Initial growth of HBG is faster/larger than BG for several reasons. One is aggressiveness coupled with a larger gape (that could be viewed as hybrid vigor). Another is HBG are mostly male (a better comparison would be a male only BG pond) - that rate is closer to equal. Another reason is HBG use less energy to produce gametes/reproduction so more energy can go to growth. There are several studies on these questions.

Last edited by ewest; 06/03/24 11:10 AM.