In cold climates, the biggest risk to pond fish isn’t the cold itself, it’s a frozen surface trapping gases underneath.
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What Actually Changes
Fish slow their metabolism dramatically and largely stop eating as water temperature drops, settling near the pond bottom where water stays warmer.
The Real Danger
A fully ice-sealed surface traps decomposition gases with nowhere to escape, which can poison fish even though the water itself isn’t the problem. Keeping a small opening in the ice matters more than the cold temperature does.
