See this on sexing BG and LMB.

https://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=258505#Post258505

With all the discussion on LMB feeding and growth note that none of it is straight-line application. Fish feeing and growth (they are cold blooded) is cyclical - dependent on water temps. Almost all growth and much extensive feeding is done during optimum temp range. Temp controls metabolism - feeding, digestion and everything else.