You're absolutely right, Cecil. There's a clear difference between "definitely growing" and "growing well". I'm sure that by aquaculture standards, or any standards, this isn't an excellent growth rate. I think I'm just allowing my enthusiasm for the fact that they're growing at all to cloud my vision a little. One thing I am sure of (I think) is that they're growing quite a bit better at 54 degrees and constant feedings, than they would be at 39 degrees under the ice. Ultimately if I keep them healthy through the winter I hope they'll release well into one of my well fed ponds AND THEN take off in their growth rate. Regardless, it's pretty exciting.
