Everything from the actual pond design to its location and the surrounding climate in your area will have a bearing, and will either broaden or limit what kind of fish you can place in the pond.
Stocking a pond also involves choosing the right kind of plants and creating the right environment. You'll never have a pond completely free of plants, but not every kind of fish eats them. That means that with goldfish, for example, that don't eat plants, you might choose slightly fewer than for koi, which do.
Another thing to consider is climate and temperature. In a climate where you can't prevent the water from freezing over even with a heater, then it might be wise not to have a pond at all. Pond fish can't survive without oxygen and frozen water would effectively cut it off.
Koi fish ponds are very popular at the moment, but goldfish serve just as well in shallower or smaller ponds. Another interesting type of pond fish is the Orfe, which is also a type of carp.
They might not need as deep a pond as their cousins the koi, but because they swim quickly and in schools, they might need a much longer pond instead. There are many different permutations of fish and types of ponds, so the wisest course before stocking yours is to consult with a good supply store to get the best advice.
To read more Stocking Your Pond With Pond Fish
