Stardew Valley: Best Fish to Keep in Your Pond

Embarking on your Stardew Valley farming adventure, you might find yourself wondering, "What fish should I keep in my pond?" After all, not only do they add a serene touch to your farm, but they also provide valuable resources. Let's dive into the world of Stardew Valley's aquatic life and explore which fish are worth keeping in your pond.

First, it's essential to understand that fish in Stardew Valley can be categorized into two main groups: those that can be caught and those that can be bred. The latter are more valuable as they can reproduce, providing you with an endless supply of fish. So, let's focus on the fish you should consider breeding in your pond.

Fish Worth Breeding in Your Pond

Breeding fish in your pond can be quite rewarding, as it allows you to have a consistent supply of fish for cooking, fishing tournaments, or even selling for profit. Here are the fish you should prioritize:

Salmon

Salmon is one of the most valuable fish in Stardew Valley. They can be caught in the ocean during the summer and fall seasons, but they're also one of the fish you can breed in your pond. Salmon eggs can be obtained from the Old Mariner's shop or by catching a salmon and waiting for it to lay eggs in your pond. Once hatched, these little swimmers will grow into full-sized salmon in about a week.

Salmon is a versatile fish. It can be used to make a variety of dishes, including the highly profitable Salmon Dinner. Moreover, it's a crucial ingredient in the Community Center's Fish Tank bundle and the Ocean Fish Bundle for the Fish Shop upgrade.

Carp

Carp is another fish worth breeding in your pond. You can obtain carp eggs from the Old Mariner's shop or by catching a carp and waiting for it to lay eggs. Like salmon, carp will take about a week to grow into adults.

Carp is a versatile fish that can be used to make several dishes, including the popular Carp Salad. It's also required for the Community Center's Fish Tank bundle and the Ocean Fish Bundle for the Fish Shop upgrade. Additionally, carp can be used to make the Carp Rug, which can be sold for a decent profit or used to decorate your farmhouse.

Fish to Catch, Not Breed

While some fish are more valuable to breed, others are better off caught and used immediately. Here are a few examples:

Mutant Carp

The Mutant Carp is a unique fish that can only be caught in the Sewers during the night. It's not worth breeding because it doesn't reproduce, and its primary use is for the Mutant Bug Lure, which is only needed for a single quest.

However, catching a Mutant Carp is still worth your time. It's one of the most valuable fish in the game, selling for a whopping 2,500g. Plus, it's required for the "A Helping Hand" quest and the "Complete Vault Bundle" achievement.

Piranha

The Piranha is another fish that's better off caught than bred. You can find Piranha in the Sewers during the night or in the Calico Desert during the summer. Like the Mutant Carp, Piranha doesn't reproduce, but it's still a valuable fish to catch.

Piranha can be used to make the Piranha Salad, which sells for a decent profit. It's also required for the "A Helping Hand" quest and the "Complete Vault Bundle" achievement. However, breeding Piranha isn't worth your time as they don't reproduce and can be easily caught.

In the end, the fish you choose to keep in your pond depend on your personal preferences and gameplay style. However, if you're looking to maximize your profits and resources, focusing on breeding salmon and carp is a solid strategy. So, grab your fishing rod, start filling your pond, and enjoy the fruits of your aquatic labor!