Bergermeister,
I think Gambusia will "happen" in most ponds. Not sure where I would rate them along with other small forage, but I don't think they are more mobile necessarily. They just cling to the water surface and to very shallow water, enabling them to jump and hide to avoid predation. Plus they are live-bearers and so have a special niche and means of distribution most other fish do not. The gambusia, in my opinion, has to be the most widely naturally distributed fish in the nation (which is why I don't think they have to be stocked). Our bluegill growout pond...stocked with the equivalent of 20,000 per acre, is still loaded with gambusia, even with good numbers of 5"-7" bluegill.
And a thanks right back at ML! Right on!
