Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Stocking new fish dying

HSB survive a lot better when water is above 60F and 65F is even better for survival since they will start eating quickly. Most of the rough handling is at the fish farm where the fish are seined and held in muddy water and then flopped around in the seine. Dipped out, sorted, put in tanks for hours or worse days, dipped out of tanks in another netting, put in a bag or truck, dipped out of the truck, then often dipped again into the pond. Each step wipes off slime layer so bacteria can attach and cause that fungus you are seeing on your fish.

Take pictures of the dead fish show or send them to Jones. They should replace the fish or give you credit for more fish. Jones should have told you this when you got the fish. Many stocked fish die and are never seen. Often the dying weak fish are eaten by something before they float. A weak fish is very easy prey.