Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Redear's/Snail's question

I was thinking of adding a few Redear Sunfish to my pond to clean up the snails that could cause a parasite problem in my fish. Today I was reading an article on water gardens that claimed snails consume dead vegetation. With this being the case, would removing the snails be more of a detrimate to my pond than the parasite would be to me, or to my fish? I do not mind the parasite as I have eaten fish with them for over 30 years. They just don't look as pretty.

Thanks, Fishhead

Fishhead,

No comment on the snail's ability to process dead vegetation but if your pond is a sportfish pond (bass and crappie) then consider the redear as a great food source for the sportfish.

If your pond is a food source pond (cats and bream) then consider the fact that redear have a tiny mouth and can drive you crazy by stealing bait without being hooked.