Cold water fish?

[Jacob Hill-Legion Aquatics]

I was wondering if there is any fish that can go all year in Calgary Alberta? The winter temps easily get as cold as -20c (-4f) but usually somewhere in between-20c and -30c (-22f) sometimes it could even get colder every once in a while. If I insulated the pond and added a top during the winter is there any fish that would do fine in such extreme temperatures?

[mynameisnobody]

@Jacob Hill-Legion Aquatics what is in your local waterways? I’d say that would probably be it for what can survive in those temps. I know salmon and trout can go much colder than tropical species, but they require a ridiculous water current and a large setup. Let us know what you come up with. 

[Jacob Hill-Legion Aquatics]

@mynameisnobody its illegal to keep fish native to Alberta here so that's not an option

[mynameisnobody]

@Jacob Hill-Legion Aquatics To my knowledge, there is literally nothing in the hobby that can go that low in temp. Have you asked your LFS? 

[Scapexghost]

Ask local fisherman about what they use as bait fish

[Jacob Hill-Legion Aquatics]

On 2/24/2023 at 10:37 PM, mynameisnobody said:

@Jacob Hill-Legion Aquatics To my knowledge, there is literally nothing in the hobby that can go that low in temp. Have you asked your LFS? 

I haven’t but I’ll probably just bring fish in for the winter like a usually do but it would be cool if I could leave something outside all year. 

[Biotope Biologist]

Water will likely freeze at that temp meaning the water below will be insulated. It likely won’t actually drop below 56 degrees. As for fish that like those temps it’s your typical goldfish and certain species of bait fish like minnows and bass. 
 

It’s unfortunate to not be able to keep native fish. US and Canada are similar in that regard. Id argue sportsfish and carp have done more damage than good, but all we can do is abide by the rules and scream in our pillows at night.

[BlueLineAquaticsSC]

If I remember correctly from high school science class, once a body of water reaches a certain depth (only like 1 or 2 ft) then the bottom of that water will always be 4f or warmer. Not sure if I am remembering that right but I do know your water near the bottom isn’t that cold unless it is literally frozen solid top to bottom. I’d try feeder comets to see if they live and experiment from there.

Edited February 26, 2023 by BlueLineAquaticsSC