Thanks Bill and CJSB... The mudminnows certainly like the mud. Part of my overflow is a short ditch and every spring that I clean it out I get 2-3 in each scoop of mud... Also makes sense that they thrive in low O2 environment - my old pond was basically abandoned for 12 years and was 100% covered with duckweed most summers - last year was first attempt at aerating ever...

In the older pond I stocked BG (2-4") & LMB (3-4") last May and then ran an aerator all summer. Haven't seen any sign of either since late last summer... The mudminnows however are VERY VERY abundant in the old pond this spring. I see schools that are 10-12 feet in diameter in the 1/4 acre pond...

Put my order in today - the local fish day is next week. Buying some FHM as well to ensure the new 1 acre pond has enough food for the BG & LMB.

Will also order an aerator for the new pond & ensure it doesn't lack for O2 from the get go.

Thanks,
all_wet