Vanishing Fish

[rana]

I have a formal pond (5'x9') with goldfish which at this time of year do a complete disappearing act for about 2 weeks. They stay well away from the surface and don't come up to feed. This has happenbed before and I am baffled as to what is going on.................any suggestions?

[digthatchick]

They could well be eating tadpoles!

[lottie dolly]

if you near water it could be the heron,we often get the things on a flypast,and have had some fish in the earlyer days of the pond,we got some large pipe in the pond bottom,this is where the fish go for protection,

[rana]

Yes there is the odd heron about and I have lost fish in the past to them but why does the temporary disappearance always happen at this time of year?

[blackkitty]

I've been told that when there's heavy rain the Heron's can't see their prey in the rivers so they start hunting in garden ponds. I have noticed that my fish are a little more nervous a few days after heavy rain.

[TEB]

In my case its because if they come any where near the surface they get caught and then wacked on the head (or given to my neighbour) but I would imaginge its because of the tadpoles or emerging dragonfly larvae (do they eat this).

[rana]

All the tadpoles were eaten weeks ago but there are certainly emerging dragon/damsel -flies. TEB, why do you whack 'em?

[TEB]

We just wanted a wildlife pond, but it had about 80 fish in when we moved here, son in law took about 60 and we forced about 20 on the neighbour when an otter killed a lot of his, we just cannot catch the last remaining 7, dont know what breed they are just that they are black and getting big.

[NOG]

Are they mating? Its about the right time of year.

[rana]

Are they mating?

Could be - do they prefer to mate in the dark then ?

[NOG]

they make bubble nests on the bottom.....i think.

[bob1950]

hi rana, a heron is taking your fish ,or possibly a cat? you will need to put some netting over the pond if you want to keep your fish. hope this helps, Bob.