Pond Fish

[Gill1941]

Anyone have an idea as to what would have taken all the fish in my pond?

I had about 50 including a large Blue Tench which my step grandson put there a few years ago. That was precious as he died last year - only 26.

Only remains was head of the tench on lawn. No bones or anything else.

No sign of any others and none coming for food.

I've had one or two taken in the past by a heron. This isn't that as they just swallow not eat.

[dustypuss]

Otters probably If you live near a water course. 

[Gill1941]

That was my first thought but live no where near water on edge of town. Garden surrounded by 4-5 foot high wall.

Still keep thinking otter but thought that was absurb.

Had the pond for about 35 years and nothings happened like this before.

[douglas9401]

Maybe a new cat in town.

[Prudie]

Are you saying nearly 50 fish have disappered in one go? or have they been slowly disappearing over time or are you asking what happened to one headless tench on the lawn, I'm confused...

[DDIL]

Herons have been known to leave behind if particular large fish and the get disturbed.

My dad had an amazing ghost koi pond and our labs kept bringing in bits of fish!! When we watched the heron was disturbed by the dogs bit in half swallowed and flew off leaving bits behind.

[Gill1941]

Prudie, I can't say they all went overnight but there were a lot there a couple of days ago. It was only the head left on the lawn as I said. No bones - nothing. Just the head perfectly severed.

Tench as I said was given me by now deceased grandson.

I know why I rarely post on this site, douglas. Facetious remarks are not necessary.

 

[Prudie]

Not meaning to worry you but is there any chance someone (ie humans) has come in and stolen them. Pond fish are worth a lot of money and stealing things like Koi carp is well known. The tench head, if it's perfectly severed it suggests a knife surely?

[naomi24]

It could be a number of predators.

 

//For species such as herons who have evolved to spend hours hunting brown fishes in murky water, the combination of clear water and colourful fish is a dream come true! Other creatures that pose a threat include cats, foxes, crows and humans to name a few.//

 

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/faq/how-do-i-stop-predators-eating-my-pond-fish

 

[Gill1941]

Thanks for link, naomi but it's going to be unsolved.

Five foot high wall and gates (bolted) round back garden.

Even near neighbours wouldn't know it was there.

12' x 8' and 3' deep very murky water can only see fish if they surface for food.

So not humans also why would they kill the best fish? And take rest.

Surrounding loose, large stones around pond undisturbed.

I give up. Might buy some more goldfish and get my son to put out camera I used to see hedgehogs with.