Goldfish Stocking, Growth, Salt Use, and Color Changes in an Ontario Pond

Pond Specs

8×4 ft, 3.5 ft deep ≈ 800 gallons. 12 goldfish (4–5 inches). Five are black/orange from a “mud pond.”

Stocking Limit

800 gal supports ~15–20 goldfish (40–50 gal/fish). 12 is fine; don’t exceed 20.

Growth Potential

Comets reach 12–14 inches; fancy varieties stay smaller.

Salt Use

Use pure sodium chloride (pond salt or non‑iodized table salt). Avoid iodized/table salt with additives.

Color Change Myth

Goldfish color is genetic/dietary, not from sun or mud. Black juveniles often turn orange/white over months–years. The “mud pond” story is folklore.

Photo Sharing

Forum for photos: Fishpondinfo Forum.