kinds of course such, as lights, fish-meal pellets and pellets containing a complete ration.

Like other fish, give an unlimited supply trout always eat a definite amount,which might differ from day to day, but which is relatively constant over a longer period. Research, however suggests that if the amount of food that is allowed, suggests that if the amount of food that is allowed is limited so that their appetite is not quite fully satisfied. They automatically use the food more efficiently. So do not over-feed them, because they grow equally well when the quantity  of food is restricted. If possible, try to obesrved how much they will eat voluntarily, and then cut the amount give to just a little below this.

Stocking a fish pool 

In a newly constructed fishpond, fish may be in-traduced about two weeks after planting, by which time the oxygenating plants should be established. In an old pool with existing plants the fish can be put in immediately  When introductions fish into a new fish into a new pool, you must provide supplementary food for about a year or until surplus food is left  by the fish, whichever is the sooner. Doing this will help insects etc.to reproduce to provide natural food.

As a rough guide, introduce one fish per 2 sq. ft (1860sq.cm) irrespective of the size of the fish when they are first introduced. There will then be ample space for growth. The size of the new stock can vary quite can considerably. Naturally the smaller ones are cheaper and the larger ones more expensive but the latter are ready for the table earlier. Suggested size are rainbow trout 2½-4ins (6.25-7.5cm) long;carp 2½-4 ins (6.25-10cm) long; and tench 2½-4 ins (6.25-10cm) long. Be guided on the question of size by th upplier, who is familiar whit his stock.

small carp and tench of the size given above can be safely introduced between September and April. Some people prefer to introduce them later rather than earlier, possibly in April. Rainbow trout are also better moved at this later date, however this is a matter on which it is best to seek the advice, is a matter on which it is best so seek the advice of the supplier when ordering.

When a sizable quantity is involved, fish are delivered in will-oxygenated tanks, by rode. Very small orders of young fish are packed in oxygenated filled polythene bags inside strong cardboard boxes and dispatched by

express passenger train to the buyer's nearest railway station for collection. The buyer is informed by telephone beforehand. Delivery of fish is very expensive and it is better wherever possible to collect them form the neatest fish farm by prior arrangement.

When the fish arrived they should be put into the pool as soon as possible. They should not handled because  this is likely to injure them. The container in  which they are delivered should be opened and placed under water. It is possible to put some carp into the same pool as rainbow trout, providing tho pool is not allowed to get very warm and is dept well oxygenated. It is suggested  that the percentage of carp should be not more than percentage of carp should be not more than 40 per cent of the total. 

Where to buy fish

Although number of garden centers, commercial water gardens and per stores  stock ornamental fish. Very few sell edible fresh-water fish. Some,however, have contacts and can obtain supplies for a customer. Thought the country thee are numerous fish farms form which trout, carp and tench can be bought. Numbers of these advertise in the sporting magazines. It is cheapest to find a local supplier from whom you can collect, so use the telephone directory  yellow pages. Although it is not exhaustive, a list of names  and addresses of  selected fish farms throughout Britain is given in the Appendix.