They are your "jump start" for a new pond. They are slow swimming, small, hardy, prolific fish that inhabit shallow water. Stock them with your initial BG forage stocking. Within the first year they should disappear and the BG take over as the primary groceries for your predators. That is OK. They will have served their purpose.

"Just Fine" might be a little mild. I believe "don't start without them".

They help with the kick off of all of the fish. I've seen 8 to 10 inch catfish chasing schools of FHM across a pond. And, the baby BG eat them.

I would wait a year before stocking the LMB. Make sure you have a solid forage base. Everything is dependent on a good source of renewable protein and proper water quality.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP