Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Newbie, Looking for help (alternate scud thread)

Gammarus lacustris are the bigger scuds (3/4"-7/8") and more demanding of cooler temperatures. It is considered not a cool-water but a cold water species, i.e. I am assuming trout type waters. I never could get them to establish themselves in a weedy pond where freshwater shrimp (Palaemonetes-grass shrimp) thrived for me. I would be suprised if Bruce could get them established in his ponds due to elevated summer temperatures. Since they are scavengers they thrive on decaying organic materials. The dense weed beds not only provide food materials but very good protection from predation which can easily lead to elimination. A few brush piles will not be enough cover for scud survival until the next breeding season.

Since scuds are positively thigmotactic (movement toward an object that provides a touch stimulus) fine leafed vegetation is usually best habitat for them. Plants such as sago pondweed and coontail provide lots of surface area for growth of periphytic algae and the associated invertebrates. Both types of growth on the vegetation are probably eaten by scuds in addition to decaying plant materials.

1, Did PLM provide any indication how warm their scud nursery ponds get in the summer?
2. Do their ponds have a cool water refuge for the scuds when mid-summer temps are highest?
3. Is it remotely possible that PLM have their scuds misidentified?

We still have not heard what the dominant vegetation is in their scud ponds.