I posted several days ago that my floating FA was about 60% gone after ten days of exposure to Tilapia nilotica stocked at 13 lb an acre (av. weight, 1 lb.) It continues to break into smaller floating pieces, now averaging about 18" in diameter, and only about 20% is left.
I also mentioned that I am not sure how much of this is due to Tilapia. We haven't had a rain in a while, but the FA continues to disappear. I have a good planktonic bloom, so I suppose there is little recruitment from new bottom growth. On the other hand, there is still plenty of the yucky black rough stuff on the bottom--enough to make jig fishing problematic.
I have checked on how well nilotica could be nourished by a heavy bloom of phytoplankton, and as best I can tell, they could live entirely off the stuff with no other food. I don't see any hitting the pellets when I hand-feed my bream.
BTW, my neighbor's grandson caught one of his Tilapia on a cricket being dragged through a BG bed. Talk about one excited young man! The fish sucked cricket and hook deeper than they could see, so they cut the line and hoped for the best.
The Tilapia breeders must be working 24/7 to supply everyone who wants them in our area. I must admit to being a true believer. I have parked my mower next to the pond and am hoping they will cut my grass next.
Lou 13.5
