Bruce :

Great post . What more can one ask for in a post : beautiful { and large} BG , outstanding info and a learning experience . I was aware of the dark vertical bars on BG , the coloration and ear flaps but I did not know to look for the black tip on the scale of the males . The male only BG pond is interesting . Keep us posted on the results.

I occasionaly catch what I think is a BG/RE cross which I assume was a mistake due to muddy water conditions during the spawn or a confused BG cuckholder. I will try to post a photo next time I catch one. If anyone has seen or heard of a BG/RE cross let us know.

What about coloration outside of the spawn ? The BG seem to be more silver and less colored . From watching BG in my aquarium the color is much less vivid outside the spawn. The BG also change color based on conditions like stress , anger, fear. They get much darker when these conditions exist. Thanks -- ewest