Stardew Valley, the popular farming simulation game, offers players a chance to build and customize their dream farm, complete with a pond for fishing. With over 30 fish species to choose from, selecting the best fish for your pond can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Stardew Valley fishing and explore the best fish to put in your pond.
Understanding Pond Fish in Stardew Valley
Before we dive into the best fish for your pond, it’s essential to understand how pond fish work in Stardew Valley. Pond fish are a type of fish that can be placed in your farm’s pond, providing a source of food and income. There are several factors to consider when choosing pond fish, including:
- Gold Value: The amount of gold you’ll receive when selling the fish.
- Experience Points (XP): The amount of XP you’ll gain when catching the fish.
- Growth Rate: The time it takes for the fish to mature and be ready for harvesting.
- Space Requirements: The amount of space required for each fish in the pond.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Pond Fish
When selecting the best fish for your pond, consider the following factors:
- Gold Income: If you’re looking to maximize your gold income, choose fish with high gold values.
- XP Gain: If you’re looking to level up your fishing skill quickly, choose fish with high XP values.
- Space Efficiency: If you have limited pond space, choose fish with low space requirements.
- Growth Rate: If you want to harvest fish quickly, choose fish with fast growth rates.
Top 5 Fish for Your Stardew Valley Pond
Based on the factors mentioned above, here are the top 5 fish for your Stardew Valley pond:
1. Legendary Fish
- Gold Value: 5,000 – 10,000 gold
- XP: 1,000 – 2,000 XP
- Growth Rate: 28 days
- Space Requirements: 1 space
Legendary fish are the rarest and most valuable fish in Stardew Valley. They can be caught in the wild or obtained through other means, such as completing bundles or achievements. With their high gold value and XP gain, legendary fish are an excellent choice for your pond.
2. Crimsonfish
- Gold Value: 1,500 – 3,000 gold
- XP: 500 – 1,000 XP
- Growth Rate: 14 days
- Space Requirements: 1 space
Crimsonfish are a popular choice for ponds due to their high gold value and fast growth rate. They can be caught in the wild or obtained through fishing bundles.
3. Angler
- Gold Value: 1,000 – 2,000 gold
- XP: 300 – 600 XP
- Growth Rate: 10 days
- Space Requirements: 1 space
Anglers are a versatile fish that can be caught in various bodies of water. They have a moderate gold value and XP gain, making them a good choice for ponds.
4. Tiger Trout
- Gold Value: 800 – 1,600 gold
- XP: 200 – 400 XP
- Growth Rate: 7 days
- Space Requirements: 1 space
Tiger trout are a fast-growing fish with a moderate gold value and XP gain. They can be caught in the wild or obtained through fishing bundles.
5. Bream
- Gold Value: 600 – 1,200 gold
- XP: 150 – 300 XP
- Growth Rate: 5 days
- Space Requirements: 1 space
Bream are a fast-growing fish with a low gold value and XP gain. However, they are an excellent choice for ponds with limited space due to their low space requirements.
Other Fish to Consider
While the top 5 fish mentioned above are excellent choices for your pond, there are other fish worth considering:
- Goldfish: A low-maintenance fish with a low gold value and XP gain.
- Shad: A fast-growing fish with a moderate gold value and XP gain.
- Sturgeon: A slow-growing fish with a high gold value and XP gain.
Table: Fish Comparison
| Fish | Gold Value | XP | Growth Rate | Space Requirements |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| Legendary Fish | 5,000 – 10,000 | 1,000 – 2,000 | 28 days | 1 space |
| Crimsonfish | 1,500 – 3,000 | 500 – 1,000 | 14 days | 1 space |
| Angler | 1,000 – 2,000 | 300 – 600 | 10 days | 1 space |
| Tiger Trout | 800 – 1,600 | 200 – 400 | 7 days | 1 space |
| Bream | 600 – 1,200 | 150 – 300 | 5 days | 1 space |
Conclusion
Choosing the best fish for your Stardew Valley pond depends on your goals and preferences. Whether you’re looking to maximize your gold income, level up your fishing skill quickly, or optimize your pond space, there’s a fish that suits your needs. By considering the factors mentioned above and choosing the right fish for your pond, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving and profitable fishing operation in Stardew Valley.
Final Tips and Recommendations
- Experiment with different fish: Try out different fish in your pond to see which ones work best for you.
- Keep your pond clean: Regularly clean your pond to keep your fish healthy and happy.
- Upgrade your fishing gear: Invest in better fishing gear to increase your chances of catching rare fish.
- Join a fishing community: Connect with other Stardew Valley players to learn new fishing strategies and share tips.
By following these tips and recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master fisherman in Stardew Valley. Happy fishing!
What are the best fish to put in my Stardew Valley pond?
The best fish to put in your Stardew Valley pond depend on your personal preferences and goals. If you’re looking to make a profit, fish like the Legendary Fish, Crimsonfish, and Anglerfish are highly valuable and can be sold for a lot of gold. On the other hand, if you’re looking to create a beautiful and diverse pond ecosystem, you may want to consider adding a variety of fish species, such as the Bream, Sunfish, and Tiger Trout.
It’s also worth considering the size and growth rate of the fish when deciding which ones to add to your pond. Some fish, like the Legendary Fish, can grow quite large and may require a bigger pond to thrive. Others, like the Bream, are smaller and can do well in smaller ponds. Be sure to research the specific needs and characteristics of each fish species before adding them to your pond.
How do I choose the right fish for my pond’s size and type?
When choosing fish for your Stardew Valley pond, it’s essential to consider the size and type of your pond. Different fish species have different space and water quality requirements, so it’s crucial to choose fish that are compatible with your pond’s conditions. For example, if you have a small pond, you may want to choose smaller fish species like the Bream or Sunfish. If you have a larger pond, you can consider adding larger fish species like the Legendary Fish or Anglerfish.
Additionally, you should also consider the water quality and type of your pond. Some fish species prefer freshwater, while others prefer saltwater or brackish water. Make sure to choose fish that are compatible with your pond’s water type and quality. You can also use items like water features and decorations to improve the water quality and create a more diverse ecosystem in your pond.
Can I mix different fish species in the same pond?
In Stardew Valley, you can mix different fish species in the same pond, but it’s essential to choose species that are compatible with each other. Some fish species may not get along or may have different space and water quality requirements. For example, if you’re planning to add a Legendary Fish to your pond, it’s best to keep it separate from other fish species, as it can be quite aggressive and may eat smaller fish.
However, mixing different fish species can also create a more diverse and interesting pond ecosystem. Just make sure to research the specific needs and characteristics of each fish species before adding them to your pond. You can also use items like fish food and decorations to create a more harmonious and thriving ecosystem in your pond.
How do I care for the fish in my Stardew Valley pond?
To care for the fish in your Stardew Valley pond, you’ll need to make sure they have enough food, space, and suitable water quality. You can use items like fish food to feed your fish and keep them healthy. You can also use items like water features and decorations to improve the water quality and create a more diverse ecosystem in your pond.
Additionally, you should also make sure to check on your fish regularly and remove any dead or diseased fish from the pond. You can also use items like the Fishing Rod to catch and remove any unwanted fish from the pond. By providing proper care and attention, you can create a thriving and diverse pond ecosystem in Stardew Valley.
Can I breed fish in my Stardew Valley pond?
In Stardew Valley, you can breed fish in your pond by adding a Fish Pond to your farm. The Fish Pond allows you to breed fish and produce fish eggs, which can be sold or used to hatch new fish. To breed fish, you’ll need to add two adult fish of the same species to the Fish Pond and make sure they have enough food and space.
Once the fish have bred, you’ll receive fish eggs, which can be incubated in the Fish Pond to hatch new fish. You can also use items like fish food and decorations to improve the breeding process and increase the chances of successful breeding. Breeding fish can be a fun and rewarding way to create new fish species and add diversity to your pond ecosystem.
How do I protect my fish from predators in Stardew Valley?
In Stardew Valley, there are several predators that can threaten the fish in your pond, including otters, raccoons, and birds. To protect your fish from predators, you can use items like the Scarecrow or the Bird-Scaring Machine to scare them away. You can also use items like the Pond Fence to create a barrier around your pond and prevent predators from getting in.
Additionally, you can also use items like the Fish Pond Cover to cover your pond and prevent predators from accessing it. You can also make sure to check on your pond regularly and remove any predators that may be lurking nearby. By taking these precautions, you can protect your fish from predators and create a safe and thriving pond ecosystem.
Can I release fish from my Stardew Valley pond into the wild?
In Stardew Valley, you can release fish from your pond into the wild by using the Fishing Rod to catch them and then releasing them into a nearby body of water. Releasing fish into the wild can be a great way to create a more diverse and thriving ecosystem in the game.
However, be sure to research the specific needs and characteristics of each fish species before releasing them into the wild. Some fish species may not be suitable for release into the wild, and may require special care and attention. Additionally, make sure to check the local fishing regulations and ensure that you are not releasing invasive species that could harm the local ecosystem.