Dave,

Interesting questions, but to answer them in detail needs its own thread so will start a new thread in the next two days seeking advice for my situation. Should be interesting as it may test all our logics with few chances of "gaffing me off" to a shortcut to a previous thread!

In short I do have other predators but their presence is insignificant in relation to the Peacock Bass.

When I clean up the 1/6 acre pond for easy seining I will also add levies that ensure that over flooding does not occur. Currently the pond does flood in the rain season and I have used netting to contain the fish within...but honestly some fish including the PB have escaped in the last two seasons and may well be on their way to the mighty Mekong River (80km away).

Two or three times a year should be enough seining to control the Tilapia population, but will see as I may have to add a milder predator. I believe as the pond overpopulates the fish should stunt in growth.
This region is remarkable as fish kills are extremely rare, in my 5 acre pond I have never seen a dead fish in the three years of its existence, in the 1/6 acre pond have seen only a few single dead fish in the last five years. The dry season here is accompanied by high winds and sunny days, plus most of the species can air breathe for short durations, unlike those species in N. America that have the 15 minute limit. I have not yet installed any aeration, though would like to someday.

Don