I'm still in the planning stage of my proposed quarter acre pond, and I do want to put HSB in there. From everything I've read, HSB are a 99% put-and-take species, but I'd really like to try to create the perfect environment for them to pull off a successful spawn, so that I have YoY HSB. There's a YouTube video of this happening, and from what I gather, they prefer clear, rocky shoals that are 1 to 3 feet deep.
So, my question: Has anyone gone out of their way to try to create the perfect conditions for this to happen?
I don't like the idea of having to buy "replacements" every year or two, but if that's the case, then I would obviously do it. I just like the idea of having a natural BOW where nature runs its course without too much human interference.
Edit: For clarification, I've read all of the topics on here regarding HSB reproduction in ponds, and I'm aware that it CAN happen. I'm just more interested to hear if anyone has tried to recreate it, instead of it just happening accidentally.
Yes, I've read those, but my question was asking if anyone has actually tried to
purposefully create this, rather than have it happen accidentally. Unless I missed it, I didn't see any comments pertaining to the efforts put in to creating this phenomenon. Out of the millions of ponds in the world, it's inevitably going to happen by chance somewhere.
HSB like the parent stock, both run upriver into moving water.
HSB are mostly 100% put and take with an extremely low probability of ever reproducing, especially in a pond environment
Is there a youtube video on having triploid White Amur spawn?
From what I've read, it seems like it may be less work and less investment to purchase the replacement fish. But sometimes it's fun to experiment with new things and see if we can learn from it.
From what I've read, it seems like it may be less work and less investment to purchase the replacement fish. But sometimes it's fun to experiment with new things and see if we can learn from it.
I like your mentality! With my plan of having a smaller pond, I can do some "experimenting" and if it doesn't work out, no harm no foul. Worst case scenario, I end up with a rocky area of my pond that some of the fish would probably like anyway, even if they don't spawn.
If my memory serves correct from reading about HSB spawning...the need plenty of water flow. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Can you achieve that with your resources?
From the links that ewest provided one needs to match the conditions for getting the HSB eggs to hatch - "Notice how there is little to any turbidity to the pond. I suspect that along with the aeration is enough to keep the eggs oxygenated and not covered in silt." IMO The lack of silt - turbidity is paramount. Clear water is a relative term for each person. Clear for some can be 3ft and for me it is 10ft to 14ft. I suggest that you contact each one that succeeded in having HSB recruitment and have them send you their secchi disk turbidity readings.
Aeration and some current are other key features. To consistently recreate these conditions is pretty hard in pond habitats for most people. These are your goals to work toward if you want to come close to succeeding in getting the HSB to spawn. Then all you have to do is have adequate zooplankton at the right time for fry to survive. Typically zooplankton are not plentiful in clear water ponds. Lots of challenges for the average new pond owner. That is why this HSB spawning stuff usually happens by accident.
If it was me and I was really serious about this I would visit Stacy and Steve at Stubby Steve's and take some good notes as your best homework. Since you both are in the eastern US maybe combine the visit with a weekend trip.
If my memory serves correct from reading about HSB spawning...the need plenty of water flow. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Can you achieve that with your resources?
It’s something to ponder but I’d like to give it a fair shot.
From the links that ewest provided one needs to match the conditions for getting the HSB eggs to hatch - "Notice how there is little to any turbidity to the pond. I suspect that along with the aeration is enough to keep the eggs oxygenated and not covered in silt." IMO The lack of silt - turbidity is paramount. Clear water is a relative term for each person. Clear for some can be 3ft and for me it is 10ft to 14ft. I suggest that you contact each one that succeeded in having HSB recruitment and have them send you their secchi disk turbidity readings.
Aeration and some current are other key features. To consistently recreate these conditions is pretty hard in pond habitats for most people. These are your goals to work toward if you want to come close to succeeding in getting the HSB to spawn. Then all you have to do is adequate zooplankton at the right time for fry to survive. Typically zooplankton are not plentiful in clear water ponds. Lots of challenges for the average new pond owner. That is why this HSB spawning stuff usually happens by accident. If it was me and I was really serious about this I would visit Stacy and Steve at Stubby Steve's and take some good notes as your best homework.
Yeah their situation is very unique and the perfect conditions need to be achieved. Picky little things aren’t they?
Achieving the kind of water clarity necessary might mean excess weed growth, particularly in the summer. Another thing to consider.