Very interesting BC! I wasn't aware of the movement of the YP out to open water. This could absolutely be why I felt like we didn't get a spawn off this year. It's possible it occurred, though I never saw a ribbon, and they were out in the open water. To date I still haven't seen any YoY that I could identify as YP. Hoping 2025 will have better results.

Best chances for survival sound like making sure the shallow water weed zone is full of complex habitat and pond weeds?

Is there really any benefit to fertilizing pre 60 degree to get the algae and zooplankton off to a good start?

As to the test you mentioned, we might be able to pull this off. I have a little spot out in the garage that would be great for an aquarium set up. Should work great in the same area with the grow light for the garden and seeds that will be coming up. Might skip on the GSH part of the test though.....If I could figure out the travel with egg ribbons from the pond, back to the house successfully, get a hatch, transplant them into the aquarium I'd hate to see what happens as those numbers dwindle to GSH predation.

Would still have to figure out how to feed the little guys (Azteca had some great vids in his previous posts), and return them to swim in the pond should there be some success. What happens in the pond however....out of my control.

1.5acre LMB, YP, BG, RES, GSH, Seasonal Tilapia
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