Heron Came For Breakfast!

[Villy Valley]

Hi

Have lost all the big colourful fish to a heron to called for breakfast a few months ago. Left the pond as it had frog life in it and looking to restock. Can now see that some of the baby fish must have survived as there are about a dozen black fish (3cm) in the pond. Will they stay black or will they change colour and if so how old will they be before they do.

Thanks

Villy Valley

 

[tjp]

i HATE herons ....its ashame seeing all ur fish just gone ...... ... the black fish ar probualy baby goldfish .... i fink they must be about 7-8 months old before they go orange . but in not sure

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I agree the black fish are mostly likely goldfish, maybe comet goldfish as you often see young black ones which later turn orange.

Herons have benefitted from 40years of protected status (and can live for 20 years). Herons can starve in colder winters, but being a smart bird it doesn't just sit in a ditch and shiver but flaps over to empty your goldfish pond.
Few things dissuade a hungry and determined heron and they have been seen swimming on ponds and diving- not just stabbing from a perch near the surface. They get up earlier in the morning than you do too.
A free-range dog may do the trick- or herons are said to detest peacocks. Neither of these are easy options for the water gardener so deterrents- icy blasts of water from a movement detector or electrified wire around the pond are a common choice. Some people put fine netting over he pond which helps prevent the goldfish getting snatched by cats too, but adding cover in general from plants like lillies which help give your pond and fish loads more protection in general as fish will instinctively seek cover when they feel threatened .