The Ultimate Guide to Fish Ponds in Stardew Valley (2024-2025 Edition)
Which Fish Should You Toss in the Pond? (Spoiler: Not Your Ex)
Ah, the Fish Pond—Stardew Valley’s answer to aquaculture, passive income, and the age-old question: “What happens if I dump a bunch of Blobfish in a hole?” Whether you’re playing vanilla, Stardew Valley Expanded (SVE), or the shiny new 1.6 update, this guide will help you pick the best fish for fish ponds without turning your farm into a watery graveyard of regret.
Why Even Bother With Fish Ponds?
Before we dive in (pun absolutely intended), let’s address the real question: Are fish ponds worth it?
✅ Passive Income – Roe, caviar, and occasional goodies.
✅ Resources – Some fish poop out geodes, ore, or even Prismatic Shards (looking at you, Rainbow Trout).
✅ Completionist Flex – Need Caviar for 100% Perfection? Better get a Sturgeon.
✅ Aesthetic Vibes – Nothing says “I’m a fancy farmer” like a pond full of Lava Eels.
Now, let’s break down the best fish for fish ponds in every scenario—early game, late game, SVE, and even legendary fish (because why not?).
🏆 Best Fish for Fish Ponds (1.6 & 2024 Meta)
The Top-Tier Money Makers
These fish turn your pond into an ATM (Aquatic Treasure Machine).
- 🔥 Lava Eel – The GOAT of fish ponds.
- Roe sells for 760g (1,330g with Artisan).
- Occasionally coughs up Magma Geodes & Spicy Eel.
- Looks metal as heck.
- 👾 Blobfish – The ugly duckling of profits.
- Roe worth 1,000g (1,750g with Artisan).
- Rarely drops Pearls (cha-ching!).
- Found at the Night Market submarine.
- 🐟 Sturgeon – Not the best money, but essential for Caviar (Perfection requirement).
- Roe turns into Caviar (500g → 700g with Artisan).
- A must-have for Community Center completionists.
Early-Game Fish Ponds (When You’re Broke & Desperate)
If you’re still rocking a rusty fishing pole and eating algae for energy, try these:
- 🐠 Super Cucumber – Easy to catch, decent roe, and a small chance for Iridium Ore (hello, early sprinklers!).
- 🐡 Carp – The “I have no standards” option.
- Fast breeding, but roe is worthless (sorry, Carp).
- 🐟 Sardine – Quick to multiply, but only slightly better than Carp.
⚡ Best Fish for Fish Ponds in Stardew Valley Expanded (SVE)
SVE adds new fish, so if you’re modding, here are the MVPs:
- 🌊 Dulse Seaweed – Not a fish, but produces Seaweed & Algae (great for fertilizer).
- ☢️ Radioactive Bass – Drops Radioactive Ore & Iridium (because why not glow in the dark?).
- 👻 Void Eel – High-value roe + Void Essence (for those late-night witchy vibes).
🎣 Can You Put Legendary Fish in Ponds?
Great question! Most legendary fish can’t be ponded (they’re too cool for school), but there are two exceptions:
- 🐉 The Legend – Yes, you can flex with this bad boy in a pond.
- 🧟 Mutant Carp – Lives in the sewer and doesn’t do much, but hey, it’s a legendary!
The others (Crimsonfish, Glacierfish, Angler, Ms. Angler) will refuse to live in your pond (rude).
💡 Final Verdict: What Fish Should You Put in Your Fish Pond?
Best for Profit: Lava Eel or Blobfish
Best for Perfection: Sturgeon (Caviar is mandatory)
Best for Early Game: Super Cucumber or Sardine
Best for Fun/Rare Drops: Rainbow Trout (Prismatic Shard chance!)
🤔 FAQ – Fish Pond Edition
Q: What’s the worst fish to put in a pond?
A: Carp. Just… don’t.
Q: Can I change my pond’s fish later?
A: Yes! Empty it with a fishing rod (no refunds).
Q: Do fish ponds need maintenance?
A: Nope! They’re the laziest form of farming.
🎉 Conclusion
So, there you have it—the best fish for fish ponds in Stardew Valley (2024-2025 edition)! Whether you’re in vanilla 1.6, SVE, or just starting out, now you know what fish to toss in your pond for max profit, rare loot, or pure chaos.
Final Tip: If all else fails, just fill it with Slimejacks and pretend you’re running a monster farm.
Now go forth, farmer, and may your ponds be ever-profitable! 🐟💸
(Need more details? Check the Stardew Valley Wiki!)