goldfish at bottom of pond

Question
Hi.  I have recently moved house and inherited two ponds, so I am a total novice.  My small pond has about 30 varying sized goldfish.  Up to now no problem.  They swim to me to be fed every day.  This morning I went to the pond and all the fish were at the bottom, grouped together, not swimming about.  If I moved to one side of the pond they scatter about and dash to the other side.  They will not feed and will not come up to the surface.  The golden orfe in my big pond are acting absolutely normally so I don't think it is anything to do with the weather.  I don't think it is cold enough yet for them to hibernate.  Do you know what the problem is and if there is actually any problem at all?  It is the first time they have acted like this.  Look forward to your reply.

Answer
Hi Ingrid,
Thanx for your question.  The fish were probably spooked by an animal.  Probably a cat or visiting raccoon.  Their behavior has changed because they felt threatened.  Orfes are always nervous and thrashing about so I don't see that their behavior would have changed either.  Sometimes, too, because it is starting to cool down, the water gets cool at night and the fish take longer to become active during the day.  I hope this helps.
Tom