Best Fish for a 90-Gallon Patio Pond

New 90-gal pond (photo shown). Koi, comets, or large goldfish—what fits?

Koi? No.

• Adult koi need 250+ gal each. 90 gal = stunted, stressed fish.

Goldfish? Yes.

• Comets, shubunkins, sarasas, wakins: hardy, colorful, stay 8–12".
• Rule of thumb: 1 inch fish per 20 gal → **3–4 goldfish max**.
• Standard comets overwinter best in Zone 6+ (Virginia).

Orfe? Maybe.

• Golden orfe need 150+ gal, schooling (3+), high oxygen. Marginal in 90 gal.

Recommendation

**Three comet goldfish.** Low cost, high resilience, beautiful. Upgrade pond later for koi.