Pond fish - mating problem

[Charley30]

Hi,

I am new to this site and hope that someone can help! My father built a largish pond around 18 months ago and put 18 fish (ranging from 2 carp, 1 shrubunkin and the rest goldfish). He did all the right things and they seem very happy in their environment, so much so that they mated, and mated and they can't seem to stop! He now has over 60 babies all ranging from 1 year to very recently born. Now my dad thinks that fish only have one mating season, but my argument is that they seem to be mating all year long. Just last week when i was housesitting i saw two fish at the bottom of the pond circling one another. Is this part of the mating ritual? Are they mating constantly because of the warm weather? Please help settle this argument. They are getting very big, very quickly and we will soon have to think about giving them away.

thanks

Charlotte

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

We have the same problem. Fish will mate all summer if the conditions are right for them to do so i.e correct water temps

This year we've not been feeding the fish after they've spawned for a couple of days, that way they generally eat most of the eggs they've just laid plus fish eggs are full of protein for them

[Charley30]

Thanks for that. The thing is, we have no idea when the fish have spawned! The ponds is so full of plants and foliage, we have no idea whats happening until we have lots of little fish babies swimming around! Maybe they should event some form of fish contraception!!!!

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

If the pond is clearish, you should be able to see the fish spawning, which usually involves a lot of chasing around and spashing i doubt they'll do it again until next spring now