Gambusia are more expensive in the beginning, but I feel that the benefits these little fish provide far outweigh the initial investment. I have not done a fish IQ test in quite some time
, but I sincerely believe they are smarter than the fathead or average minnow. Most other minnows simply amble around the pond "with their heads in the clouds" oblivious to the predator. Gambusia are quick, elusive, and capable of hiding out in very shallow water. Add in the fact that they give live birth (every 28-30 days during spring and summer months) and I would guess that your initial cost of stocking them would come close to the cost of restocking fatheads every few months. Plus there is the added "mosquito control" benefit. I know bluegill and some other fish have been shown as predators for mosquito larvae, but as a mother (in this day and age of Nile Virus and such) any addition to mosquito control is a plus.
On that note I don't think ML may have stocked enough with his GG. From the sound of it the GG's are feeding heavy on the Gamb's. Overton do you sell the Gambusia? I noticed in a prior post you mentioned something about having 20K Gambusia in one of your ponds. If you don't sell them do you think you could "loan" ML a few thousand?
While I believe that the Gambusia, both strains, are indigenous to most states, I do not agree with the fact that they "pop up" in all ponds. Especially when you take into account a new pond. Most pond owners are too excited about their new project to simply sit back and wait a year to see if any minnows show up on their own.
I also read a post above about the concern shown before in reference to these minnows eating fish eggs. I did read some article in regards to the suspicion by the natives of Gambusia eating out fry eyes somewhere in the Amazon region. But it was non fact based, only supposition. To date I have found no conclusive evidence of the Gambusia doing any harm in a pond, only good.
So in summary I believe that a high stock of Gambusia in the beginning (with slight coverage or a shallow slope for breeding purposes) is a good investment to make in a pond setting. The pros both short and long term far outweigh the cons.
