Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose CNBG

Pics of CNBG the fish truck sold me.

I think CNBG are hard to recognize when immature. Lets see if anyone here knows of specific characteristics that distinguish immature CNBG from regular strain BG. Think the 2nd picture is of a fish that is starting to show features of a male. 1st picture could be a female although the camera angle is incorrect for a good view of that fish.

They are both of the same fish. I am now wondering if these are actually CNBG.

If I had to guess I would say those are BG not CNBG. Next to impossible to be sure with the pics.

I hope they are regular. They definitely were selling them as coppernose. Is there any certain traits I can look for and take better photos.

They look exactly like the fish I have, and I ordered CNBG. Be interesting to see what the other opinions are.

Did you call the supplier and try to get more details?

I dont even remember the name of hatchery that brought them up. I do remember it sad they were from Arkansas on side. If they do turn out to be CNBG I guess we will find out if they will live this far north.

Next time I'd definitely pay more attention to your supplier.. He could of thrown bullheads and GSF or who knows what else in your pond and it'd be literally ruined without starting over..

One good way to tell CNBG or at least BG with a good percentage of CNBG from northern BG is when they are in the water. Northern BG when in the water have an iridescent yellowish/green tail(caudal) fin in particular but their dorsal and anal fins will be that coloration as well. On CNBG, they will have that coloration too but the fin will also have a very distinct edging of coloration to the fins. The smaller ones its not to vivid but in adult fish it is. This coloration is usually a white to red color. Also, CNBG usually show distinct bars on their sides when in the water. Northern BG have the bars, but they are usually only visible under certain circumstances and their tends to be more of them. Here are photos I took of CNBG while in the water.

CJ, do you have any pics of HBG in the water too?

From above.

So how do you tell Coppernose and Regular Bluegill apart. The Coppernose has a copper band across its head/nose in adult males, has fewer and wider vertical bars, has orangish/red fin margins and tail coloration , 12 anal fin rays and often light/white fin edges most visible when young. The Regular Bluegill has 11 anal fin rays and none of the other traits mentioned.

There are a lot of pics here see - http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=66840&page=1 . It depends - there are pics here of CNBG with no bars.

Judging soley by the bars in the first 2 pics I'd say you have regular BG..

Thanks guys. I'll catch another one and count the anal fins. Now I will pay a lot more attention where my fish come from. Of course I discover this site after my pond was built. Wish I had the knowledge I have gained in the few mouths then.

Jwwann, you're not alone. Lots of people have had a problem first, then found this place.

No I don't. They have a similar edging as do pure GSF. Unlike BG though, their fins don't have that iridescent yellowish greenish color.