We recently installed a new pool and inherited 13 fish rescued from a neglected pond. I was told they might be shabunkins, but have since identified them as golden orfes and 2 sarassas gold fish. We now have 12-? minnows ranging from red/orange to golden (some with red/orange spots) and 3-4 black and orange calicos; even though theses have not been seen for 3-4 days. Can the 2 species interbreed ? Why do they eat or chew tail & dorsal fins? I have lost 1 of the goldfish and 2 orfes because of this. Our pond is approx 22 X 13 feet with a waterfall and skimmer/filtering system. Should we cull some of the larger fish? How do we net them? (they are incredibly fast.)
Orfe cannot produce young with goldfish. All varieties of goldfish can interbreed.
The orfe are nipping each others fins? I've never had that problem. The pond sounds large enough. Could the fin damage be due to the move, spawning, or predators bothering them?
Could the "minnows" just be baby goldfish? Baby orfe look like their parents but a little more orangey. Goldfish are many more times likely to spawn and have babies than orfe in an ornamental pond. I've never found baby orfe in my pond in 10 years even though I think they've spawned; I have had a lot of baby goldfish.
I don't believe in culling especially for what may not be a problem. Orfe are hard to catch. You could try a large net or a kick seine.
Good luck with your pond!
Hi Carolw,
Do you have hiding places in your pond? I was having a problem with fish being aggressive (biting, eating, "fighting") towards each other. I went to my local pond place (Bayville Koi and Water Gardens) (I only have goldfish, tho)
Anyway, I bought these plastic "boxes" that are rectangular. They go in upside down, in other words so the bottom of the box is up and you place a plant on it to weight it. There are openings on each of the 4 sides. I bought 2 and now the fish have a hiding or resting place. It divides up the pond nicely. On one "box" I have and Iris and on the other an Elephant ear.
The fish are happy.