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When you speak of SFS needing a low density predator combination what do you mean?

In my experience SFS will not tolerate aggressive large size predators such as LMB that have a reproducing number density greater than my current guess is maybe 20-40 larger predators per acre. I basically have used the SFS in ponds primarily for yellow perch. SFS work great in a YP pond because the SFS grows to a size (4.7") the YP do not or are not able to normally eat and eliminate the breeder sizes of SFS. SFS are fast often open water swimmers and the larger sizes aptly escape YP predation or are ignored by the larger YP.

I have never used SFS in a LMB nor SMB pond because IMO there is too much total predatory pressure to eliminate the SFS breeders. The only way I see the SFS thriving in a regular LMB or SMB pond is if the pond has a large amount of underwater pond vegetation such as maybe pondweed, eel grass, water lilies or one or two shorelines are lined with tree tops that will provide good habitat and cover.

My rule for forage species thriving in a pond is a significant number of brood stock should survive for an annual spawn to recruit an abundant crop of new individuals each year. If that does not happen, then IMO there are too many predators, not enough habitat is present and or the wrong forage item/s is/are being used. IMO if one is having to add forage foods (fish) each year then too many predators are present and / or not enough habitat is present for a natural balance of prey - predator.

Last edited by Bill Cody; 05/22/26 06:32 PM. Reason: minor edits

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