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HSB are typically not as effective a predator on BG as LMB are. This is partly due to having smaller mouths, and partly due to natural habits - LMB's choice of ambush predation in & near cover matches well with the BG tendency to hide in & near cover, while HSB's forte is high speed pursuit in open water. This is not to say that either species will not catch BG in the other situation, but each has their strengths and that is where they would do best.
HSB potential to control BG numbers is maximized in ponds completely devoid of structure and vegetation. This situation forces the BG to live in the HSB's world of open water and is where HSB effectiveness most closely approaches that of LMB....
Theo is correct in his discussion about structure, which I am sure as taken place on the missing links.
We have no structure in our � acre HSB/CNBG/RES pond.
To date it appears that the HSB are controlling the BG spawn.
1 grass carp and all female tilapia control aquatic vegetation and goats eat the water primrose and shoreline vegetation
The structure in our ~2 acre HSB/LMB/CC/CNBG/RES pond is limited to the shallow upper end of the pond, whereas the deep end is devoid of structure and ideal for HSB.
I don�t believe that structure is as much a problem as aquatic vegetation where BG spawn can survive in endless numbers.
IMO, a �weedless� pond is effective for controlling BG spawn and YOY LMB.
To date we have no apparent �stunted� LMB problem in main pond.
