Watching mottled butterflies in the garden pond can be quite tranquil, especially when they come to the surface and snap at the mosquitoes flying by. And they are also among the frugal pond inhabitants who adapt excellently to the water quality at any time of the year.
What are the benefits of Moderlieschen in the garden pond?
Moderlieschen are popular garden pond inhabitants that are adaptable and easy to keep. They prefer water temperatures of 18-20 °C, feed on insects and algae and can overwinter in the pond. For a he althy population, it is recommended to use at least eight to ten schooling fish.
Relatively undemanding in terms of the size and equipment of the water basin, easy to keep and satisfied with insects and aquatic animals from the surrounding area as food, it is no wonder that the lizards are one of the most popular fish species in the garden pond. Since they like to live in company, it is best to add eight to ten of the cute schooling fish to your ornamental pond, which will then ensure that there is as much mosquito freedom around the bank as possible.
Profile of the Moderlieschen
- Length: 8 to 12 cm;
- preferred environment: just below the water surface at approx. 18 to 20 °C;
- Overwintering: possible directly in the pond;
- Appearance: blue-silver scales with a sleek figure;
- Diet: mosquito larvae, hoppers, water fleas, algae;
- Additional feeding: possible with all commercially available types of fish food (€20.00 on Amazon);
- very adaptable even in small fish ponds;
Moderlieschen are frugal pool fish
This means that the animals that prefer to live in swarms also feel very comfortable in smaller garden ponds that are not quite as clean. They like to stay in planted bank areas and are quite resistant to occasional cold and sub-zero temperatures. However, the pond should not freeze completely, otherwise the oxygen supply to the animals is at risk.
Moderlieschen and animal welfare
As more and more naturally formed ponds in our environment are being drained, the distribution of soft lizards has declined significantly in recent years. Although we still often find them on quarry lakes and flood ponds today, they are among the endangered and therefore protected animal species and are on the Red List. Therefore, it is better not to get the animals at the nearest village pond, but rather in one of the aquarium shops for around 2 euros.
Modern flies and their ability to reproduce
Under optimal living conditions, the animals tend to reproduce relatively quickly. Pond owners often report that a group of four to five animals can turn into a swarm of over 100 moorlies within a few months and without any action.
Tip
In the case of rapidly growing populations, please note that, according to the Red List, it is not permitted to release the lizards into native waters. The settlement of natural predators such as perch, trout, birds and cats is more helpful.
