Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations YEAR 2 SUGGESTIONS?

This is not the first time I have stated that tilapia are not allowed eveywhere and that there are other opinions that exist about their use. I have stated that I would use them in the right conditions but can't . In some states they are considered an exotic specie and are not allowed. They are viewed like snakeheads , zebra mussels , exotic carp etc. It is a very big deal to public fisheries biologists and state agencies to stop exotic species from becoming established in native waters. There are some very bad examples of exotic species destroying native systems like cane toads and english rabbits in Australia and zebra mussels and carp in the Great Lakes and Miss. river system. You should note that we (on this forum) are in a very small minority in our point of view. An example -- Florida listed (at one point and may still) GS (green sunfish) as an exotic for their state and you could not bring them in the state except under an approved permit and only for purposes of showing them in a closed tank system (not a pond). There are currently new ideas and papers on the bad effects and unwiseness (not sure that is a word) of introducing gamefish (LMB., BG, etc.)from outside an area (from say Florida to the Mid-west)into waters where the specific genetic populations are different. I am not talking about Fla. LMB vs. Northerns here but about populations that can be genetically differentiated as local populations. Don't be suprised to see an attempt at these type of restrictions floated out in the future . I think they are out there now under a different name. I think CB1 reported on his problems with bringing in out of state fish based on state requiements on fish health grounds. ewest

I am planning on feeding my CNBG and RES manually with something better than the bread I have been using. It was mentioned in an earlier post, that bread was too high in carb's and they needed feed with more protien. Any suggestions on the best fish food for these type fish? A brand name I can look for would be helpful.

I have been informed to choose between floating and sinking pellets. When I called a feedstore, the clerk said they had catfish food. I don't have any catfish and would appreciate knowing the right kind of food to buy.

In case it is important, I want food to make my bass "bait" bigger. I figure bigger CNBG and RES, the bigger the LMB.

Thanks

Beech5 :

I use Purina Gamefish Chow because the bag (50 lbs.)contains a mix of pellet sizes so that all sizes of BG/RES will find pellets they can eat . It is a floating pellet. There are a number of pellet options with different sizes. prot.% etc.. Some people use catfish crumble but I am not certain of its contents. There is more to feeding than just what product and I suggest you look through the topic "Feeding" on the main page. ewest