As you know now HSB are TRICKY to transport and stock. Another very important factor is the method the fish farm held them and how LONG they held them in their tanks before one buys them. Often these fish are not even fed to keep manure to a minimum and water quality good. If the buyer could see how many dead fish are removed from the Farm's Retailer holding tanks each morning the buyer would probably not be a buyer. Been there seen / experienced that.
HSB are often held and transported in pretty strong salt water to fend off bacterial infection. Changing them from strong salt to complete freshwater has to be an immediate shock. Generally the smaller the HSB are, the more sensitive they are to transport, holding and restocking. IMO 6"-8" or 8"-10 are the best sizes to buy as they are more tolerant of stressors. If one stocks 3"-5" HSB in an existing pond with LMB,,, the LMB eat all weak, struggling, dying fish to be never seen again. IMO you will be lucky to have 20 of the 80 survive to Spring. Fall stocked fish are stressed fish and need a lengthy period of all summer to build a good body fat reserve condition to survive the long harsh winter and lack of food availability. Fall is not a good time to stock some species of fish. Lots of small fish die in winter due to lack of adequate body fat. Nature's way of eliminating the weakest ones.
As of now I have lost about 30 of the 80 I bought, I have not seen anymore dead in a day or so, so hopefully that is it with the initial loss. I added 3-4" HSB as this was the size of the LMB I was getting at the same time. Of the 120 LMB I have only seen 2 dead.
I didn't realize how sensitive the HSB are, thankfully they are cheap. My plan is to keep 40 - 60 stocked. So, if I loose anymore then that I will stock them in the spring at 6-8" as that would be about the size of the LMB at the time. I have a different fishery that stocks these, so will use them next if needed.
I appreciate the information. Thank you
