At what depths in a freshwater pond would a fish receive the most available oxygen levels?

Question

If a pond in the winter is not frozen over and oxygen and other gases are able to be dissolved in it, at what depth in the water would fish be able to receive the largest amount of oxygen? Let's say the pond is exactly at sea level.

Answer 1

It is in what is called the littoral zone. There are several zones in bodies of water. I posted a link so you can compare the different zones if you like.

Answer 2

This is a very interesting question.  Oxygen dissolves into the water at the surface.  But, the colder the water, the more oxygen it holds.  And, the bottom of the pond is colder than the surface ... usually.  In other words, it depends on how the pond is designed.  Are you doing anything to artificially introduce oxygen (like a fountain, etc.)?  How is the circulation?

Answer 3

It really depends on the type of fish.  Some are surface dwellers, others are built to be at the bottom.  Then there are those that are more or less in the middle.

Answer 4

The most dissolved oxygen will be nearest the surface.  As you get deeper, the oxygen levels will decrease.  If there is vegetation in the water, it will emit oxygen.  Algae will generate oxygen too.

If the water is very dark (low or no visibility) , the DO levels will drop off.