I did a little fishing last night and caught what I would consider a definite male that I would guess at 7". Long ear flap, definite black tips on the nape and brighter coloring. I wish I would have taken a picture now but the bass were chasing forage all over the place. Right or wrong I think of feeding fish like feeding chickens. A broiler with good genes fed 28% turkey starter will grow to 7lbs in 6 weeks. Feed it 21% Broiler feed and the same chicken might go 6lbs. in the same amount of time. Supplement carotene by adding corn gluten meal, alfalfa hay or marigold flowers and their skin will turn yellow, which roasts to a beautiful golden color. Commercially grown chickens are often dyed yellow to achieve this. Maybe I can get C.B. to do some touch ups
