Looks like a couple of the older SMB have spawned in the pond recently. Most of the SMB are only about 7-8" but at least a few are a year class older and bigger than 12"
Here is a the standard size SMB I see cruising -
I've read here and elsewhere that the SMB YOY are BLACK - and when I first saw this pod - I thought they were tadpoles - but I think its pretty clear that its a pod of about 50 SMB yoy.
We have lots of FHM of the same size - but they are very light colored and the color of the bottom. These young fish are almost black.
closer:
Next year I hope to have a real spawn - but I'm very happy to see this. I saw the beds in a couple spots - but didn't ever really see any tending by the older SMB.
The BG are just getting ready to spawn - some look ready to burst.
Very excited to see - had to share!
FH
