CAN I PUT MY AQUARIUM GOLDFISH INTO MY POND?

In cold weather your goldfish won't survive the shock of being suddenly moved to a cold outdoor pond. "During summer months you might get away with this, as pond temperatures will likely be closer to those indoors." Says Dr Peter Burgess. "Wait for the warmest few days and do it in one go. Just float the fish in a large plastic bag (shielded from any direct sunlight) for half an hour before releasing into the pond." "One other risk is that the pond is likely to harbour more types of pathogens and parasites than a relatively hygienic aquarium," warns Dr Burgess. "Well established pond goldfish will have built up some immunity to these "pond bugs" but an aquarium goldfish may be more susceptible." Ordinary goldfish are fine for ponds but fancy varieties with bulging eyes, longer fins or shortened bodies, usually won't survive in them.