GAMs have major survival advantages over FHM that are directly related to reproduction.
GAMs breed "on the fly". They mate while swimming and when inseminated, the female GAM can produce multiple broods without further matings. They are vulnerable during the act of mating only for a few seconds.
GAMs don't lay eggs. The only way for the eggs to be lost is for the female to be eaten. Though fecundity is lower, have much better survival of critical brooders.
FHM minnows spawn. Males are the critical brooders. They protect the eggs. Males are vulnerable to predators while protecting their nest. When the males are gone, there is no more reproduction.
FHM minnows need spawning habitat.
They eat different things and FHM are better to have but if the forage must reproduce the GAMs will do better. In any pond still supporting FHM reproduction, however, GAMs probably should be avoided.
Last edited by jpsdad; 09/09/18 10:08 AM.
