Can Legendary Fish Live in Ponds?
The answer depends on your Stardew Valley version.
Short answer
Legendary fish became eligible for fish ponds in Stardew Valley 1.6.9. If an older guide says they cannot go in ponds, check which version it describes. The update limits these ponds to one legendary fish and introduces legendary roe.
Version comparison
| Feature | Before 1.6.9 | Added in 1.6.9 |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible for pond | No | Yes |
| Legendary fish limit | Not applicable | One per pond |
| Legendary roe | Not applicable | Yes |
Those rules are documented in the official 1.6.9 changelog. This is a version-checking guide, not a claim that 1.6.9 is the latest release or that every later version has identical production rates.
Check these things before replacing the pond
- Find your installed version. Use the version information available in your game or platform interface. Compare the full number, not just “1.6.” If it predates 1.6.9, check whether your platform offers an update.
- Identify the rule you are testing. Being able to put a fish in a pond is different from the pond producing the amount of roe you expected. Treat these as separate questions.
- Check the pond contents. The official limit is one legendary fish per pond. Do not plan a growing population of legendary fish from that pond.
- Record the exact rejection message. If an eligible fish is still rejected, note the platform, installed version, pond contents and any mods before seeking support. These details are more useful than simply reporting “it does not work.”
Why an old answer can still look convincing
A forum reply may have been correct when written. Its age matters especially when the question concerns a mechanic that an update explicitly changed. Start with the version attached to the claim, then read the surrounding explanation. A confident answer without a version is a poor basis for spending resources.
Our take: solve eligibility before optimizing income
A profitable-fish ranking answers a different question from a rejected-fish message. First establish that your game supports the feature and that the pond setup matches the documented rule. Only then compare the returns you could get from that space. Keep any calculation tied to its tested version and assumptions; a maximum payout is not automatically an average daily return.
For another example of advice changing with a patch, see how 1.6.9 changed blue grass growth.