They are called floating or longleaf pond weed, oval shaped leaf that floats on the surface, small non-descriped flower about 2 inches long . they increase there numbers through vegatative reproduction. 65% of my pond is covered by this plant. They are a common plant in nothern ponds and slow moving streams. My pond is located in northern New Hampshire. As for my choice of fish in the pond SMB and redbreasts, so far has proved to be a great combo!Sunfish are looking great ,growing fast and fat. They dont seem to be overpopulating to the point of stunting. The bass are doing great as well! Caught some last week. 3 year olds ( they spawned in the pond 3 years ago) are between 9 and 11 inches and are all fat and healthy looking. Already starting to put up a little battle at the end of a line, Jumping 2 or 3 times before you get them in. Loads of fun even at that size! I also have a very good population of crayfish in the pond that has dramatically increased since i introduced the sunfish...i found that to be interesting. did not put them in they were there all by themselves. Afew crayfish traps few the years have helped me monitor there population.
I noticed this year that the female rebreasts are much heavier with roe then they ever have been since there introduction, interesting, dont yet know the reason for it.