CNBG Florida strain vs Arkansas strain

I am starting a new topic focusing on variations of CNBG.
We have excellent archived data on BG as a whole, but I am interested in the variations of CNBG for ID purposes.

If you have pictures of CNBG, will you submit them with the source and your best guess as to Florida strain vs Arkansas?

Our original virgin CNBG stockers were obtained from Arkansas Pond Stockers and Tyler Fish Farm.
They are two very distinct sub-species.

Your photos and comments please will be greatly appreciated.
George Glazener

Quote:

Originally posted by george1:

The photos below shows the distinct difference of CNBG traits in our pond.

Caught 07-04-07

Caught 03-07-07

QUOTE]Originally posted by george1:

Quote:
Originally posted by ewest:
Bill here is some info from observation from the aquarium I once kept (may do it again). I will keep an eye out for photo evidence and in time can produce a pic from my fish.

There seems to be 2 types/variations of CNBG. One One from its original range (Fla area) and one from Ark. where many hatcheries grow lots of CNBG. The Fla. type are more colorful (lighter with more white/light pencil fin and tail margins and some orange pic 1 below) and the Ark. type (darker, more orange ,less light fin edges and less color ranges pic 2 & 3 below). The Fla types I have watched (most but not all) in the aquarium from 2 in up have had white/light fin edges.

This is from Todd. While not as bright as many you can see the light edge on the tail.

Now here's a 2.5" coppernose with yellow color on tail and pectoral fins. Hope you can see it well. I never noticed those light fin and tail edges until just now. Bing...I see it.

Secondary evidence the following are written by fisheries scientists one Tex one Miss. and they note the traits ,then provide that the copper bar is only in adult males. I would assume based on their training if all the other traits mentioned were in adults only they would have so stated.

The Coppernose bluegill is known for its colorful markings. The fins of the coppernose have a reddish orange fringe outline with a pencil thin white border. The vertical bars on the sides are more distinct and broader especially in the young. The distinct copper band across the head which is brilliant on the male is the reason for the common name "coppernose".

THE COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL (CNBG) IS ALSO A FLORIDA STRAIN. IT IS EASILY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE NORTHERN BLUEGILL BY ITS COLORATION AND MARKINGS. THE FINS OF THE CNBG ARE REDDISH-ORANGE WITH A THIN WHITE MARGIN. THE TYPICAL VERTICAL BAR PATTERN OF THE BLUEGILL IS PRONOUNCED IN THE COPPERNOSE, AND VERY DISTINCTIVE. ADULT MALES HAVE A BROAD COPPER BAND ACROSS THE HEAD THAT IS THE TRADEMARK OF THE STRAIN.
[/QUOTE]

QUOTE]Originally posted by ewest:
George the CNBG Ark - Fla variation is discussed in several threads. Look at these. It is also in this thread ( Nov. 19 post).

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=003546;p=1

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=000009;p=4 [/QUOTE]

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Cody:
George,
Regarding the two fish in your July 4th 7:52pm post - Top or 1st one is a male CNBG. I find it interesting that on the male CNBG that the dark scale tipping extends down onto the gill cover.
And 2nd one (7:52pm) appears to me to be a female regular? BG or female CNBG; if that is a male fish I am fooled. On the female note the lack of dark tipped nape scales, lack of a square opercle flap (unless the lower margin is folded), and a swollen belly probably full of eggs. The urogenital pore in the photo appears to me to be swollen or enlarged - also a feature of a female BG in spawning condition. Both are real dandy fish. The female BG is a close "mate" to the 3rd BG -a male faded "Todd" CNBG BG- in the July 4th 8:45pm post; note its wide squarish opercle flap. The dark tipped nape scales are present but not real pronounced. This male also does not have the pronounced regular dark male colors. When was he caught? Recent or previous? His colors are not a lot different than the big female in upper 7:52pm photo. Is the water a little murky (not clear) in the pond where they live? I think you may have some fish with "diluted" CNBG genetics.

You grow some mighty fine bluegills. It has to be great fun catching those on a fly rod.

Female CNBG
Florida traits
Source: Overton Fisheries
09-12-06

Here is one from Bruce:

Beautiful fish.
Good confirmation of pure Florida male CNBG characteristics.
Appears to be young with a lot of growth potential.