August TGG experiment Update - 07/30/06 06:58 PM
In late June the TGG pond was observed to be highly turbid. Visibility in the pond was essentially zero. This happened during a 4 day absence from the Ranch. At first, the cause was thought to perhaps be foul play, e.g. seining/poaching because at the same time only very few fish appeared to be surviving. No activity at the feeders, no feeding on Gambusia, no fish to be caught, and no dead fish observed. The Gambusia, in a very short time, multiplied to huge numbers covering a large part of the pond indicating no predation.
The turbidity very slowly improved to where now there is a visibility of about 3 to 4 inches. As the turbidity has improved, the fish activity has picked up. As a result, I was able to catch fish again for this update. During this period, there is no evident growth of the TGGs. Fish are at about 8 inches, the same as measured in June. However, there is evident weight gain in the TGGs. Perhaps this is the expected shift in the length vs weight curve which as indicated in other HBG data happens as the fish reach 8 inches. Unfortunately, I only have the Berkely scales (a situation which will soon be remedied) and those scales do not have adequate granularity at small weights. The fish are very healthy; fight very spirited, and are obviously heavier than the June fish. The absence of Fx TGG continues with none showing up in the traps. The HSB are running about 12 inches (stocked at 3 to 4 inches last Dec.) and also appear to be in good health. With clearing water and cooler temps things should get back to normal for the Oct. update.
A picture of the pond as it was in late June is shown below. The August update pictures (along with all previous pictures) can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.meadowlarkponds.com/TGG.htm
The turbidity very slowly improved to where now there is a visibility of about 3 to 4 inches. As the turbidity has improved, the fish activity has picked up. As a result, I was able to catch fish again for this update. During this period, there is no evident growth of the TGGs. Fish are at about 8 inches, the same as measured in June. However, there is evident weight gain in the TGGs. Perhaps this is the expected shift in the length vs weight curve which as indicated in other HBG data happens as the fish reach 8 inches. Unfortunately, I only have the Berkely scales (a situation which will soon be remedied) and those scales do not have adequate granularity at small weights. The fish are very healthy; fight very spirited, and are obviously heavier than the June fish. The absence of Fx TGG continues with none showing up in the traps. The HSB are running about 12 inches (stocked at 3 to 4 inches last Dec.) and also appear to be in good health. With clearing water and cooler temps things should get back to normal for the Oct. update.
A picture of the pond as it was in late June is shown below. The August update pictures (along with all previous pictures) can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.meadowlarkponds.com/TGG.htm