Posted by Bill on November 11, 2005 at 14:32:07:
In Reply to: Re: eating my plants! posted byandrew davis on November 11, 2005 at 12:10:09:
This may not be a universally held opinion, but I believe that fish eat plants in general portionally to the number of plants, fish and food. Of course, with Winter coming on this may not be the best time to test this theory, but some believe that if Koi are eating the plants, you're not feeding them enough. It would also seem the more plants in proportion to fish the less appealing (or maybe just noticeable) the plants become. I have often heard the belief that koi= no plants. I have seen enough ponds with unprotected plants to think maybe this isn't so. Goldfish will nibble at the tender stuff but I doubt they are a major consideration. Unfortunately I also believe fish are creatures of habit. If they are now used to foraging your plants, they may continue to be.
As far as varieties - I was given some Korean Sunrise one time. This did seem to be a real delicacy for my fish - otherwise just nibbling here and there. I have koi and goldfish along with anacharis, cabomba, parrots feather and water penny, and lots of lilies. If I wasn't constantly giving it away the water penny and anacharis would fill the pond, above and below.
All my fish are two years or younger. My observations may be different when they get bigger. HTH
Bill