Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Tilapia die off

With all the interest in Tilapia stocking, I'm
curious about the problems of the winter die off
with these fish. I've had a few of these fish in
my garden pond and they did quite well through
the warm months, but of course, went belly up
when the water got colder. On a larger scale,
wouldn't the die off create a messy problem ?
Predator fish would reduce the numbers, but
surely many would remain through the warm months.

squeeky,

It just isn't a problem. In ponds with predators, there are very few Tilapia that are not consumed by the predators during the die-off. I had hundreds and hundreds of Tilapia last year in predator ponds and less than half a dozen visible dead Tilapia after the die-off. In a pond without predators, I had a fish kill, yes, but it was gone within a matter of days...nature's clean-up crew at work.

The big problem which many people told me I would have, just isn't a problem at all. Don't sweat it and for sure don't let that stop you from using this marvelous fish.

Rumors of their demise are greatly exaggerated, to paraphrase a Great American author.

From what I've heard, they don't all die at once (depending on weather) but get really sluggish and make great forage for the predator fish in the fall. Also, all manner of fish eating critters then get to feast on the remains, from raccoons to bald eagles.

I agree with Meadowlark. There are far more good reasons to stock them than bad. It has been the best thing to stock in my lake, and this year I plan on catching a boat load to eat. Todd said to use corn or balled bread on small perch hook.

Now with all the buzz on this subject, Todd is out the last two times I tried to pick some up. Any other source close to Centerville, his place is 12 miles to my gate.

bmccreight,

The next closest place to you I know of (and it isn't very close) is Ken over at the Boatcycle, Inc. in Henderson. 1-800-333-9154

We may have to do what Svoberts is thinking of doing and carry a few pounds over each winter in the barn. I'm going to look into that myself and I hope Shawn will keep us posted on what he learns.

Look this over and see if one is close to you.

http://www.texasaquaculture.org/id86.htm